Heroin Detox
Misusing heroin is dangerous. Whether you’ve been struggling for years or recently started, safely stepping away from heroin is easier with professional support. Detox often brings on intense withdrawal symptoms that can feel overwhelming—both physically and emotionally.
At Oak Grove Recovery, we believe healing begins with dignity and continues with compassionate care. Our Westerville, Ohio center offers medically supervised heroin detox designed around your unique needs. We’re here to walk alongside you, providing safety, empathy, and proven support as you begin your journey toward a healthier, substance-free life.
Understanding heroin detox
Detox alone isn’t a cure, but it’s the vital first step toward recovery. Heroin detox helps your body release its dependence on the drug, while ongoing care supports lasting changes in your mind, habits, and daily life.
What is heroin detox?
Heroin detox is a medically monitored process where the substance is safely cleared from your body. Our clinical team carefully manages withdrawal symptoms and addresses complications if they arise. Detox focuses on the physical aspect of addiction—helping your body function again without heroin.
During heroin detox:
- 24/7 monitoring ensures your health, hydration, and comfort are prioritized.
- Experienced professionals provide individualized strategies for withdrawal management.
The process may last several days to a week or more, depending on your health, history of use, and other factors. Most Oak Grove Recovery clients remain in detox for about four to ten days. Through it all, our team makes sure you’re supported and never alone.
Why medical supervision matters
Trying to quit heroin “cold turkey” without medical help can be unsafe:
- Dehydration and electrolyte loss: Withdrawal often causes nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Cardiac risks: Sudden withdrawal may trigger dangerous heart irregularities.
- Mental health concerns: Anxiety and depression can worsen, heightening the risk of suicidal thoughts.
- Relapse and overdose: After detox, tolerance drops. A relapse—even at a smaller dose—can easily lead to overdose.
At Oak Grove Recovery, we provide nonjudgmental, professional support so you can focus on building a safe, lasting foundation for recovery.
Why medical supervision matters
Heroin withdrawal varies depending on frequency and length of use, but symptoms often include:
Physical
- Muscle, joint, and bone pain
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Sweating, chills, watery eyes, yawning, runny nose
- Restlessness, elevated pulse, high blood pressure
- Sleep difficulties
Psychological
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Irritability or mood swings
- Depression or hopelessness
- Cravings and difficulty focusing
Our clinical team helps you manage both immediate and lingering symptoms with care and understanding.
Safe and Effective Adderall Detox Protocols
MAT can ease withdrawal and reduce cravings, making relapse less likely during early recovery. MAT isn’t replacing one addiction with another—it’s a therapeutic, evidence-based approach to healing.
Medications used in treatment
MAT combines FDA-approved medications with therapy and education. Common options include:
- Methadone: Safely tapers use under clinical supervision. Can be used before being fully detoxed.
- Buprenorphine (Subutex): Reduces withdrawal symptoms and blocks the opioid “high.” Can be used before being fully detoxed.
- Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone): Eases symptoms while blocking opioid effects. Can be used before being fully detoxed.
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol): Blocks opioid effects and reduces cravings. Cannot be used before being fully detoxed.
Benefits of MAT
- Improved safety and retention: Decreases overdose and relapse risks.
- Craving relief: Supports focus on therapy and life changes.
- Whole-person recovery: Works best alongside counseling, skills training, and community support.
At Oak Grove Recovery, MAT plans are personalized to your health and recovery goals, adjusting as your needs evolve.
Managing pain and withdrawal
Heroin masks pain, so when you stop, discomfort often returns quickly. MAT can help relieve pain and ease other symptoms. Our team combines medication support with therapy and peer encouragement so you don’t have to face withdrawal alone.
24/7 support for heroin detox in Westerville, OH.
Inpatient vs. outpatient detox programs
Inpatient detox: What to expect
Inpatient detox means staying at our center during the process, with around-the-clock care. This is often the best choice for those with longer use histories or co-occurring conditions.
Detox at Oak Grove Recovery provides:
- Continuous monitoring: Nurses and physicians track vitals multiple times a day.
