Heroin Detox Treatment in Los Angeles, California
Compassionate, medically supervised heroin detox at Keystone Health Group. Medication-assisted treatment options to minimize withdrawal discomfort and support lasting recovery.
Heroin withdrawal is one of the most intensely uncomfortable forms of drug withdrawal — often described as a severe flu combined with overwhelming anxiety, muscle pain, and powerful cravings. While heroin withdrawal is rarely fatal in otherwise healthy individuals, the suffering it causes is a primary driver of relapse. At Keystone Health Group, our medical team uses medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and compassionate clinical care to make heroin detox as safe and manageable as possible.
How Heroin Withdrawal Works
Heroin is a short-acting opioid that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the brain and body. With regular use, the body's own endorphin system becomes suppressed, and the body becomes physically dependent on heroin to function normally. When heroin is removed, the resulting rebound in neurological activity produces the characteristic symptoms of opioid withdrawal — which typically begin within 6–12 hours of the last use and peak around 36–72 hours.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Heroin Detox
Medication-assisted treatment significantly reduces the severity of heroin withdrawal and improves detox outcomes. At Keystone Health Group, our physicians may use Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone), Zubsolv (buprenorphine/naloxone), methadone, or clonidine to manage withdrawal symptoms. The NSS-2 Bridge — an FDA-cleared neurostimulation device — may also be used to reduce withdrawal severity without additional opioid medications.
The Risk of Relapse During Heroin Detox
One of the most dangerous periods for a person with heroin use disorder is immediately after detox. Tolerance drops rapidly during withdrawal, meaning that a dose that was previously tolerated can now cause a fatal overdose. Medical detox in a supervised environment eliminates access to heroin during this critical window and provides a bridge to inpatient rehabilitation, where the psychological work of recovery begins.
From Heroin Detox to Inpatient Rehab
Detox is the first step, not the destination. After heroin detox at Keystone Health Group, our clinical team coordinates a seamless transition to inpatient rehabilitation — where you will work with therapists, counselors, and physicians to address the trauma, behavioral patterns, and psychological drivers of heroin use disorder.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
How We Treat It
Frequently Asked Questions
Is heroin withdrawal dangerous?
Heroin withdrawal is rarely directly fatal in otherwise healthy individuals, but it is intensely uncomfortable and carries a very high risk of relapse. The danger of relapse during withdrawal — when tolerance has dropped — is that a previously tolerated dose can cause a fatal overdose. Medical supervision eliminates this risk.
How long does heroin withdrawal last?
Heroin withdrawal typically begins 6–12 hours after the last use, peaks at 36–72 hours, and resolves within 5–7 days. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) — involving anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance — can persist for weeks to months.
What is the NSS-2 Bridge?
The NSS-2 Bridge is an FDA-cleared neurostimulation device worn behind the ear that significantly reduces opioid withdrawal symptoms. It works by stimulating specific cranial nerves that modulate the withdrawal response. It is a non-opioid option that can be used alongside or instead of medication-assisted treatment.
Does insurance cover heroin detox?
Yes. Most major insurance plans cover medically necessary heroin detox under behavioral health benefits. Our admissions team verifies your coverage for free before admission.
What happens after heroin detox?
After detox, the next step is inpatient rehabilitation. Detox alone has very poor long-term outcomes for heroin use disorder — the psychological, social, and behavioral dimensions of addiction must be addressed in a structured treatment program.
Ready to Start Detox?
Same-day admissions available. Our team is here 24/7.
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Same-day admissions available. Most insurance accepted.