Key Takeaways
- Heroin withdrawal can begin within hours after the last use, with symptoms often becoming more intense during the first few days.
- Common heroin withdrawal symptoms include muscle aches, sweating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, sleep problems, anxiety, and strong cravings.
- The heroin withdrawal timeline is different for everyone, and professional care can help manage withdrawal while connecting someone with ongoing treatment for opioid use disorder.
Heroin withdrawal symptoms can begin within hours after the last use, often become more intense during the first few days, and generally begin improving afterward. The exact heroin withdrawal timeline varies based on factors such as frequency and duration of heroin use, level of physical dependence, overall health, and whether other substances are involved.
In recent years, mental health experts have replaced the term “drug addiction” with “substance use disorder.” This change signifies an important distinction, not just in diagnosing a substance use disorder but in helping clarify the differences between drug dependence and addiction.
Although addiction and physical dependence are not the same thing, someone who has become physically dependent on heroin can experience withdrawal when they stop or significantly reduce their use.
Still, in both cases, the user will probably find it challenging to quit the drug. Anyone who uses heroin frequently enough to develop physical dependence may encounter withdrawal symptoms when they cease use.
What Is Heroin Withdrawal?
Withdrawal is a set of symptoms that occur in the body when someone abruptly stops using a drug like heroin after prolonged use. While the symptoms one might experience during heroin withdrawal (more on those later) can vary significantly in severity, withdrawal can be uncomfortable, painful, and both physically and mentally taxing.
Heroin is an opioid, and repeated use can cause the body to adapt to its presence. When someone who has developed physical dependence suddenly stops using heroin, the body must adjust to functioning without the drug, resulting in opioid withdrawal symptoms.
It’s also important to note that not all heroin withdrawal experiences are the same. How long and how frequently someone has been using the drug, along with their level of dependence and physical health, can play a role in determining the severity of the symptoms.
Other factors, including the use of additional substances and underlying medical or mental health conditions, can also influence the withdrawal experience.
Heroin Withdrawal Timeline
There is no single heroin withdrawal timeline that applies to everyone. However, the following provides a general overview of how symptoms may progress after someone stops using heroin.
| Heroin Withdrawal Stage | What Someone May Experience |
| First 24 hours | Early symptoms may include sweating, muscle aches, restlessness, nausea, runny nose, watery eyes, and difficulty sleeping. |
| Days 2–3 | Withdrawal symptoms may become more intense, including gastrointestinal symptoms, muscle pain, anxiety, restlessness, and strong heroin cravings. |
| Days 4–14 | Many acute physical symptoms may begin improving, although symptoms can continue longer for some people. |
| Two weeks and beyond | Some people may continue experiencing cravings, mood changes, sleep problems, fatigue, or other lingering symptoms after acute withdrawal. |
This timeline is only a general guide. The onset, severity, and duration of heroin withdrawal can vary considerably from one person to another.
The First 24 Hours After Quitting Heroin
Though this time may not be the most physically painful, the first 24 hours after quitting heroin are challenging for many people. While enthusiasm and positivity surrounding the thought of quitting are often high in this stage, it’s also when withdrawal symptoms begin and the detox process feels real.
Uncomfortable side effects occur because the body metabolizes heroin rapidly, so the person may feel symptoms within hours after their last use.
During these first 24 hours, early heroin withdrawal symptoms can include sweating, nausea, stomach discomfort, muscle aches, restlessness, runny nose, watery eyes, and difficulty sleeping. Symptoms and their severity vary from person to person.
Days 2 and 3 After Quitting Heroin
During this phase of the process, withdrawal symptoms may become more intense. Muscle aches and cramps may worsen, digestive issues can become even more uncomfortable, and watery discharge from the eyes and nose may continue.
For many people, this period represents a critical juncture, where they must choose between giving in to the cravings to use or continuing down the detox path. Cravings may be particularly difficult to manage during acute withdrawal.
Anxiety, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood can occur alongside physical symptoms. Having professional and personal support during this period can be especially valuable.
