When depicted in movies such as “Trainspotting” and “Permanent Midnight”, heroin withdrawal is presented as a frightening ordeal involving shivering, sweating and shaking. In this case, the Hollywood version is not too far from the real thing but it is exaggerated somewhat. In my opinion Hollywood has blow it out of proportion and this is why many heroin addicts continue using because of the fear of withdrawal.

While no two people experience it the same way, heroin withdrawal symptoms usually begin to set in within 6 to 24 hours after the last opiate use, and vary depending on how much and how often the person was using.

In layman’s terms, the symptoms are the result of the depressed sympathetic nervous systems coming back to life. The former user may experience nausea, excessive sweating, insomnia, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, and, sometimes in females, extra sensitivity in the genitals. Some experience what is referred to as “itchy blood” and attempt to scratch inside their blood veins and body parts.

There is also a danger during the withdrawal process of users self-medicating themselves with dangerous levels of alcohol with the mistaken belief that it will provide some relief. This can prove to be a fatal mistake because when the addict drinks alcohol on top of the heroin it actually intensifies the effect of the heroin. There are many addicts who have died from a heroin overdose trying this and they will not get a second chance at recovery.

This list is by no means exhaustive and symptoms can vary greatly from patient to patient.

After anywhere from 48 to 72 hours after their last opiate use, major physical withdrawal symptoms should begin to subside. Most users should see a complete end to the physical withdrawal process some time between four and seven days after their last use.

It’s important to note that physical withdrawal and mental cravings are too entirely separate matters. Simply getting through withdrawal is just the beginning of a lifelong process of quitting drug use. Now you will need some type of addiction treatment plan.

If you happen to be suffering from heroin addiction I would strongly suggest that you look into getting help immediately. One way you can get help would be by going to heroin addiction rehab. There you will be overseen by professional clinicians. They will be there to talk with you and provide support by holding your hand if necessary while you are going through this devastating ordeal. They will also give you prescription medications to help make you as comfortable as possible during the withdraw process. With this medication your withdraw will be pretty much painless.

It is important to understand that giving up this drug is not the end but the beginning of a brand new way of life without the use of drugs.

Good luck

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