Heroin Detox

Safe heroin detox — the first step of a real recovery.

Heroin withdrawal is intense but medically manageable. The real risks of heroin in 2025 are not withdrawal — they are fentanyl adulteration, overdose, and the rapid return to use that follows unmedicated detox. Valor Health's heroin detox program addresses all three.

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In the era of fentanyl-adulterated heroin, the most dangerous moment is the days after detox. We make sure you do not face them alone.

24/7

Medical coverage

5–7

Days typical

Yes

Fentanyl-aware protocol

MAT

Bridge to long-term

Comfortable private suite setting for detox

Section 01

What heroin withdrawal feels like

Heroin withdrawal begins 8–12 hours after the last dose. Symptoms include severe muscle aches, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, restless legs, insomnia, anxiety, and overwhelming cravings. Peak intensity is at 36–72 hours; most acute symptoms resolve by day 5–7. Post-acute symptoms (low mood, sleep disruption, anhedonia) can persist for weeks. None of this has to be endured without medication.

Aches, cramps, GI symptoms
Peak intensity at 36–72 hours
Acute resolution by day 5–7
PAWS for weeks afterward

Clinical team reviewing induction protocols

Section 02

Fentanyl-aware induction

Virtually all street heroin in the United States today is adulterated with fentanyl. That changes detox. We treat every heroin patient with fentanyl-aware protocols — typically micro-induction with buprenorphine — to avoid precipitated withdrawal. We test for fentanyl on intake, screen for xylazine, and design the induction plan around real exposure rather than assumed pharmacology.

Fentanyl screening on admission
Micro-induction default protocol
Xylazine awareness
Wound care if needed

Section 03

Comprehensive comfort care

Alongside Suboxone we use a layered comfort protocol: clonidine for autonomic symptoms, gabapentin for restlessness and pain, hydroxyzine and trazodone for sleep, anti-emetics for nausea, loperamide for diarrhea, and aggressive nutrition and hydration support. The goal is not 'tolerable' — it is genuinely comfortable.

Clonidine, gabapentin, hydroxyzine
Round-the-clock sleep support
GI symptom management
Nutrition and hydration focus

Section 04

Vivitrol vs Sublocade — your MAT options

After acute withdrawal resolves you have real choices for long-term protection. Sublocade (monthly buprenorphine injection) provides steady receptor coverage and remains the most evidence-based option. Vivitrol (monthly extended-release naltrexone) blocks opioid effects entirely — preferred by patients who want an opioid-free recovery. We discuss both honestly, with no pressure toward either.

Sublocade — monthly buprenorphine
Vivitrol — monthly naltrexone block
Daily Suboxone option
Patient-led decision

Section 05

Narcan training & overdose prevention

We send every heroin detox patient home with Narcan (naloxone), and we train you and your loved ones on how and when to use it. Tolerance drops dramatically after detox — meaning a relapse to a previous dose can be fatal. Honest, non-judgmental harm reduction education is part of our standard care.

Narcan kit at discharge
Family Narcan training
Overdose risk education
Honest harm-reduction conversation

Section 06

Step-down to residential or PHP

From detox you step directly into residential, PHP, or IOP — with continued MAT, individual therapy, group programming, family work, and access to our long-term alumni community. The hard work of recovery starts here, with all the support you need to actually do it.

Direct step-down (no gap)
Same team, same campus
Continued MAT
Alumni community access

Take the next step

Take the next step.

Confidential help, available 24 hours a day across South Carolina.

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