Heroin Detox: Timeline, Symptoms & Safe Treatment
Heroin use and addiction can lead to tolerance which means that users need more and more drugs to have the same effect. At higher doses over time, the body becomes dependent on heroin and when dependent users stop using it, they undergo withdrawal – including restlessness, muscle and bone pain, diarrhea and vomiting, and cold flashes with goose bumps. Seeking professional assistance to detox heroin safely can significantly help. Contact We Level Up Treatment Centers to get heroin detox as the first step in addiction treatment for you or your loved one.
Clinically Reviewed by Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS
Medically Reviewed by Ali Nikbakht, PsyD
Updated on September 24, 2025 — Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Privacy Policy
Heroin Detox: Timeline, Symptoms & Safe Treatment
Heroin use and addiction can lead to tolerance which means that users need more and more drugs to have the same effect. At higher doses over time, the body becomes dependent on heroin and when dependent users stop using it, they undergo withdrawal - including restlessness, muscle and bone pain, diarrhea and vomiting, and cold flashes with goose bumps. Seeking professional assistance to detox heroin safely can significantly help. Contact We Level Up Treatment Centers to get heroin detox as the first step in addiction treatment for you or your loved one.
Clinically Reviewed by Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS
Medically Reviewed by Ali Nikbakht, PsyD
Reviewed / Updated: September 24, 2025 — Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Privacy Policy
What is Heroin?
Heroin is a dangerous illicit substance that can lead to serious health issues and overdose. To overcome heroin addiction, you need a complete and thorough treatment plan. Heroin detox is the first step in this process. Detoxifying from heroin is anything but easy, and there is a risk of relapse if you choose to detox on your own. Seeking professional help is recommended for several reasons, with safety and comfort being the primary ones.
If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin addiction, contact us. At We Level Up Treatment Centers, we provide a safe, supportive environment with 24/7 medical supervision to help you detox safely and comfortably. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff provides not only expertise but also genuine care. Our mission is to help you overcome your dependence, achieve lifelong sobriety, and thrive in life. Call today to start the heroin detox and turn your life for the better.

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Heroin Addiction Overview
Heroin is a very addictive drug made from morphine. Morphine comes from the poppy plant. Both heroin and morphine are opiates. It can come in the form of a white powder, a brown or black powder, or a black gel known as black tar heroin. People can snort, inject, or smoke heroin (also known as horse, junk, dope…). The medical and social effects of heroin use are serious. They include hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, and harm to unborn babies. Heroin use also leads to crime and violence. It disrupts families, workplaces, and schools. These issues affect not just the users but also have a huge impact on society.
Using heroin regularly can change how a person’s brain works. This can lead to tolerance and dependence on the drug When this occurs, acquiring and using heroin becomes a central element of a person’s life. Addiction can severely damage relationships, health, and finances. This is why it’s important to react to the first symptoms of heroin addiction by seeking a professional heroin detox.

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(844) 597-1011What is Heroin Detox?
Heroin detox is the process of cleansing your body from heroin. It starts by stopping the use of it, and due to your previously developed dependence on the drug, leads to experiencing withdrawal symptoms of heroin. Heroin withdrawal can be hard and uncomfortable. The symptoms can change in intensity over time.
How long does it take to withdraw from heroin? It depends on several factors, including the person’s level of addiction and the method of use. Here is a general timeline of the signs someone may experience during heroin withdrawal:

Initial withdrawal: The first symptoms of heroin withdrawal typically begin within 8–24 hours of the last dose. These symptoms can include cravings, sweating, restlessness, and anxiety.
Peak withdrawal: Over the next 2–3 days, withdrawal symptoms usually intensify. This can include muscle aches, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and dilated pupils.
Late withdrawal: By days 4–10, many physical symptoms of heroin withdrawal begin to subside. However, psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia may still exist.
In most cases, the acute phase of heroin withdrawal usually ends by days 6–7. Some people may feel tired, sad, or irritable for weeks or even months after quitting heroin.
Detoxing from heroin can be dangerous. This is especially true for people who have used the drug for a long time or in large amounts. That is why it’s crucial to seek professional help for heroin detox and to overcome addiction safely.
The Detox Process
Detoxing from heroin can be hard. It often needs strong medical and mental support. This helps manage withdrawal symptoms and reduces the risk of problems. Seeking professional help can increase the chances of successful detoxification and long-term recovery.
