Heroin & Opiate Detox in the UK
The short answer
An inpatient opiate detox usually runs 10–21 days and costs about £3,000–£6,000 privately. Opiate withdrawal is intensely unpleasant but rarely life-threatening; the real danger is the drop in tolerance afterwards, which makes an overdose far more likely if you use again.
Call 0800 000 0000 for a confirmed priceWhat it costs
| Option | Detox | 28 days |
|---|---|---|
| NHS community detox Prescribed and reviewed locally; suitable for lower-risk withdrawal. | Free | 1–3 week assessment wait |
| Private inpatient detox CQC-registered, 24-hour observation through the risk window. | £3,000–£6,000 | 10–21 days, longer if reducing from methadone |
| Detox plus 28-day programme Detox followed by the therapy programme that prevents an immediate relapse. | £3,000–£6,000 | £5,000–£16,000 |
These are market ranges gathered across CQC-registered UK providers, not quotes. Only the clinic can confirm a final price, and it depends on your assessment. Prices checked July 2026.
Heroin detox timeline
6–12 hours
Cravings, restlessness, watery eyes and yawning start (longer for methadone — 24–48 hours).
Days 1–3
Peak symptoms: muscle and bone pain, cramps, sickness, diarrhoea, no sleep.
Days 4–7
Physical symptoms start to settle. Sleep and appetite remain poor.
Weeks 2–4
Low mood, fatigue and strong cravings dominate. Relapse risk peaks here.
How risky is it, honestly
Withdrawal itself is rarely dangerous in an otherwise healthy adult, but tolerance falls sharply within days. Most opiate overdose deaths happen shortly after a detox or a period in custody. Carry naloxone.
Medication typically used
- Buprenorphine (Subutex) or methadone on a reducing regime
- Lofexidine for the physical symptoms
- Anti-diarrhoeals, anti-sickness and non-opioid pain relief
Can you do a heroin detox at home?
Community opiate detox is routine on the NHS and usually runs through a substitute prescription reviewed over weeks or months. It is slower than an inpatient detox but avoids the tolerance cliff, because the reduction is gradual.
This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation. If you are physically dependent, speak to a doctor before you change your intake — including reducing it.
Common questions
How long does a heroin detox take?
10–21 days, longer if reducing from methadone. An inpatient opiate detox usually runs 10–21 days and costs about £3,000–£6,000 privately. Opiate withdrawal is intensely unpleasant but rarely life-threatening; the real danger is the drop in tolerance afterwards, which makes an overdose far more likely if you use again.
Is a heroin detox dangerous?
Withdrawal itself is rarely dangerous in an otherwise healthy adult, but tolerance falls sharply within days. Most opiate overdose deaths happen shortly after a detox or a period in custody. Carry naloxone.
Can I detox from heroin at home?
Community opiate detox is routine on the NHS and usually runs through a substitute prescription reviewed over weeks or months. It is slower than an inpatient detox but avoids the tolerance cliff, because the reduction is gradual.
What medication is used for a heroin detox?
Buprenorphine (Subutex) or methadone on a reducing regime; Lofexidine for the physical symptoms; Anti-diarrhoeals, anti-sickness and non-opioid pain relief. Everything is prescribed and reviewed by a doctor — nothing here should be sourced privately or online.
How much does a private heroin detox cost?
Expect £3,000–£6,000 for a medically supervised inpatient detox, depending on length of stay and room type. NHS community detox is free but involves an assessment wait.
Do I need rehab afterwards?
Detox handles the chemistry, not the habit. Relapse rates after detox alone are high, so plan the following four weeks before you start — a residential programme, structured outpatient therapy, or at minimum a weekly group and a named person to call.