Heroin Detox

Orange County, CA

What is Heroin?

Heroin is an illicit opioid synthesized from morphine—a naturally occurring, mind-altering compound harvested from the seed pod of the opium poppy. Depending on how it is processed, heroin may appear as:

• A white or brown powder

• A black, sticky tar known as black-tar heroin

Because heroin belongs to the same opiate family as codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, it produces a similar euphoric effect but is often cheaper and easier to obtain on the street.

Common street names:

• Black Tar

• China White

• H

• Smack

• Chiva

• Dope

• Brown

• White Lady

• Coachella

• Dragon

Why Heroin Use is More Dangerous Than Ever?

Heroin overdoses have surged nationwide, with fentanyl now fueling record numbers of deaths. In California, fentanyl is involved in the majority of opioid-related fatalities, often mixed unknowingly with heroin.

Two key factors drive today’s crisis:

1. Prescription Opioid Pathway – Many people start with prescription pain medications (Vicodin®, OxyContin®, etc.) and transition to heroin once prescriptions end or costs rise.

2. Fentanyl Adulteration – Street heroin is often cut with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 100x stronger than morphine. Even a few grains can trigger respiratory arrest, putting anyone without high opioid tolerance at extreme risk of fatal overdose.

Bottom line: Heroin is not only addictive—it’s deadlier now than ever.

Heroin Withdrawal: What to Expect

When heroin use stops, the brain and body rebound, producing painful withdrawal symptoms that often trigger relapse without support.

Common symptoms include:

• Intense muscle and bone pain

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

• Goosebumps, chills, and fever-like sweating

• Restless legs, insomnia, and severe anxiety

• Cravings so powerful they often lead to immediate relapse

Withdrawal usually begins 6–12 hours after the last dose, peaks at 48–72 hours, and can last a week or longer. Some symptoms—like insomnia and cravings—may persist for weeks, which makes medical detox critical for success.

Medical Heroin Detox at Salterra OC

Detoxing at home is unsafe and rarely successful. At Salterra OC Detox & Treatment, we provide sub-acute, physician-directed heroin detox designed to maximize safety, comfort, and long-term recovery.

Our program includes:

• 24/7 detox staff

• Continuous monitoring and rapid response to complications

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) – Buprenorphine (Suboxone®, Subutex®), or once-monthly Sublocade® injections to ease withdrawal and cravings

• Tailored taper schedules – Gradual reductions prevent “cold-turkey” shock to the body

• Holistic & trauma-informed therapies – Massage, mindfulness, nutrition, and counseling to support whole-person healing

• Comfortable rooms – A safe environment to reduce stress so clients can focus on recovery

By combining medical care with emotional and holistic support, Salterra OC offers a compassionate, evidence-based pathway through detox and into lasting recovery.