- Initial assessment: The individual is evaluated to determine the level of heroin dependence. Our medical professionals at We Level Up Treatment Centers do this by first conducting a pre-admission assessment. We will ask you about your medical history and your substance use history. This includes how long and how often you have used heroin. We will also ask about your current state and how severe your withdrawal symptoms are. We might ask you for some lab results or conduct additional screenings once you join us at a facility.
- Medical detox: The medications may help manage withdrawal symptoms and decrease the risk of complications. Common medicines used during heroin withdrawal include methadone, buprenorphine, and clonidine. The We Level Up staff can prescribe medications. You can expect a personalized approach based on your health and mental state.
- Ongoing monitoring: We are here for you 24/7. We have plans to keep track of your safety and comfort. We monitor your vitals and react to the first signs of something (e.g., blood pressure change), preventing medical complications.
Choosing professional heroin detox at We Level Up Treatment Centers is safer than going it alone. It reduces risks and offers benefits that many people cannot access on their own.
Why Choose We Level Up for Heroin Detox?
Choosing a rehab facility for heroin detox can feel overwhelming at first. There are certain things to look into (like accreditations, staff qualifications, treatment options, aftercare, or location). Still, the most important thing to keep in mind is whether a center can respond to your needs and preferences.
We Level Up Treatment Centers are available all over the country. We have over 15 years of experience, great facilities, and expert staff. We tailor our services to the patient’s needs and are continuously working on improving them. We provide luxurious facilities and top addiction treatments. Our prices are affordable, and we accept most insurance plans.
As your partner for heroin detox, we will ensure the following:
- Medical supervision. Detoxification is a tough and unpleasant process, but with proper medical assistance, the discomfort can be significantly reduced. Additionally, round-the-clock medical supervision prevents complications that can occur in an uncontrolled environment and ensures a swift response to unpredictable emergencies.
- Comprehensive assessment. The basis for tailored treatment is understanding each of our clients and their addiction problems. We would conduct a well-rounded evaluation of your state before suggesting how to proceed. We start with a pre-assessment to understand your condition. During your stay, we also do physical and psychological evaluations. This helps us track your progress.
- Experienced team. Our team includes licensed medical and mental health professionals experienced in addiction treatment. They are not only knowledgeable but also truly care about each client. They make sure you feel welcome and supported at every step. They keep working to improve their knowledge and skills. This helps them provide better services to you.
- Holistic approach. We look at you as a whole and do not try to treat a symptom, but the problem in its entirety. We address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of heroin detox with various therapies, both conventional and alternative ones. We aim to help you with your urgent needs and support you in overcoming addiction. We will also teach you skills and strategies. This way, you can handle any challenges that life may bring.
Here are the main parts of our approach to work. There are also other practical benefits to consider when choosing us for your heroin detox.
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Additional Benefits of Professional Detox at We Level Up
It is generally recommended to select an inpatient rehab program for heroin detox instead of detoxing at home. Detoxing from heroin can be very hard and potentially dangerous due to the severe withdrawal symptoms that can arise. Hence, the inpatient drug rehab programs provide a safe and structured environment for individuals to detox from heroin under the supervision of medical and mental health treatment professionals.
Choosing We Level Up facilities and programs for heroin detox offers benefits that help ensure long-term success. Here is what you can count on:
- Safe and structured environment: Detoxing in our facilities ensures 24/7 supervision and assistance from our expert staff, including both medical and psychological support. We continuously monitor and control your state, react swiftly if any complications arise, and ensure your comfort. While staying as part of our inpatient rehab program, you are given a schedule to structure your day and provide a sense of consistency.
- Supportive care encompasses rest, hydration, and a balanced diet. These help the body recover from heroin use. Services like cleaning, cooking, and laundry help you take a break from daily tasks. This lets you focus on your recovery. You can expect nutritional and well-balanced food that will strengthen your body and support the detoxification process.
- Reduced risk of relapse: Maybe the biggest advantage of the drug detox program in our facilities, resulting from isolation and control provided, is practically the elimination of the risk of relapse. With our staff watching closely, you won’t have a chance to slip and use again. This is common with at-home heroin detox. Consequently, the risk of a heroin overdose is almost non-existent.
The best treatment option depends on the individual’s needs and situation. You can expect a personalized way to detox from heroin and other treatments at We Level Up Treatment Centers.
What to Expect at We Level Up Treatment Centers
Each rehab facility has its own way of doing things. You might wonder what to expect if you choose We Level Up Treatment Centers for your recovery. You can expect several things from our heroin detox program. These benefits apply to any treatment you choose. Our services focus on your needs, ensure privacy, and provide the best care possible.

