Using heroin is dangerous, and whether you’ve been using for years or are ready to quit after a short time, stopping requires the right support. Heroin detox can lead to intense withdrawal symptoms that are both physically and emotionally challenging.
Recovery is possible. At Spring Grove Recovery in Colorado Springs, Colorado, we provide medically supervised detox programs designed to meet your individual needs. Our team focuses on safety, dignity, and compassionate care to help you take the first step toward a healthier, drug-free life.
Understanding heroin detox
Detox isn’t a cure for addiction, but it’s the critical first step toward recovery. Heroin detox helps break the body’s physical dependence on heroin, setting the stage for long-term treatment to help you regain control over your mind, habits, and life.
What is heroin detox?
Heroin detox is a medically supervised process that safely removes heroin from your system. A dedicated medical team monitors and manages withdrawal symptoms and any complications that arise. While detox focuses on the physical aspect of dependence, it also helps your body start functioning without the drug it once relied on.
During heroin detox:
- Medical monitoring ensures your vital signs, hydration, and overall comfort are closely tracked.
- Experienced addiction professionals provide personalized care to manage withdrawal symptoms effectively.
Detox can last several days to over a week, depending on factors like your health history, how long heroin was used, and any additional substance use. At Spring Grove Recovery, most clients complete inpatient heroin detox in five to seven days. You’re never alone in this process—our team works to keep you safe and comfortable as you begin your journey to healing.
Why medically supervised detox matters
Detoxing from heroin without medical supervision poses serious risks:
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: Vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea can cause dangerous dehydration.
- Heart complications: Sudden withdrawal can lead to irregular heart rhythms, especially in those with pre-existing heart conditions.
- Mental health challenges: Anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness can worsen, increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
- Relapse and overdose: Cravings during detox are intense. Losing tolerance after a short break makes relapse extremely risky, as it can lead to overdose.
Detoxing cold turkey is unsafe. Heroin addiction is a complex disease, and professional treatment provides the tools and support you need to move forward. Spring Grove Recovery offers compassionate, judgment-free care that sets the foundation for lasting recovery.
Common withdrawal symptoms
Heroin withdrawal occurs as the body adjusts to the absence of the drug. Symptoms vary in severity and duration, depending on how long you used, your health, and other factors.
Physical symptoms
- Muscle, joint, and bone pain
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Chills, sweating, runny nose, watery eyes, yawning, and goosebumps
- Restlessness and agitation
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing
- Trouble sleeping
Psychological symptoms
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression or feelings of hopelessness
- Cravings for heroin
- Irritability, mood swings, and trouble focusing
- Heightened sensitivity to stress or fear
Our clinical team is here to help manage both the immediate and ongoing challenges of heroin withdrawal, giving you the support you need to start rebuilding your life.
Medication-assisted treatment for heroin detox
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is one of the most effective ways to reduce heroin cravings and lower the risk of relapse. Contrary to common misconceptions, MAT doesn’t trade one addiction for another—it’s a regulated, evidence-based approach to managing withdrawal and recovery.
Understanding MOUDs
MAT is a cornerstone treatment for opioid use disorder, including heroin addiction. It combines medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs) with therapy and education to provide a well-rounded recovery approach.
Common medications include:
- Methadone: A safe, controlled substitute for illicit opioids, administered daily in a clinical setting to gradually taper use. Can be used before completing detox.
- Buprenorphine (Subutex): Reduces cravings and blocks the “high” from opioids. Can be used before completing detox.
- Buprenorphine/Naloxone (Suboxone): Buprenorphine eases cravings, while naloxone prevents opioids from producing their effects if used. Can be used before completing detox.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol): Blocks the effects of opioids and reduces cravings. Can be taken as a daily pill or monthly injection. Cannot be used before completing detox.
Benefits of MAT
Improved retention: MAT reduces the risk of overdose while keeping people engaged in recovery.
Craving management: Medications alleviate cravings and withdrawal discomfort, letting people focus on therapy and rebuilding their lives.
Comprehensive support: MAT works best when paired with counseling, life skills training, housing assistance, and employment support.
At Spring Grove Recovery, our MAT plans are customized to fit your needs. Our medical team monitors and adjusts treatments to align with your withdrawal experience and long-term goals.
Addressing pain and withdrawal symptoms
Heroin is an opioid that blocks pain, so when use stops, pain can return quickly during withdrawal. MAT helps manage this physical pain, along with other withdrawal symptoms, to make the detox process more manageable.
We offer support through detox, therapy, and peer groups to reduce physical discomfort and help you stay focused on recovery. Pain can feel overwhelming, but with proper care, it doesn’t have to derail your progress.
24/7 admissions at our Colorado Springs center.
Inpatient vs. outpatient detox programs
What to expect with inpatient detox
Inpatient heroin detox involves staying at our center throughout the entire detox process, with 24/7 care and supervision. This is usually the best choice for people with a long history of substance use or those with co-occurring physical or mental health conditions.
At Spring Grove Recovery, our inpatient detox includes:
- Continuous monitoring: Nurses and physicians track your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and oxygen levels regularly.
