Importance of medically supervised detox 

Attempting to detox from heroin cold turkey, without medical help, carries significant risks: 

• Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can cause life-threatening dehydration. 
• Cardiac complications: Abrupt withdrawal can trigger irregular heart rhythms, especially if you have a heart condition. 
• Mental health conditions: Anxiety, depression, and hopelessness can get worse, sometimes increasing the risk for suicidal thoughts or behaviors. 
• Relapse and overdose: Intense cravings are the biggest risk during heroin detox. After a short time without the drug, you lose your tolerance. A relapse with lower tolerance can easily lead to overdose. 

Attempting heroin detox without medical help is unsafe. Addiction is a disease, and professional treatment can give you the right tools to move forward. At Sheridan Grove Recovery, we provide judgment-free support at every stage, helping you build the foundation for lasting recovery. 

Common withdrawal symptoms 

Stopping heroin use triggers withdrawal symptoms as the body adjusts to the absence of the drug. The severity and duration of symptoms depend on factors like how long someone has been using and their level of dependence.  

Our clinical team can help you manage both immediate and lingering challenges of heroin withdrawal. 

Medication-assisted treatment for heroin detox 

MAT (medication-assisted treatment) is highly effective in reducing heroin cravings. Fewer cravings mean a lower chance of relapse during detox. Contrary to misconceptions, MAT isn’t replacing one addiction with another—it’s a regulated, therapeutic approach to managing withdrawal and recovery. 

Detox medications overview 

MAT is a widely used treatment for opioid use disorder, including heroin addiction. It combines medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs) to ease withdrawal and cravings with therapy and education, offering a comprehensive recovery approach. 

Common medications include: 

• Buprenorphine: Eases withdrawal symptoms and blocks the “high” from opioids.  
• Methadone: Provides a safe, regulated substitute for illicit opioids, administered daily in a clinical setting to taper use over time.  
• Buprenorphine/Naltrexone (Suboxone): Buprenorphine reduces withdrawal symptoms, while naltrexone blocks the effects of opioids if taken.  

Benefits of medication-assisted treatment 

• Better retention: Following an MAT plan reduces the risk of overdose and overall mortality.  
• Craving management: Medications ease physical discomfort and suppress cravings, allowing individuals to focus on therapy and rebuilding their lives.  
• Holistic recovery support: MAT works best when combined with counseling, life skills training, housing support, and employment assistance.  

At Sheridan Grove Recovery, our MAT plans are tailored to your unique needs. Our medical team creates, monitors, and adjusts treatments to align with your withdrawal experience and long-term recovery goals. 

Managing pain and withdrawal symptoms 

Pain can be severe during heroin withdrawal. That's because heroin is an opioid, which blocks feelings of pain. So, when someone stops using it, the pain they were masking can quickly return. MAT can help manage pain and other withdrawal symptoms.  

We help clients manage pain and discomfort through detox, therapy, and support groups. By easing the physical pain, we can strengthen your mental will to stay sober. Pain can be an overwhelming obstacle during recovery, but with our help, it doesn't have to be. 

Inpatient vs. outpatient detox programs 

Inpatient detox: what to expect 

Inpatient heroin detox means staying at our center for the entire detox process under 24/7 supervision. This is often the best choice for people with long use histories. It might also be best for those with co-occurring physical or mental health conditions. 

Detox at Sheridan Grove Recovery provides: 

• Continuous monitoring: Nurses and physicians regularly assess blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and oxygenation. 
• Standardized assessment scales: Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) and other tools calibrate MAT dosing and care in real time. 
• MAT protocols: Buprenorphine or methadone can be started early to reduce symptoms and prevent complications. 
• Emotional support: Counselors and recovery coaches are available to help you navigate stress, anxiety, or sadness. 
• Comprehensive crisis protocols: Suicide risk is assessed and managed with compassionate, judgment-free care. 

Your time in heroin detox will likely be a few days to just over a week, depending on your health, progress, and needs. At discharge, you’ll have a personalized follow-up plan with a connection to our residential programming. 

Outpatient detox: Pros and cons 

Outpatient heroin detox allows you to go to a treatment center for check-ins, medication, and counseling, then return home. It might be right if your addiction isn't severe and you have no co-occurring conditions.

We don't offer an outpatient detox program at Sheridan Grove Recovery. Our team can still help you find the right type of treatment when you contact us. 

Choosing the right detox program 

Finding the right place for heroin detox starts with an honest and thorough assessment. We'll work with you to learn more about your: 

• Medical and psychiatric history: Past withdrawal experiences, concurrent illnesses, medication needs 
• Social and environmental factors: Home safety, presence of supportive individuals versus triggers 
• Motivation and readiness: Personal recovery goals, strengths, and areas for extra support 

Before you start treatment, you should ask yourself a few questions, like: 

1. Do I have a safe, drug-free place to stay during detox? 
2. Is someone available for support if I feel overwhelmed at home? 
3. Have I had severe withdrawal symptoms or a relapse before? 
4. Is transportation to appointments reliable? 
5. Can I reach out for help anytime if needed? 

If you don't have a safe place to stay or transportation to treatment, inpatient detox is probably a better choice for you. And, if you have any co-occurring conditions or have had a relapse in the past, 24/7 support can help you stay on track. 

Heroin addiction treatment and aftercare 

Addiction rehab starts with managing withdrawal symptoms during detox. After that, many people benefit from continued inpatient care.  

Detox timeline and stages 

Heroin is a short-acting opioid, meaning withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 12 hours after the last dose and peak between one and three days.  

