Heroin detox can be dangerous, so it’s important not to attempt it alone. Make the withdrawal process as comfortable and safe as possible with medical detox.
Heroin Detox
Heroin is an opioid and is highly addictive. It doesn’t take long for someone to become dependent on heroin. In 2018, nearly 800,000 people reported using heroin.
Suddenly stopping heroin can be dangerous, particularly if someone is also struggling with another substance use disorder, such as alcohol addiction, or a mental health disorder, such as major depression. The withdrawal process can be more challenging and requires careful management under medical supervision.
What Causes Heroin Detox?
Detoxification occurs when the body develops a tolerance to a substance. When someone detoxes from heroin, they are removing all traces of the drug from their system, which can be uncomfortable and challenging.
Heroin works by affecting the central nervous system receptors, tricking the body into not feeling the pain it typically experiences. Once the body becomes dependent on heroin, individuals often rely on the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms, making it difficult to stop without professional help.
As the body builds a tolerance to heroin, larger doses are required over time to achieve the same effect. The longer someone abuses heroin, the more intense and challenging the detox process becomes.
Signs of Heroin Abuse and Addiction
Many people begin abusing heroin after being prescribed opioids for a legitimate pain issue. Due to the powerful effects of opioids and tightening restrictions around prescriptions, many individuals turn to heroin, which they can more easily purchase on the street.
Potential signs and symptoms of opioid abuse to watch for include:
- drowsiness
- mental fog
- nausea
- constipation
In extreme cases of opioid abuse, some individuals may experience slowed breathing, which can lead to an overdose and potentially be fatal. These are all potential signs that you or a loved one may be misusing opioids, such as heroin.
Another possible symptom of opioid abuse is the presentation of withdrawal symptoms.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Heroin withdrawal symptoms occur when someone abruptly stops using the drug. The severity of the symptoms depends on factors such as the duration of heroin use and the size of the dose the body has become accustomed to.
If someone dependent on heroin stops heroin, they may experience the following:
- restlessness
- muscles aches
- bone pain
- diarrhea and vomiting
- cold flashes
- goosebumps
What To Expect During Heroin Detoxification
Because heroin is highly addictive, it often requires a formal detox program. A complete health consultation is one of the first steps in a heroin detox program, ensuring that each individual receives the appropriate care. This includes:
- mental health care
- nutritional care
- medical needs
- disorder treatment
Detox programs help manage difficult physical withdrawal symptoms and cravings. However, it is crucial to find a detox program that offers referrals to formal addiction treatment programs, as this greatly enhances the chances of achieving long-term recovery.
Medical Detox for Heroin Addiction
Due to the significant changes heroin can cause in brain chemistry, detoxing alone is virtually impossible. Medical detox provides the necessary support to reduce the risk of relapse, offering a safer and more effective path to recovery.
Medical detox programs typically last about a week. While this is a crucial first step, it is not enough time to fully overcome a heroin addiction for most people. Therefore, it is essential to follow detox with an inpatient treatment program to ensure long-term recovery and address the root causes of addiction.
Most people who struggle with heroin abuse would likely benefit from an outpatient program after completing inpatient treatment. This allows for continued support and care while transitioning back to daily life, helping to maintain long-term recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Heroin Abuse
There are medications developed to assist individuals in their efforts to stop using heroin. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) helps reduce cravings for heroin and gradually tapers the body off opioids, making the withdrawal process more manageable and supporting long-term recovery.
In some cases, the body may have been permanently altered by heroin abuse, requiring ongoing medication for the rest of a person’s life. However, it is possible to manage this and maintain sobriety with the right treatment and support.
MAT medications for opioid abuse include:
- Methadone
- Buprenorphine
- Clonidine
- Naltrexone
Heroin Detox Rehab Centers
If you or a loved one needs help with a heroin use disorder, the team at Desert Rose Detox is here to support you. We can answer any questions you may have about the detox process or help you find additional treatment programs in Kentucky. Call our helpline at (606) 462-3001.
Sources:
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus – Heroin
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus – Opiate and opioid withdrawal