- Standardized assessment tools: Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) and other tools ensure personalized care.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Early use of buprenorphine or methadone reduces symptoms and prevents complications.
- Emotional support: Counselors and recovery coaches help you manage stress, anxiety, or sadness during detox.
- Crisis management: Compassionate and judgment-free care for suicide risk and other crises.
Inpatient detox typically lasts a few days to just over a week, depending on your individual health, progress, and needs. When you leave, you’ll have a tailored follow-up plan and access to our residential treatment programs.
Outpatient detox: Pros & cons
Outpatient heroin detox allows you to visit a treatment center for check-ins, medication, and counseling while returning home in between. This may be a good option if your addiction is less severe and you don’t have co-occurring conditions.
Pros:
- Flexible scheduling for work, school, or family commitments
- Lower cost than inpatient programs
- Opportunity to practice recovery skills in everyday settings
- Minimal disruption to your daily life
Cons:
- Requires strong motivation and a sober, supportive home environment
- Higher risk of relapse due to exposure to triggers or stress
- Delayed response to complications compared to inpatient care
- Help may not be immediately available in a crisis
Spring Grove Recovery does not offer outpatient detox. However, our team can still guide you in finding the right treatment option—just contact us to learn more.
Choosing the right detox program
Finding the best heroin detox program starts with a thorough and honest assessment. Together, we’ll evaluate your:
- Medical and psychiatric history
- Social and environmental factors
- Motivation and readiness
Before starting treatment, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I have a safe, drug-free place to stay during detox?
- Is there someone available to support me if I feel overwhelmed?
- Have I experienced severe withdrawal symptoms or relapses in the past?
- Is my transportation to treatment appointments reliable?
- Can I easily reach out for help when needed?
If you don’t have a safe place to stay or reliable transportation, inpatient detox may be the better option. Additionally, if you’ve experienced relapses or have co-occurring conditions, 24/7 support can provide the structure you need to stay on track.
Heroin addiction treatment and aftercare
Treatment for heroin addiction begins with detox to manage withdrawal symptoms. After detox, many individuals benefit from ongoing inpatient care for recovery.
Detox timeline and stages
Heroin is a short-acting opioid, which means withdrawal symptoms usually start within 12 hours of the last dose and peak between one and three days.
Early withdrawal (6–24 hours)
Flu-like symptoms like a runny nose, sweating, and muscle aches typically begin within hours. Anxiety and cravings also appear early.
Peak withdrawal (1–3 Days)
Symptoms become more intense, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and significant muscle pain. Fatigue and restlessness are common, so staying hydrated is essential.
The first week
Physical symptoms often improve after about a week. However, psychological symptoms, such as cravings and depression, may continue.
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)
For some, symptoms linger for weeks or months after quitting heroin. These may include mood swings, sleep issues, and occasional cravings. Therapy and long-term support can be key in managing PAWS effectively.
Relapse prevention strategies
Completing heroin detox is a significant milestone, but recovery is an ongoing journey. The risk of relapse is highest within the first year, especially in the initial days and weeks after detox.
Key relapse prevention strategies include:
- Continued MAT (medication-assisted treatment): Staying on buprenorphine or methadone during the first few months can significantly reduce the chances of overdose and relapse. Your treatment team will tailor an MAT plan to fit your needs.
- Identifying triggers: Recognizing high-risk people, places, and emotional states that could lead to using again.
- Establishing daily structure: Building a routine that includes recovery meetings, therapy, nutritious meals, and self-care.
- Developing stress management skills: Using breathing exercises, taking breaks when overwhelmed, and reaching out to crisis lines or trusted supports during tough moments.
- Ongoing therapy: Participating in outpatient individual or group therapy to build skills and maintain recovery.
We’re here to help connect you to the right support when you leave treatment. Together, we’ll create a personalized relapse prevention plan to ensure you always know when—and where—to find help.
Aftercare programs and support groups
Detox is just the beginning. Long-term recovery depends on consistent support, building healthy habits, and preparing for future challenges. Life doesn’t stop after treatment, and setbacks can happen. Without a strong aftercare plan, the risk of relapse increases, especially in high-stress or emotional situations. Staying connected with a supportive peer community can be a game-changer in maintaining your progress.
Tailored treatment options
Detox isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Overcoming heroin addiction requires specialized, meaningful care designed to meet your unique needs.
Dual diagnosis treatment
Many individuals struggling with heroin addiction also face mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Integrated dual diagnosis treatment:
- Treats the whole person: Addressing both addiction and mental health improves overall well-being and recovery stability.
- Provides specialist care: Our clinicians offer therapy, medication management, and tailored support for co-occurring conditions.
- Ensures a safe environment: Trained staff can identify mental health symptoms and intervene before crises occur.
Our program offers personalized care to address both substance use and mental health needs, ensuring you have the tools to achieve lasting recovery.
Fentanyl detox challenges
Illicit heroin is often laced with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that's highly potent and fast-acting, creating unique detox challenges:
- Unpredictable withdrawal: Symptoms may appear suddenly and can be more intense.