- Personalized approach. All our services are customizable and able to respond to your needs, circumstances, and preferences. Heroin detox and all other treatments consider your unique situation. They aim to respond to changes in your condition. Every recovery story is unique. Our personalized approach helps to improve your rehabilitation.
- Comfortable facilities. Everything about our facilities is designed to support your recovery. The semi-private rooms, common areas, private offices, and outdoor spaces offer you privacy. They also provide opportunities to socialize when you want or need to. Sharing space with others in similar situations can help you feel less alone in your struggles. On the other hand, you would have enough isolation to focus on your recovery alone.
- Therapeutic support. Psychological support, like counseling and therapy, can help you manage cravings. It can also address the problems that may have led to your heroin use. You would have access to various therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and family therapy.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the gold standard for addiction treatment and the treatment of mental disorders. It helps you see patterns of irrational thoughts and feelings that caused harmful behavior, like heroin addiction. It works on replacing them with new rational patterns, healthy coping mechanisms, and skills for managing stress and frustration.
- Dialectic-behavioral therapy (DBT) is a variation of CBT focused on finding a fine balance between acceptance and change. It helps you leave behind polarized ways of thinking and see the world as more than black and white. This opens you to changes that need not be grand for them to be significant.
- Family therapy. We recognize the importance of ongoing support from the immediate environment, as some problems may also stem from it. This is why family therapy and support are irreplaceable parts of our treatment programs. We help families find and understand their issues. We also resolve communication problems. Our goal is to empower families to support each other after heroin detox or treatment is complete.
We are also an accredited institution, which means that our centers meet the highest standards of safety and quality. And we are not stopping there. We are always working to improve our services. We listen to any feedback from our clients.
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Top 5 Heroin Detox Studies with Insights
Here’s a patient-friendly chart of the top five heroin detox studies/guidelines.
Here is a helpful list of trusted heroin detox studies and guidance. You can use these in clinical documents, program pages, or treatment guides. Each row summarizes the impact of the evidence on treatment. It turns this information into useful tips for care teams and admissions scripts. Sources were selected based on their recency, rigor, and relevance to integrated treatment.
| Study | Treatment Implications | Insights for Patients |
|---|---|---|
| Buprenorphine for managing opioid withdrawal — Gowing et al., Cochrane Review (2017). View Study | More effective than clonidine/lofexidine at easing withdrawal and improving detox completion. Comparable to methadone, often with shorter withdrawal. | Buprenorphine makes detox more tolerable. Ask your doctor if you can stay on it after detox to help prevent relapse. |
| Methadone maintenance therapy vs no replacement therapy — Mattick et al., Cochrane Review. View Resource | Methadone maintenance improves retention in treatment and reduces heroin use better than short-term detox. | Methadone works best when continued long-term. Staying consistent with clinic visits reduces cravings and relapse risk. |
| Extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) trial — Krupitsky et al., 2011. Read Article | XR-NTX prevents relapse after detox but requires being opioid-free before starting. | XR-NTX is a monthly shot that blocks heroin’s effects. Plan ahead since you must be fully detoxed first. |
| NIDA CTN trial — Buprenorphine/naloxone vs clonidine for inpatient detox. Read Study | Buprenorphine/naloxone led to higher detox completion rates and fewer withdrawal symptoms than clonidine. | If you’re only offered clonidine, ask about buprenorphine — it usually makes detox smoother and more successful. |
| Safety reviews on rapid/anesthesia-assisted detox — CDC MMWR (2013), CADTH review (2016). Read Review | Rapid/anesthesia-assisted detox does not improve long-term outcomes and carries serious risks, including death. | Avoid “one-day cure” detox programs. Safer, proven options are methadone, buprenorphine, or XR-NTX with counseling. |
Transition to Further Treatment
As mentioned before, heroin detox is but a first step in long-term recovery. When you manage your heroin withdrawal symptoms and cravings well, you can focus more on your recovery. After detox, continuing with a structured treatment program is crucial for achieving lifelong sobriety. We Level Up Treatment Centers offer various heroin addiction treatment options to support your ongoing recovery journey.
Following detoxification at any We Level Up facility, a customized treatment plan will be created for you. We tailor our rehab approach to meet your specific needs, preferences, and circumstances. Our inpatient programs provide a structured environment, continuous support, and sufficient isolation from the outside world and daily responsibilities to facilitate optimal recovery outcomes.
Our complete approach to treatment means we care for your body, mind, and spirit. We help you understand yourself and grow. You will thrive after you leave our facilities. We will offer you a variety of therapies, from conventional to alternative ones. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the gold standard for addiction treatment and mental illness. We Level Up Treatment Centers also offer motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, family therapy, and group sessions.
