We understand that for many people living with heroin use disorder, the idea of committing fully to treatment feels daunting. Beginning the process with professional heroin detox allows you to begin recovery in a safe and supportive environment.
As part of a heroin detox program, you’ll be constantly monitored by experienced clinicians, provided with ongoing physical and psychological support, and benefit from a sense of community with other people who are in the same stage of recovery as you are.
In the first half of 2024, at least 40 Floridians died with heroin in their system, with at least 35 of them dying as a direct result of a heroin overdose. It’s not clear whether many of those individuals were going through withdrawal and returned to use to satiate cravings for opioids.
At Real Recovery, we’re here to provide you with ongoing support throughout the recovery process. We’re known for being the largest sober living network in Florida. However, we also offer detox programs, ensuring that you can stay with the same providers all from the first steps of recovery through a year or more of sober living.
Heroin use disorder is a complex condition, marked by both a psychological and physical dependence on the opioid street drug.
When you take an opioid, like heroin, it attaches to the opioid receptors throughout your central nervous system and triggers the release of dopamine and endorphins in your brain. This is what causes the pain reduction and feelings of euphoria triggered by opioids.
Eventually, your body will become accustomed to these higher levels of feel-good chemicals, and the naturally occurring amounts of dopamine and endorphins will no longer feel sufficient. A physical dependence occurs when your body has adjusted to functioning with heroin in your system and needs time to readjust after the substance is taken away.
This readjustment period is what triggers heroin withdrawal symptoms, including:
Although these symptoms aren’t typically life-threatening, in combination, they can become dangerous. That’s why it’s always safest to detox under the guidance of experienced professionals at Real Recovery Solutions, who know how to support you and reduce the intensity of your withdrawal symptoms.
For many people with heroin use disorder, a thoughtful, evidence-based detox program is the first step in the recovery process.
The symptoms of withdrawal can be overwhelming and quickly lead to serious issues like dehydration when they go untreated. At Real Recovery, you’ll have the support of caring, experienced professionals who use evidence-based techniques to get you safely through these early stages of recovery.
Many of our clinicians are in recovery themselves and have been where you are now. They understand how to meet your needs and ensure that your detox experience prepares you for the road of recovery that is ahead of you.
Our detox program isn’t designed to completely eliminate your symptoms. However, it will make them more manageable, empowering you to begin your recovery journey from a sustainable, stable place.
Treatment typically includes round-the-clock monitoring, psychological care from trained therapists, and support from peers who are at a similar stage in the recovery process.
Regardless of your experience before beginning treatment with Real Recovery Solutions, our staff will treat you with the dignity and respect that every person in recovery deserves. We know that recovery is a serious, life-changing commitment. If you’re willing to commit fully to the process, we will do everything in our power to help you along the way.
Taking the first step can be hard. We make it easy.
Speak with an admissions specialist now.
Chat with our team anytime, day or night.
Check your benefits in minutes.
The specific timeline for your heroin detox will be unique to you and could be affected by a variety of factors, including your metabolism, tolerance, and overall health. Some clients spend an entire two weeks in detox, while others stay for a week or less.
This chart highlights the typical detox timeline.
| Time Since Last Dose | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| First 3-6 hours | As early as the first few hours after your last dose of heroin, you’ll experience moderate symptoms, like cravings and anxiety. |
| First 24-48 hours | At this point, you’ll have mild, flu-like symptoms, such as sweating, a runny nose, and chills. |
| First 3-6 Days | More severe symptoms such as vomiting, tremors, and increased heart rate typically peak during this timeframe. |
| First 7 to 14 days | Within two weeks, your acute withdrawal symptoms will begin to subside, and you’ll adjust to life without opioids. |
Most people who detox from opioids experience some symptoms of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). These symptoms are usually more psychological in nature, and the timeline is less defined. The symptoms typically come in waves; they may occur months or even years after you stop taking heroin.
Symptoms of PAWS include:
It isn’t advisable to detox on your own. Despite the fact that most side effects are not life-threatening in and of themselves, they can quickly become more severe.
5 potential dangers of attempting to detox from heroin at home include:
One of the most serious concerns for people trying to detox from heroin on their own is the potential for relapse and overdose. If you return to use after not taking heroin for a period of time, your tolerance will be lower. This means that if you go back to taking your usual dose, you could experience a heroin overdose.
The 3 most common symptoms of an opioid overdose include:
Bluish, clammy skin and gurgling noises are other common signs of an overdose. An overdose is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention and can result in brain damage, organ failure, or even death. If you believe that you or someone you’re with is experiencing an overdose, call 911 immediately.
The biggest benefit to receiving professional support during your detox is that the process guarantees your safety during one of the most sensitive parts of recovery.
Other benefits of getting professional detox treatment include:
If you aren’t sure whether or not detox is right for you, Real Recovery is here to help you navigate the first steps. Give us a call and we’ll provide you with a free assessment.
Taking the first step can be hard. We make it easy.
Speak with an admissions specialist now.
Chat with our team anytime, day or night.
Check your benefits in minutes.
At Real Recovery Solutions, treatment doesn’t stop after detox. You have a variety of continuing treatment options designed to meet your unique needs.
Our ongoing treatment options include:
As the Clinical Director at Real Recovery Solutions, Carlos Escobar leverages over 15 years of experience in Substance Use Disorder Treatment, focusing on therapies like CBT and REBT to foster client self-understanding and acceptance. His commitment to innovative, personalized care aims to profoundly improve the lives of those battling addiction and related mental health challenges.
