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Heroin is a synthetic opioid substance derived originally from opium poppy seeds that are later mixed with morphine. Heroin is a dangerous drug, and heroin addiction can occur after just a few uses.
Heroin detox refers to the process of medically managed withdrawal from heroin and typically involves medications, therapy, and other treatments needed to rid your body of heroin.
Getting help from a drug detox center is often an important lifeline for detoxing safely and with minimal physical and psychological symptoms. The main goal is to get the patient to a point where they are medically stable.
During heroin withdrawal, staff monitor the client to reduce the harmful physical symptoms of the medical detox process. Individuals also receive counseling to help them transition into a drug rehab program that can provide more extensive treatment for drug addiction.
As you undergo the heroin withdrawal process, you will probably experience withdrawal symptoms, which range in type and severity. The severity of withdrawal symptoms will depend on the body’s level of physical dependence on heroin and the duration of drug abuse. When heroin withdrawal symptoms start, you’ll likely experience diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Withdrawal from heroin can also be similar to having the flu: You may experience muscle spasms and muscle aches, have trouble falling asleep, or develop a fever or chills. Other symptoms may include agitation, anxiety, and mood changes.
Medication assisted treatment helps to counteract these common withdrawal symptoms and minimize their effects, making your overall detox experience more comfortable.
Once you admit yourself to a heroin detox program, the staff will ask you questions about your medical and mental health history to evaluate your psychological and physical health.
You will need to provide information about the last time you used heroin and other details about your addiction. The clinical detox professionals aim to provide you with the best course of treatment, so this information is critical for designing a treatment plan that works for you.
The staff will select the appropriate medication for heroin use disorder to help you through withdrawal and begin addressing the root causes of your addiction. These medications are intended to curb opioid dependent patients’ drug cravings while also treating the symptoms of withdrawal. Some work by blocking the effects of opioids to keep patients from experiencing highs associated with the drug.
The medications that treat withdrawal from heroin and other opioids work through the same opioid receptors as heroin, but are safer and not as addictive. During treatment, the staff will slowly taper you off medication to reduce uncomfortable symptoms while helping your body adjust.
Quitting heroin “cold turkey” can be dangerous for an individual with a physical dependence on heroin from substance abuse. Discontinuing heroin use with no medical help can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and life threatening side effects. People addicted to heroin may experience intense symptoms like persistent vomiting and diarrhea during withdrawal, which can cause life-threatening electrolyte imbalances. These heroin withdrawal symptoms can lead to severe dehydration, elevated levels of sodium in the blood, raised blood pressure, and heart failure.
While heroin withdrawal outside of a drug detox program typically doesn’t end up being fatal, you can experience symptoms and side effects that make the withdrawal process very uncomfortable. Medical detox allows for the rapid onset of the severe symptoms of heroin abuse to be managed by a medical professional in a safe and comfortable environment.
Quitting heroin abruptly can leave you craving heroin, which can cause you to relapse. It’s best to consult with a doctor or addiction specialist about your desire to quit heroin. They can find resources on drug detox programs and other services to help you break free of your drug addiction.
A detox program isn’t a cure for addiction. Recovering from heroin addiction is a lifelong journey, and a detox center is only the first step in stopping heroin use. After detox, you may experience long heroin withdrawal symptoms. Some people benefit from participating in a rehab program at a heroin treatment center. Behavioral therapies can help you address any underlying mental health disorders that exacerbate the desire to abuse heroin. These therapies can also help to create a support system for for ongoing support throughout recovery.
Rehab can help you work through the issues at the core of your addiction. Each individual’s heroin withdrawal timeline is different, and what works for you may not work for someone else. Rehab can help you navigate life without heroin by teaching you coping mechanisms and healthy habits.
Addiction treatment is a valuable resource on the journey toward living the happy, healthy life you deserve. A better understanding of your addiction can help you reclaim your life and rebuild the relationships shattered because of your drug use.
Remember that addiction is a chronic illness and a lifelong journey. If relapse happens, know that it’s part of the process. Adjusting your current course of treatment and changing your behaviors might be necessary in order to continue recovering from substance abuse and living a drug-free life.
You do not have to battle heroin withdrawal symptoms alone. You have treatment options available for your recovery process. If you need help getting through withdrawal from drug abuse, Future Now Detox can help. Contact us today if you’re ready to get healthy and start living life on your terms.
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