Heroin Detox
Derived from morphine, heroin is a dangerous drug that affects basic physiological functioning. In fact, heroin can gravely affect heart rate, sleep patterns, breathing, and other aspects of human functioning. It artificially boosts feelings of pleasure in the brain, leading to severe withdrawal symptoms when use ceases.
It’s imperative that someone addicted to heroin seek professional treatment at a drug rehab center. Failure to do so can lead the person down the road to even harder forms of opioid addiction, such as fentanyl addiction. The first step before proper heroin addiction treatment can begin is medical detox. Heroin detox is best done within the confines of a professional heroin rehab and detox center.
What Is Heroin?
Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive opioid drug derived from morphine, which is a natural substance extracted from the seed pod of the opium poppy plant. It is a powerful central nervous system depressant that, when used, produces intense feelings of euphoria and pain relief. Heroin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in many countries, indicating that it is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
Heroin is often a white or brown powder or a black, sticky substance known as “black tar heroin.” It can be injected, smoked, or snorted. Injecting is one of the most common methods of use and is associated with a more immediate and intense onset of effects.
Heroin use induces a sense of euphoria and relaxation, often accompanied by a warm flushing of the skin and a dry mouth. Users may experience clouded mental functioning, drowsiness, and slowed breathing. These effects contribute to the drug’s high potential for abuse and addiction.
Heroin is highly addictive, and repeated use can lead to the development of tolerance and physical dependence. As tolerance increases, individuals may need higher doses to achieve the desired effects. Dependence on heroin can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not used, which can be intense and include nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, and anxiety.
If you or someone you know is struggling with heroin abuse, please reach out for help today.
The Dangers of Heroin Abuse
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, some short-term and long-term effects of heroin use may include:
- Dry mouth
- Warm flushing of the skin
- Heavy feeling in arms and legs
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe itching
- Clouded mental functioning, including impaired judgment
The long-term effects of heroin use may include:
- Insomnia
- Collapsed veins
- Infection of the heart lining and valves
- Constipation and stomach cramping
- Liver and kidney disease
- Lung complications
- Depression
- Antisocial personality disorder
- Sexual dysfunction
Heroin is an extremely dangerous drug. Without proper intervention, an addiction can lead to serious and lasting health problems, and even death.
Self-Assessment: Am I Addicted?
What Is Heroin Withdrawal?
Withdrawal from heroin causes intense discomfort. Body aches, shivering, as well as vomiting are just a few of the most common withdrawal symptoms. The physical discomfort often leads those who are detoxing without medical help to quickly go back to using heroin for relief. Our detox facility is experienced in treating the symptoms associated with heroin withdrawal.
If you are unsure if you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, some signs of a heroin problem are:
- Planning activities around heroin use
- Engaging in high-risk behaviors
- Prioritizing heroin over other things
- Loss of interest in activities that don’t include heroin
- Lying or stealing in order to get heroin
- Withdrawal symptoms and/or heroin cravings
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
When detoxing from heroin you may experience various withdrawal symptoms.
Common heroin withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Restlessness
- Muscle aches and pains
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Cold flashes
At Spokane Heights Detox Center we understand how difficult it can be to go through withdrawal from heroin. Our team of experienced heroin detox experts can help you rid the drug from your body while minimizing discomfort.
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Heroin Withdrawal Timeline
Heroin withdrawal syndrome can be categorized into two phases, the acute phase and subacute phase.
Week 1 Acute Phase of Heroin Withdrawal
Generally, acute heroin withdrawal symptoms start within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose.
Acute heroin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Quickened heartrate
- High body temperature
- Sleep issues, including insomnia
- Dilated pupils, leading to sensitivity toward light
- Heightened reflexes
- Sweating
- Goosebumps
- Watery eyes and nose
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Acute symptoms of heroin withdrawal generally peak within two to three days of the last dose.
Week 2+ Subacute Phase of Heroin Withdrawal
Some people may experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS), which is a prolonged phase of withdrawal that can last for months or years.
This may include things like:
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression
- Continued sleep disturbances
- Continued sleep disturbances
- A general lack of feeling (anhedonia)
- Loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities
- Short-term memory issues
- Watery eyes and nose
- Decreased attention span
- Intense drug cravings
Heroin withdrawal can be very uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, especially if there are underlying mental health or medical conditions. Dual diagnosis mental health issues require concurrent mental health treatment.
What to Expect During Heroin Detox?
Symptoms of heroin withdrawal can be distressing and even life-threatening. If you or a loved one are seeking heroin detox, it’s best to do so under the guidance of professionals. Professional medical supervision can help alleviate symptoms and ensure detox happens safely.
Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights offers 24/7 access to medical professionals during heroin detox so that all of our guests can receive the help they need. Further, we aim to make the detox process as safe and comfortable as possible.
Our detox facility provides medication-assisted treatment, following a medical evaluation for each guest’s case. Medication-assisted treatment can greatly assist in reducing any uncomfortable heroin withdrawal symptoms in order to provide relief for our guests. With comfortable accommodations, guests have the opportunity to relax while they regain stability in their health.
After Heroin Detox
Following medical detox, our guests can move on to our two-week residential inpatient program. In our residential inpatient program, guests will live in-house and be free from any distractions of the outside world. Guests will partake in intensive therapy, while learning practices to improve their spiritual wellbeing. Therapy programs may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma therapy, and others. Therapy is intended to address the underlying roots of addiction to ensure relapse prevention and long-term recovery. After this, patients may take advantage of our aftercare, outpatient, and sober living programs.
Changing a life driven by substance abuse requires learning a new way to live, involving healthy behaviors and a mindset that supports addiction recovery. It’s hard, but with the right support, you can do it! Contact one of our specialists today to take the first step toward changing your life for the better.
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Looking for Heroin Detox Services?
If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin addiction, please reach out to us to find out more about how our heroin detox services can help. We work with most private insurance policies and offer affordable self-pay rates if you do not have insurance. Give us a call and we will figure out the best treatment plan for you or your loved one.
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If you or someone you know has a substance use disorder, we hope you’ll begin your journey with us at Royal Life Centers.