- Clinical tools: Standardized withdrawal scales guide real-time adjustments to care.
- MAT support: Methadone may be used early to ease discomfort.
- Emotional care: Counselors and recovery coaches walk with you through stress and cravings.
- Crisis protocols: Suicide risk and emotional health are closely supported with compassion.
Your time in inpatient detox is usually a few days to just over a week. When you leave, you’ll have a personalized plan to continue with residential or other treatment programs.
Outpatient detox: pros and cons
Outpatient detox allows you to live at home while checking in at a treatment center for support. This may work for people with less severe dependence and strong support systems.
Pros:
- More flexibility with work, family, or school
- Lower cost than inpatient care
- Practice recovery skills in real-world settings
Cons:
- Higher relapse risk with exposure to triggers
- Less immediate access to help in a crisis
- Requires strong motivation and safe home environment
Oak Grove Recovery does not offer outpatient detox. If this approach fits your needs, we can guide you to trusted resources nearby.
Choosing the right detox program
The right program starts with an honest assessment. Together, we’ll review your:
- Medical and psychiatric history: Including past withdrawal experiences and medication needs
- Social environment: Home safety, supportive individuals, or possible triggers
- Motivation and readiness: Your recovery goals and where you may need extra support
Questions to ask yourself:
- Do I have a safe, drug-free place to stay during detox?
- Is someone available for support at home if I feel overwhelmed?
- Have I had severe withdrawal symptoms or relapsed before?
- Is transportation to appointments reliable?
- Can I reach out for help when I need it?
- If you don’t have safe housing or transportation, or have co-occurring conditions, inpatient detox may be the best fit.
Heroin addiction treatment and aftercare
Detox is just the beginning. Many people benefit from ongoing residential care after completing detox.
Detox timeline and stages
Because heroin is a short-acting opioid, withdrawal usually begins within 12 hours, peaks between one and three days, and lessens after a week.
- Early withdrawal (6–24 hours): Runny nose, sweating, aches, anxiety, and cravings.
- Peak withdrawal (1–3 days): Stronger symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, pain, and fatigue.
- The first week: Physical symptoms ease, but mood and cravings may linger.
- Post-acute withdrawal (PAWS): Some experience sleep issues, mood swings, or cravings for weeks or months. Therapy and support help during this stage.
Relapse prevention strategies
Recovery is a daily practice, and relapse is most likely in the first year.
Prevention strategies include:
- Continued MAT for several months after detox
- Identifying triggers like high-risk people, places, or emotions
- Daily structure with therapy, support groups, and healthy routines
- Stress coping skills such as mindfulness, exercise, and using support networks
- Ongoing therapy through outpatient or group sessions
Our team works with you to design a meaningful relapse prevention plan so you know when—and where—to reach for help.
Detox is just the beginning. Many people benefit from ongoing residential care after completing detox.
Detox timeline and stages
Because heroin is a short-acting opioid, withdrawal usually begins within 12 hours, peaks between one and three days, and lessens after a week.
- Early withdrawal (6–24 hours): Runny nose, sweating, aches, anxiety, and cravings.
- Peak withdrawal (1–3 days): Stronger symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, pain, and fatigue.
- The first week: Physical symptoms ease, but mood and cravings may linger.
- Post-acute withdrawal (PAWS): Some experience sleep issues, mood swings, or cravings for weeks or months. Therapy and support help during this stage.
Relapse prevention strategies
Recovery is a daily practice, and relapse is most likely in the first year.
Prevention strategies include:
- Continued MAT for several months after detox
- Identifying triggers like high-risk people, places, or emotions
- Daily structure with therapy, support groups, and healthy routines
- Stress coping skills such as mindfulness, exercise, and using support networks
- Ongoing therapy through outpatient or group sessions
Our team works with you to design a meaningful relapse prevention plan so you know when—and where—to reach for help.
Aftercare and peer support
Long-term recovery depends on consistent support. Challenges will arise, and a strong aftercare plan reduces setbacks. Staying engaged in supportive communities and programs helps maintain progress.