Relapse prevention strategies 

Completing heroin detox is a big step, but recovery is a daily challenge. Relapse is most likely within the first year—especially in the days and weeks after detox. 

Effective relapse prevention includes: 

• Continued MAT: Staying on buprenorphine or methadone through the first several months reduces risks of overdose and relapse. Your treatment team will create an MAT plan right for you. 
• Trigger identification: Learning about high-risk people, places, and emotional states. 
• Daily structure: Setting a routine that includes recovery meetings, therapy, healthy meals, and self-care. 
• Coping skills for stress: Practicing breathing exercises, taking breaks when overwhelmed, using crisis lines or trusted supports. 
• Ongoing therapy: Outpatient individual or group therapy for skills building and relapse prevention. 

We can help connect you with the right resources when you leave treatment. Our team will also work closely with you to create a meaningful relapse prevention plan so you know when—and where—to find help. 

Aftercare programs and support groups 

Detox is just the first step. Long-term recovery thrives on consistent support, healthy habits, and preparation for future challenges. Life keeps moving after treatment, and difficulties will arise. Without a solid aftercare plan, setbacks become more likely, especially in high-stress or emotional situations. Staying engaged with a supportive peer community can make all the difference in maintaining your progress. 

Specialized treatment considerations 

Detox is not a one-size-fits-all process. You need specialized, meaningful support when you're leaving heroin addiction behind.  

Dual diagnosis treatment 

Many people with heroin addiction also live with mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder. Integrated, dual diagnosis treatment: 

• Treats the whole person: Addressing mental health alongside addiction improves both mood and recovery stability. 
• Offers access to specialists: Our clinicians can prescribe and adjust medications and offer therapy for co-occurring conditions. 
• Provides a safe environment: Staff trained to recognize mental health symptoms can intervene before a crisis. 

In our program, you will receive personalized care tailored to your specific needs, addressing both your substance use disorder and any co-occurring mental health challenges. 

Fentanyl detox challenges 

Illicit heroin is increasingly contaminated with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid far more potent and fast-acting. This creates unique detox challenges: 

• Unpredictable withdrawal: Symptoms may onset suddenly and be more severe. 
• Increased risk of overdose: Very small amounts of fentanyl can be fatal, especially after detox when tolerance is lower. 
• Need for specialized medical care: Due to the potency of fentanyl, medical supervision and support may be necessary during detox to ensure safety and minimize discomfort. 

As you start your journey into recovery, our team will provide the tools you need to be successful—no matter what kind of opioid you're struggling with. 

Harm reduction approaches 

Not everyone is ready for or able to achieve full abstinence right away. Harm reduction keeps people safer until they are ready: 

• Naloxone distribution: Free Narcan spray kits can save lives by reversing overdoses.  
• Fentanyl test strips: Use these test strips to detect fentanyl contamination and help prevent accidental overdoses.  
• Syringe access programs: Access safe syringe exchanges to reduce the risk of HIV, hepatitis, and infections. 

Comprehensive support during detox 

When you come to Sheridan Grove Recovery, our licensed professionals provide around-the-clock support without judgment. 

We offer trauma-informed counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and other evidence-based methods. Our team will work with you to create a therapy plan that's right for you. 

Mental health support services 

Mental health care is integrated throughout our heroin treatment program, starting during detox. We can provide: 

• Assessment and management: Evaluation for anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other psychiatric concerns 
• Self-care planning: Mindfulness practices, meditation resources, and daily reflection activities 
• Peer mentorship: Connection with others in stable recovery, to build hope and encouragement 

Whether it's your first time in rehab or you're working through a setback, we can give you the tools you need to take better steps forward. 

Long-term recovery resources 

Recovery is a lifelong journey, and you'll face new challenges every day. With the right skills and resources, you can face them head-on. 

Residential rehab options 

Following medically supervised heroin detox, many people benefit from residential rehabilitation. Studies have shown that longer time in treatment can improve heroin abstinence. Residential rehab after detox offers continued: 

• Clinical care: Group and individual therapy, medical management, and case coordination 
• Holistic support: Nutrition counseling, stable housing, and expressive therapies (art, music, writing) 
• Skill-building: Employment preparation, financial planning, healthy relationship workshops 
• Aftercare planning: Coordination with outpatient providers, community resource, and peer-led groups 

Residential rehab varies in length. Some programs last 30 days, others may extend for 90 days or longer based on your goals and progress. We offer 21–30 day residential treatment at our Aurora, CO, center. When you become stable in detox, we can help you transition into residential care. 

Transitional and supportive housing 

Supportive housing programs offer drug-free environments with built-in accountability led by professionals and peers. Transitional housing is a good option for those who don't have stable home environments. Most supportive housing offers: 

• Routine drug testing 
• Peer mentoring and community support 
• Curfews, house meetings, and structured environments 
• Vocational, academic, or community service opportunities 

Sober living homes help bridge the critical time between inpatient care and full reentry in the community. Our staff can help you research reputable options in Colorado when you complete treatment. 

Pain management in recovery 

Pain is real risk for people in recovery form heroin and other opioid addictions. Managing your pain can reduce your risk of relapse. Non-opioid pain management strategies can be integrated into your long-term plan: 

• Physical therapy: Exercise, stretching, and rehabilitative movement 
• Trigger point injections, acupuncture, and TENS therapy 
• NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or topical analgesics 
• Mindfulness practices, guided imagery, and yoga 
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy for chronic pain: Teaching skills to manage pain perception and emotional distress 

During treatment, we'll help you manage your pain without opioid medications. Our team will help you learn how to communicate with medical providers about your history with opioids and any needs you have for pain management in recovery.