We believe in helping the entire individual, not just the symptoms of addiction. Ongoing treatment requires you to fully engage in therapy. This also means addressing any other mental health issues you may have. People with a dual diagnosis sometimes use heroin to deal with their mental illness’s physical and psychological symptoms. The psychotherapy we use at our dual diagnosis treatment centers can not only identify those cases but also help you learn the skills to cope more healthily.
After undergoing heroin detox and inpatient treatment, we develop an aftercare plan for you. Aftercare may include ongoing medical and psychological support to help individuals recover and prevent relapse. You can also rely on our alumni programs to help you transition back into your life. We know that going back to your routine can be scary. We want to help you by providing ongoing access to doctors, therapies, and more.
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Seek Heroin Detox Today
For anyone looking to overcome addiction, heroin detox is the first and crucial step. It is essential for lasting recovery. While you may think about doing a detox at home, we at We Level Up want to warn you. Detoxing alone can be dangerous. We strongly advise you to seek professional help that can ensure your safety and comfort during a heroin detox.
At We Level Up Treatment Centers, you can expect excellent heroin detox. We also offer follow-up addiction treatments, therapy, aftercare, and lifelong support. Contact us today to get a tailored solution for yourself or a loved one. With our support, you no longer have to worry about being alone with your addiction.
FAQs on Heroin Detox
How to find a heroin detox center near me?
There are several ways to find a heroin detox center near you. If you or your loved one have health insurance, check with your provider to see if they cover substance use disorder treatment services. Your insurance provider can help you find a list of in-network providers. This list can help you locate heroin detox centers nearby. Moreover, several addiction hotlines and support groups can provide information and support for individuals seeking heroin detox centers. These resources can help you find local treatment providers. They can also give you information on detox centers near you.
What can I expect during heroin detox?
Detoxing from heroin involves managing withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision. Symptoms may include nausea, anxiety, muscle aches, and insomnia. The detox process typically lasts 7-10 days, with symptoms peaking around the second or third day.
Is heroin detox safe to do at home?
Detoxing from heroin at home is not a good idea. The withdrawal symptoms can be very severe, and there is a risk of complications. Medical detox offers a safe place to manage symptoms. This helps lower the chances of relapse or medical emergencies.
What happens after heroin detox?
After completing heroin detox, it’s essential to continue with a comprehensive treatment program, including therapy and support groups. This helps address the psychological aspects of addiction and reduces the risk of relapse.
Lorraine’s Addiction Recovery Testimonial Video Transcript
“If I didn’t change, I would return to jail. I’m Lorraine, and I’ve been sober for six years. I’m a recovering alcoholic, heroin addict, and crack cocaine addict.
I was homeless for several years. I called the one person who never gave up on me, and that was my mom. Within an hour, she was at the motel where I was staying. And I said yes because I didn’t know what I was doing with my life, and it was the best phone call I ever made.
After getting out of treatment, I did everything they told me to do. I got a sponsor. She’s still my sponsor. She’s taken me through the steps several times. I went back to school, and now I’m one semester away from finishing my Bachelor’s in social work. And then, I will start my Master’s in hopes of being a therapist so I can be there for others.
Being sober is the only reason that I can work towards that.”
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Search We Level Up Heroin Detox Topics & Resources
Resources
Inpatient Heroin Detox Treatment – See why structured, 24/7 monitored Heroin Detox in an inpatient setting can improve safety and recovery outcomes.
Heroin Detox and Dual Diagnosis – Learn how Heroin Detox is more effective when paired with mental health treatment for co-occurring disorders.
Heroin Detox and Medication-Assisted Treatment – See how medications like buprenorphine and methadone aid in easing withdrawal during Heroin Detox.
Sources:
Drug Enforcement Administration (2020). WHAT IS HEROIN? WHAT IS ITS ORIGIN? [online] Available at: https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Heroin-2020.pdf.
Huecker, M.R., Koutsothanasis, G.A., Abbasy, M.S.U. and Marraffa, J. (2020). Heroin. [online] PubMed. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441876/.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (2018a). Overview. [online] National Institute on Drug Abuse. Available at: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/overview.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (2018b). What is the scope of heroin use in the United States? [online] National Institute on Drug Abuse. Available at: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/scope-heroin-use-in-united-states.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2023). 2021 NSDUH Annual National Report | CBHSQ Data. [online] www.samhsa.gov. Available at: https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh-annual-national-report.