“Getting through heroin withdrawal is really about taking it one day, or sometimes one hour, at a time. Don’t try to tough it out by yourself. Get somewhere safe, let people help you, and keep reminding yourself that the way you feel right now isn’t how you’re going to feel forever.”
Days 4 –14 After Quitting Heroin
After the early stages of acute withdrawal, symptoms may begin to improve. However, there is no exact point at which heroin withdrawal ends for everyone.
Some people may feel significantly better within several days, while others may continue experiencing physical or psychological symptoms for a longer period. The duration can depend on the extent of heroin use, physical dependence, health, and other individual factors.
Two Weeks and Beyond After Quitting Heroin
The symptoms we talked about earlier are characterized by what’s called acute heroin withdrawal. Even after the most noticeable physical symptoms improve, some people may continue experiencing cravings, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or a reduced sense of well-being.
Lingering symptoms can create challenges during early recovery, particularly when combined with cravings and exposure to situations associated with past heroin use. Continued treatment and recovery support can be important during this period.
Returning to heroin after a period of abstinence can also carry a serious overdose risk because opioid tolerance may decrease. A dose someone previously tolerated may become dangerous after their tolerance has fallen.
Common Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Heroin withdrawal affects people differently, but common symptoms can include:
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Sweating
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach discomfort
- Restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety or irritability
- Changes in mood
- Difficulty concentrating
- Strong heroin cravings
The presence of these symptoms does not determine how severe someone’s withdrawal will become. A healthcare or addiction treatment professional can evaluate an individual’s circumstances and recommend an appropriate level of care.
Is Heroin Withdrawal Dangerous?
Heroin withdrawal itself is not typically life-threatening, but that does not mean going through it alone is always safe or advisable. Vomiting and diarrhea, for example, can contribute to dehydration, and other medical conditions or substance use can complicate withdrawal.
Another significant concern is overdose following a return to opioid use. Because opioid tolerance can decrease during abstinence, returning to a previously used amount can increase overdose risk.
For more information, read our guide on whether you can die from heroin withdrawal.
The Most Effective Way to Quit Heroin Is With Professional Help
Trying to stop heroin use can be extremely difficult, and someone does not have to go through withdrawal alone. Professional care can help assess withdrawal symptoms, address complications, and determine which treatment options are appropriate for the individual.
Treatment for opioid use disorder may also include medications alongside counseling and behavioral therapies. Detox is an important first step for some people, but ongoing treatment addresses the underlying opioid use disorder and supports longer-term recovery.
Not only do we help clients identify and address the root problem spurring their heroin use, but we guide them in gradually readjusting back to everyday life and finding joy in the healthy activities they used to love.
If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin use, Midwest Recovery Centers can help you understand your treatment options and determine an appropriate next step. Contact us today to learn more about our heroin detox and addiction treatment programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does heroin withdrawal last?
The length of heroin withdrawal varies from person to person. Acute symptoms may begin within hours after the last use and often improve after the first several days, although some physical or psychological symptoms can continue longer.
When do heroin withdrawal symptoms start?
Heroin withdrawal symptoms can begin within hours after the last use because heroin is a relatively short-acting opioid. The exact onset depends on factors such as frequency of use, level of physical dependence, and individual health.
When are heroin withdrawal symptoms the worst?
Heroin withdrawal symptoms often become more intense during the first few days after stopping use. However, the severity and timing of withdrawal vary, so there is no exact timeline that applies to everyone.
What are the symptoms of heroin withdrawal?
Common heroin withdrawal symptoms include muscle aches, sweating, runny nose, watery eyes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, irritability, and strong cravings.
Is it safe to go through heroin withdrawal at home?
The appropriate setting for heroin withdrawal depends on the individual’s health, substance use history, withdrawal severity, and whether other substances are involved. A healthcare or addiction treatment professional can evaluate these factors and determine whether medically supervised withdrawal care is appropriate.
Reviewed and Assessed by
Taylor Brown, B.A.Com., CADC
Tim Coleman, M. of Ed.