Medically supervised heroin withdrawal with medication-assisted treatment to reduce pain, cravings, and relapse risk. Our Nevada-licensed physicians provide 24/7 care in a safe, judgment-free environment.
Confidential · Most insurance accepted · Immediate admissions
Heroin withdrawal is intensely painful and often leads to relapse without medical intervention. At Better Choice Treatment Center in Las Vegas, we use FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine (Suboxone) and methadone to ease withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and help you complete detox successfully.
Heroin is one of the most addictive substances on earth. Its short duration of action means withdrawal symptoms begin within 6-12 hours after the last use, creating a vicious cycle where users must dose multiple times daily just to avoid feeling sick. Breaking free requires medical intervention. Our Las Vegas heroin detox program provides 24/7 medical supervision, medication-assisted treatment, and compassionate support to help you safely navigate withdrawal and begin your recovery journey.
Heroin rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier and binds to opioid receptors, producing intense euphoria followed by sedation. With repeated use, the brain becomes dependent on heroin to function normally, and natural endorphin production shuts down. When heroin use stops, the body goes into severe withdrawal as it attempts to regain balance. The physical and psychological agony is so intense that the overwhelming majority of people relapse within hours or days without medication-assisted treatment.
Statistics paint a sobering picture: Without medication-assisted treatment, over 90% of people attempting heroin detox relapse within the first week. The risk of fatal overdose is highest in the first weeks after detox because tolerance has decreased but psychological dependence remains strong. If someone relapses and uses the same amount they were using before detox, the dose that was once "normal" can now be fatal.
This is why medical detox with MAT is not just about comfort—it's about survival. Medication-assisted treatment reduces relapse rates by 50-70% and overdose death rates by similar margins. Our physicians specialize in keeping you safe during this dangerous period.
Often described as the worst pain ever experienced. Feels like bones are breaking. Without medication, this pain is nearly unbearable.
Severe gastrointestinal distress lasting days. Risk of dangerous dehydration and electrolyte imbalances requiring IV fluids.
Overwhelming psychological urge to use. The brain screams for the drug. This is the primary driver of relapse in early withdrawal.
Severe psychological distress, panic attacks, inability to stay still. Restless leg syndrome makes sleep impossible.
Temperature regulation fails. Alternating between feeling freezing cold and burning hot. Profuse sweating.
Complete inability to sleep for days. Exhaustion but too uncomfortable to rest. This worsens all other symptoms.
Classic signs of opioid withdrawal. Light sensitivity makes symptoms worse.
Cardiovascular stress during withdrawal. Can be dangerous for people with heart conditions.
Partial opioid agonist that reduces cravings and withdrawal pain by 70-80%. First dose given once mild withdrawal begins (typically 12-24 hours after last heroin use). Prevents precipitated withdrawal through careful timing and dosing.
Nurses check vitals every 2-4 hours around the clock. COWS (Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale) assessments track symptom severity. Physicians adjust medication doses based on response. Immediate intervention for complications.
Anti-nausea medications (Zofran, promethazine), muscle relaxers (cyclobenzaprine), sleep aids (trazodone, gabapentin), anti-anxiety medications (hydroxyzine), anti-diarrheal medications (loperamide), pain relievers (NSAIDs), clonidine for sweating and anxiety.
IV fluids when vomiting/diarrhea cause dehydration. Electrolyte monitoring and replacement. Vitamin supplementation (especially B vitamins). Nutritious meals even with low appetite. Anti-nausea medications before meals.
Individual counseling begins during detox as you feel better. Education about addiction and recovery. Relapse prevention planning starts early. Seamless transition to residential rehab program.
Typical Detox Duration: 7-10 days depending on length and severity of heroin use. Some patients feel significantly better within 3-5 days with medication support.
Success Rate: 85-90% of patients complete heroin detox successfully when medication-assisted treatment is used, compared to less than 10% without MAT.
Understanding the withdrawal timeline helps reduce anxiety about what's ahead. With medication-assisted treatment, this process is dramatically more manageable.
Symptoms begin: anxiety, restlessness, muscle aches, watery eyes, runny nose, sweating, yawning. Drug cravings intensify. This is when buprenorphine induction typically begins.
Symptoms worsen significantly: severe muscle pain, nausea begins, anxiety peaks, insomnia, restless legs, dilated pupils. Without medication, this is when most people relapse. MAT dramatically reduces these symptoms.
Most intense phase: severe pain, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme discomfort. Heart rate and blood pressure elevated. With buprenorphine, symptoms are 70-80% reduced. This is why medical detox is essential—you cannot endure this alone.
Physical symptoms improve significantly. Energy returns, appetite normalizes, sleep improves. Psychological symptoms (anxiety, cravings, depression) persist longer. Transition to rehab begins. MAT often continues through rehabilitation.
Heroin withdrawal without medication has a failure rate exceeding 95%. The suffering is simply too intense for willpower alone. MAT transforms heroin detox from nearly impossible to highly manageable. Here's why it works:
Important: MAT Is Not "Replacing One Addiction With Another"
This is a dangerous myth that prevents people from getting life-saving treatment. Buprenorphine is a prescribed medication, monitored by doctors, that stabilizes brain chemistry without causing euphoria. It's no different than insulin for diabetes or blood pressure medication for hypertension. The goal is recovery and a normal life—and MAT makes that possible.
Board-certified physicians with extensive experience managing complex opioid detox cases. Our doctors understand heroin addiction and treat you with compassion, not judgment.
Comfortable, hotel-like accommodations with private bathrooms, premium bedding, and resort-style amenities. You deserve to heal in comfort and dignity.
Direct entry into our residential rehab program with no waiting. Detox alone isn't enough—you need comprehensive treatment to address the psychological aspects of addiction.
Don't face withdrawal alone. Our medical team is available 24/7 to help you detox safely and comfortably with medication-assisted treatment.
(888) 555-1234100% Confidential · Immediate Admissions · Most Insurance Accepted