Heroin Detox

At White Oak Recovery Center, we know asking for help is one of the bravest things a person can do. If you or a loved one is facing heroin use, our goal is to meet you where you are with clear information, steady medical support, and real compassion. This page explains, in plain language, what to expect from heroin detox, how long it can take, common heroin detox symptoms, and how our heroin detox program works.
What Is Our Heroin Detox Program at White Oak Recovery Center?
Our heroin detox program is a medically supervised process designed to keep you safe and as comfortable as possible while your body clears opioids. As a heroin detox center in Hollywood, we combine medical detox with mental health support to address both physical withdrawal and the emotional strain of early recovery.
Medical detox includes assessments, medication when appropriate, continuous monitoring, and coordination with our broader treatment services so you’re not left on your own after detoxing from heroin.

How Long Does It Take to Detox From Heroin?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Detoxing from heroin depends on factors like how long someone has used, the amount and potency of the drug, co-occurring mental health conditions, and overall health. Acute symptoms often begin within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose and peak around 24 to 72 hours, with many physical withdrawal symptoms easing over 5 to 10 days. However, some people experience protracted symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, and drug cravings for weeks or months.
At White Oak Recovery Center, we tailor timelines and care plans to the individual and use medical detox tools to reduce discomfort and risk throughout the process.

Heroin Detox Symptoms
Heroin detox symptoms can range from uncomfortable to medically serious. Common heroin detox symptoms include:
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Sweating and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea and stomach cramps
- Agitation or restlessness
- Anxiety or panic feelings
- Intense drug cravings
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
Less common but more severe symptoms may include rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, or dehydration if vomiting and diarrhea are prolonged. Because symptoms vary in intensity, being in a medically supervised heroin detox center reduces risk: our staff can provide symptom management, monitor vitals, and intervene quickly if complications arise. Recognizing what to expect helps people feel more prepared and less frightened by the process.
What Is Used for Heroin Withdrawal?
Medical detox for heroin often includes medications and supportive care to manage symptoms and reduce cravings. Medications such as buprenorphine or methadone are commonly used in opioid withdrawal management. In some cases, short courses of different prescriptions or other medicines may be used to address specific symptoms like nausea or insomnia.
Beyond medication, supportive measures include hydration, nutritional support, emotional counseling, and close monitoring by clinical staff. White Oak Recovery Center emphasizes evidence-based medical detox combined with mental health care so that withdrawal is treated as both a physical and emotional process.
What Percentage of Heroin Addicts Recover?
Recovery is a personal journey, and recovery rates can vary depending on access to ongoing treatment, social supports, co-occurring mental health conditions, and individual commitment. While exact percentages depend on how “recovery” is defined, what matters most is that long-term recovery is possible and that evidence-based care significantly improves outcomes.
At White Oak Recovery Center, we focus on connecting detox to the next phase, which includes counseling, therapy, medication-assisted treatment if appropriate, and community resources. It’s important to remember that detox alone is just the first step toward lasting recovery from addiction.
Drug Rehabilitation in California and Aftercare Planning
Detoxing from heroin is the beginning of a broader recovery pathway. Drug rehabilitation in California offers many levels of care, from outpatient therapy to residential programs. Our approach is to create a clear aftercare plan before you leave detox: linking you to therapy for underlying mental health needs, peer support groups, medication-assisted treatment when recommended, and resources to support housing, employment, or family reunification. White Oak Recovery Center’s team ensures transitions are intentional so you maintain momentum after medical detox.
How We Support Mental Health During Detox
Heroin use and withdrawal often surface underlying mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Our medical detox includes mental health assessments and 24/7 clinical support, so psychological symptoms are treated alongside physical withdrawal. We provide individual counseling, crisis stabilization when necessary, and referrals for ongoing psychiatric care. Treating the whole person, not just the physical symptoms, helps reduce the risk of relapse and supports more sustainable recovery.
Admissions and What to Expect
When you contact our admissions team, you’ll speak with a trained, nonjudgmental representative who will gather basic health information, explain the intake process, and help coordinate immediate care. If detox is clinically appropriate, we’ll arrange a swift intake, medical evaluation, and placement in our heroin detox center. Our team also helps with insurance verification, financial questions, and logistical support so you or your loved one can focus on getting well.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
If heroin has become part of your life, asking for help is the right next step. White Oak Recovery Center in Hollywood provides medical detox, mental health support, and compassionate staff who understand addiction. Whether you’re calling for yourself or on behalf of someone else, our admissions team is available to answer questions and explain the options. Reach out today to learn how we can safely guide you through detox from heroin and into the next stage of recovery.
White Oak Recovery Center is committed to safe medical detox, respectful care, and real support for people facing heroin addiction and co-occurring mental health needs.