- Higher overdose risk: Even small amounts of fentanyl can be deadly, particularly after detox when tolerance is reduced.
- Need for medical supervision: The potency of fentanyl makes medical care vital during detox to ensure safety and reduce discomfort.
No matter the opioid you’re struggling with, our dedicated team will equip you with the support and resources you need to succeed on your recovery journey.
Harm reduction approaches
Not everyone is ready or able to achieve full abstinence right away. Harm reduction strategies help keep people safer until they're ready to take the next step:
- Naloxone distribution: Free Narcan spray kits can save lives by reversing overdoses.
- Fentanyl test strips: Use these test strips to detect fentanyl contamination and prevent accidental overdoses.
- Syringe access programs: Access safe syringe exchanges to reduce risks of HIV, hepatitis, and infections.
We're here when you're ready to move forward.
Comprehensive support during detox
At Spring Grove Recovery, our licensed professionals offer around-the-clock care and support during detox, all in a judgment-free environment.
Medical supervision and monitoring
Receive compassionate, 24/7 care and monitoring, including:
- Regular checks of vitals (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, oxygen levels)
- ECGs and electrolyte panels for those who need them
- Hydration support, including IV fluids when needed
- Crisis intervention protocols to provide immediate support
Substance abuse counseling
Our therapy programs provide opportunities to build the skills you need for lasting recovery. Most clients start therapy in residential treatment after becoming stable during detox.
- Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions to set goals, process emotions, and plan for long-term success.
- Group therapy: Peer support and shared learning around topics like relapse prevention, anger management, and family dynamics.
We offer trauma-informed counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based approaches. Together, we'll create a therapy plan tailored to your needs.
Mental health support services
Mental health care is a key part of our heroin treatment program, starting on day one of detox. Services include:
- Assessment and management: Evaluations for anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other psychiatric concerns
- Self-care planning: Tools like mindfulness practices, meditation, and daily reflection activities
- Peer mentorship: Connecting with others in stable recovery for encouragement and shared hope
Whether this is your first time in treatment or you're navigating a setback, we’re here to support you with the tools you need to move forward.
Long-term recovery resources
Recovery is a lifelong journey, and having the right support can help you face challenges with confidence.
Residential rehab options
After completing medically supervised detox, many clients transition directly into residential rehab. Studies show that longer treatment improves heroin abstinence rates. Residential rehab provides:
- Clinical care: Individual and group therapy, medical management, and case coordination
- Whole-person support: Nutrition counseling and stable housing
- Aftercare planning: Connections to outpatient providers, community resources, and peer-led groups
Residential rehab lengths vary, from 30 days to 90 days or more, depending on your goals. At our Colorado Springs, CO, center, we offer 30-day residential programs. Once you stabilize in detox, we can work with you to transition into residential care for continued healing.
Transitional and supportive housing
Supportive housing programs provide a structured, drug-free environment with accountability, guided by professionals and peers. Transitional housing can be a great option for people lacking a stable home environment. Most supportive housing options include:
- Routine drug testing
- Peer mentoring and community support
- Structured routines like curfews, house meetings, and accountability measures
- Opportunities for vocational training, academics, or community service
Sober living homes act as a vital bridge between inpatient treatment and full reintegration into the community. Once you complete treatment, our staff can assist you in finding trusted options in Colorado.
Pain management in recovery
Pain management is a crucial aspect for people recovering from heroin or other opioid addictions, as unmanaged pain can increase relapse risk. Incorporating non-opioid pain management strategies into your recovery plan can make a big difference. These strategies include:
- Physical therapy: Stretching, exercise, and rehabilitative movement
- Trigger point injections, acupuncture, and TENS therapy
- Non-opioid medications: NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or topical treatments
- Mindfulness practices: Including guided imagery, yoga, and relaxation techniques
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain: Learning skills to manage pain and related emotional challenges
During your treatment, we’ll help you manage pain without opioids and teach you how to advocate for your needs with medical providers. Our team is here to ensure pain management stays a key part of your recovery journey.
Call Spring Grove Recovery for help today
Our team is available 24/7 to support you or a loved one in overcoming heroin use. We accept Medicaid and many commercial insurance plans, making addiction treatment more accessible for everyone in need. Have questions? Call us directly at 719.415.3460 or contact us online for assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Acute withdrawal symptoms typically last around a week, but some individuals may experience lingering effects for weeks or even months. Detox duration varies depending on factors such as the frequency and amount of heroin use, as well as a person’s overall physical health.
Our detox program offers medication-assisted treatment to help ease withdrawal symptoms and manage cravings. The medical team will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
It is not recommended to attempt detox from heroin at home. The withdrawal symptoms can be intense and potentially dangerous, and having medical supervision and support in a professional setting greatly increases the chances of a successful detox process. Talk to a healthcare professional before making any decisions about detoxing from heroin at home.
Detox is just the first step in a long-term recovery journey. It is important to have a plan in place after detox to prevent relapse and maintain sobriety. This typically involves ongoing therapy, support groups, and possibly medication-assisted treatment. Entering residential rehab or another type of care can give you a better foundation for your recovery journey.
