Heroin is an extremely addictive drug, and users develop an increasing tolerance to it rather quickly. Over time, a person with a heroin addiction needs more and more to be able to feel the psychological effects of it. Continually raising the dosage is dangerous and can lead to overdose when the drug causes the user’s respiratory system to shut down. Heroin detox is needed to quit using the drug.

Heroin detox is a process that should only be done under 24-hour medical supervision. Opiates can be a dangerous class of drugs to suddenly stop taking without medical care. Detox from this drug is usually very difficult for addict. There are physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms, and most people use medication during this process. Methadone is a medication which is said to make heroin detox much easier and virtually eliminate withdrawal symptoms. For those who don’t use methadone, symptoms peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last heroin use, and detox usually lasts from five to seven days.

Withdrawal from heroin and other opiates begins to happen very quickly. During heroin detox, the addict may experience cravings, insomnia, vomiting, sweating, chills, muscle aches, bone pain, diarrhea, and restlessness. If this is attempted without proper medical supervision, it is possible for the addict to experience seizures and other severe symptoms.

Heroin detox should be done at an inpatient treatment center, hospital, or other place where the addict can be medically monitored continually. Some people attempt outpatient heroin detox, but this is much less successful. There are extremely strong cravings associated with this drug that many people are simply unable to resist. The support of an inpatient treatment center will provide structure and support for the addict. They will be away from friends who share the heroin addiction and unable to access the drug. There are also fewer triggers tempting the addict to use heroin in an unfamiliar environment.