Specialized treatment considerations
Dual diagnosis support
Many people struggling with heroin also face depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other mental health challenges. Oak Grove Recovery offers integrated treatment that:
- Treats the whole person—both addiction and mental health
- Provides access to specialists in therapy and medication management
- Ensures a safe environment with staff trained to respond to emotional needs
Fentanyl challenges
Much of today’s heroin is mixed with fentanyl, a highly potent opioid. This makes detox more unpredictable and raises overdose risk. Our medical team provides specialized supervision to keep you safe.
Harm reduction tools
Not everyone is ready for full abstinence right away. Harm reduction helps reduce risks until you are:
- Naloxone distribution: Free Narcan kits to reverse overdoses
- Fentanyl test strips: Test strips to check for contamination
- Syringe access programs: Safe exchanges to lower infection risks
We’re here whenever you’re ready to move forward.
Comprehensive support during treatment
At Oak Grove Recovery, you’ll have licensed professionals supporting you with dignity and compassion. During detox, you'll get sober and stable. When you transition to residential care, you'll receive more therapy and support services to help you build motivation to keep making progress.
Medical care
- Vital checks multiple times daily
- ECGs and labs for those who need them
- IV hydration and fluids if needed
- Immediate crisis intervention when necessary
Counseling and therapy
- Individual sessions: Goal-setting, emotional support, and recovery planning
- Group therapy: Peer connection and shared accountability
- Evidence-based methods: CBT, motivational interviewing, trauma therapy
Mental health services
- Assessment for anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other needs
- Mindfulness, meditation, and self-care practices
- Medication management
- Peer mentorship to build hope and encouragement
Whether this is your first time in treatment or a step after relapse, we’ll help you move forward with purpose.
Long-term recovery resources
Residential rehab
After detox, many clients transition into residential rehab, which may last 30–35 days or longer, depending on progress. Residential programs at Oak Grove Recovery offer:
- Clinical and medical care
- Holistic support, like nutrition counseling and expressive therapies
- Skill-building for employment, finances, and relationships
- Aftercare planning with community connections
Supportive housing
We can help you connect with sober living when you complete treatment. For those without stable home environments, sober living and supportive housing programs offer:
- Routine drug testing and accountability
- Peer mentoring and house meetings
- Vocational and community service opportunities
These programs help bridge the gap between inpatient care and full independence.
Pain management in recovery
Managing pain without opioids reduces relapse risk. Non-opioid strategies may include:
- Physical therapy and exercise
- Acupuncture, TENS therapy, or injections
- Non-opioid medications like NSAIDs
- Mindfulness and yoga
- CBT techniques for pain perception
We’ll help you create a long-term plan that addresses both recovery and pain management safely.
Call Oak Grove Recovery for immediate help
Our admissions team is available 24/7 to help you or a loved one take the first step. We accept Medicaid and many commercial insurance plans to make treatment more accessible. Call us at 614.324.8137 or reach out online today.
Frequently asked questions
The length of heroin detox can vary depending on someone's level and duration of use. Generally, it can take anywhere from 5-10 days for physical withdrawal symptoms to subside, but psychological cravings may persist for longer. Our medical team will work with you to create a personalized detox plan that meets your specific needs.
For most people, no. Heroin detox can be physically and emotionally challenging, and it is important to have medical support available in case of any complications. Our treatment center provides round-the-clock care and monitoring to ensure a safe and comfortable detox experience.
There are several medications that can help with heroin withdrawal symptoms. These include methadone and other options to manage symptoms. Our medical team will assess your individual needs and determine which medication is best for you.
The heroin detox timeline can vary from person to person, but typically the acute symptoms last for about a week and then subside. However, post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can also occur, which is when lingering psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression may persist for weeks or months after the initial detox period.
Many insurance plans do cover heroin detox as it is considered a necessary medical treatment. However, coverage may vary depending on your specific plan and provider. We accept all Ohio Medicaid plans and many commercial plans.
