While opinions vary on which part of heroin addiction treatment is the toughest, many agree that the detox stage often stands out as the most challenging. This phase can feel even more overwhelming if you’re still determining what to expect. To help ease your worries, here’s a detailed timeline of the heroin detox process in an outpatient setting, where you will receive support every step of the way while staying at home.
Days 1-3
When you stop taking heroin suddenly, your body begins adjusting to its absence, often resulting in restlessness, muscle aches and difficulty sleeping. This happens because the body has become used to the drug’s influence on the central nervous system, particularly its ability to block pain signals and create a sense of relaxation. Without heroin, the body struggles to restore its natural state, causing these withdrawal symptoms.
How you may feel: Emotionally and physically, these first days can be very challenging. You might swing between feelings of frustration, anxiety and determination. This roller coaster of emotions is a sign of the mind and body beginning to heal.
Support available: Although you are at home, the medical team is just a call away, offering medications to ease physical discomfort and providing empathetic support through telehealth consultations to guide you through the roughest moments.
Days 4-7
As heroin withdrawal symptoms intensify during this period, you may experience nausea, chills or gastrointestinal discomfort. These symptoms occur because the sudden lack of heroin leaves the body craving the drug while it works to recalibrate its normal processes. The digestive system, which heroin slows down, speeds back up, causing nausea and stomach cramps. The nervous system’s heightened sensitivity also leads to chills and cold sweats.
How you may feel: During these challenging days, you may feel overwhelmed as your body adjusts. The craving for relief is strong, but connection with others can help maintain hope and motivation.
Support available: Your care team will refine treatments to alleviate symptoms and provide daily check-ins via phone or video calls. Virtual therapy sessions and online support groups create a safe space for sharing feelings, fears and aspirations, helping you stay focused on the end goal.
Days 8-14
After the initial week, the body starts stabilising without heroin, and physical symptoms gradually subside. This signifies that your body is regaining its natural rhythm as it becomes less dependent on the drug.
How you may feel: As the worst of the physical symptoms pass, you may begin to feel a sense of emotional renewal. Challenges remain, but your progress shows your strength and determination.
Support available: The focus shifts to emotional and psychological recovery from heroin addiction. Continued therapy sessions and support groups will guide you through managing heroin cravings and navigating this new chapter in your life. Your outpatient team remains accessible, providing resources and encouragement to keep you on track.
