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5 Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal

a man struggling with symptoms of heroin withdrawal sits and holds his head with his hand while in a session with his addiction specialist

For people with heroin addiction, one of the biggest roadblocks to recovery is withdrawal symptoms. Every individual’s journey with heroin addiction is different, and you may experience different symptoms of withdrawal based on your unique characteristics as well as other factors. However, some heroin withdrawal symptoms are more common than others. Going through a heroin addiction treatment program that offers detox can help you manage your withdrawal symptoms and get on the road to recovery.

Woodland Recovery Center offers heroin addiction treatment in Mississippi with a focus on professionalism, expertise, and empathy. Our team of professionals is trained to provide evidence-based approaches to addiction treatment and tailor our programs to meet the specific needs of each individual. Call us today at 662.222.2989 to learn more about enrolling yourself or a loved one in addiction treatment.

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Heroin?

Symptoms of heroin withdrawal can vary in severity and may include physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms. Some common symptoms of heroin withdrawal include:

1. Gastrointestinal Disturbances

When you’re detoxing from heroin, gastrointestinal issues are common. For example, after the substance has left your system, you may start to notice nausea and stomach cramps. Vomiting and diarrhea are also common during the heroin withdrawal process.

2. Mood Changes

Almost every person going through heroin withdrawal will notice changes in their mood. Specifically, going through heroin withdrawal may cause you to feel irritable and agitated. Depression and anxiety are also commonly experienced during detox. Many patients going through withdrawal find that it’s easier to deal with these symptoms when emotional support is available from friends, family, or other sources.

3. Sleep Problems

Heroin withdrawal often causes sleep issues. While you detox from heroin, you may find it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep. You may also yawn more frequently than usual.

4. Sweating

Most people who have stopped using heroin will begin sweating by the second day of withdrawal. You may also experience shaking and chills as your body recovers from the absence of heroin. In addition, many people who withdraw will develop a fever.

5. Aches and Pains

During withdrawal, aches and pains are common as well. You may notice aching in your muscles and limbs. You may also be more sensitive to pain in general, as heroin typically blocks or diminishes these sensations.

Other Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal

The symptoms above are just a few of the effects you can expect during withdrawal. Most patients also notice:

  • Dilated pupils
  • Excessive bodily fluids
  • Intense cravings

Understand your body has adapted to the presence of heroin. When you no longer use the drug, you’re likely to experience intense cravings that may worsen as you go through the withdrawal process. Eventually, however, these cravings will become more manageable.

Heroin withdrawal is rarely fatal, but it can be dangerous for some people. The level of danger is greater if you’ve used the drug for a long time, have used higher dosages, and have other pre-existing health conditions. Because of the dangers associated with heroin withdrawal, it’s best to go through this process under medical supervision. Fortunately, professional heroin detox programs are available to help you get the support you need.

Why Is It Important to Seek Professional Help with the Withdrawal Symptoms of Heroin?

Seeking professional help for managing symptoms of heroin withdrawal is not just advisable—it’s a crucial step toward a safe and successful recovery. The intense and multifaceted nature of withdrawal symptoms can be overwhelming and, if not managed correctly, may lead to relapse or pose serious health risks. Here are a few critical reasons why professional support is indispensable:

  • Safety – Medical professionals can provide a safe and controlled environment for detox, reducing the risk of complications.
  • Medication management – They can prescribe medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, making the process more comfortable.
  • Psychological support – Addiction specialists offer crucial emotional and psychological support, helping individuals cope with cravings and mental health challenges.
  • Tailored treatment plans – Professionals create personalized detox and recovery plans, addressing the unique needs of each individual.
  • Relapse prevention – Guidance and support from experts significantly lower the chances of relapse during the withdrawal phase.

Addressing symptoms of heroin withdrawal under the supervision of experienced professionals ensures not just a safer detox process but also lays a stronger foundation for long-term recovery.

Call Woodland Recovery Center to Start Your Recovery with Our Detox Programs

Heroin detox programs are designed to support individuals through the most challenging phase of heroin withdrawal, which can extend for a week or longer. Woodland Recovery Center offers medications to help with cravings and other symptoms and medical support in case of a complication. Our program is designed to give you access to the emotional support that enables you to stay focused as you go through this challenging time.

Our programs are customized to meet your needs, so you can be sure you’re getting the best services available for your situation. We also offer all levels of addiction treatment to help you recover from your addiction completely after the heroin withdrawal process is complete. To learn more about heroin detox treatment and addiction treatment at Woodland Recovery Center, please call us today at 662.222.2989 or contact us online to get started.