Heroin is considered to be one of the most addictive drugs, and perhaps the most difficult to quit using. Heroin detox is extremely unpleasant and generally includes painful side effects. Some of the symptoms that addicts can experience during heroin detox include nausea, chills, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, shaking, diarrhea, panic, tremors, profuse sweating, and more. The goal of heroin detox is to completely rid all residue and toxins from the drug out of one’s body. If this is not done, the individual will continue to get cravings and have withdrawal symptoms.

If done correctly, heroin detox generally lasts about a week, but the symptoms begin to improve around the third day. Withdrawal from heroin can potentially last from a number of weeks to months if unattended. It should only be done under medical supervision. Without proper care, withdrawal can be extremely dangerous. It can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or death. It can also cause serious emotional trauma.

Methadone is a drug that is frequently used as a heroin detox treatment. It blocks most of the effects of heroin withdrawal, so the addict is much more comfortable and safe during the detox period. However, it is also an addictive drug. The patient will eventually also have to withdraw from methadone. However, this is considered preferable to heroin withdrawal because it’s safer and easier.

After detox, heroin addicts need long-term treatment in a residential rehab facility. To be most successful, the treatment program should last at least three to six months. This is necessary for a recovering addict to begin rebuilding basic life skills. They need to live in a structured environment away from the distractions of everyday life, where heroin is not accessible. At this point, heroin addiction treatment is basically the same as for any other drug.