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 a number of other forms of human functioning. It creates an artificial pleasure in the brain when used, and can cause an extreme reaction once use is discontinued.
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 in order to get rid of their withdrawal symptoms. Our detox facility is experienced in treating the symptoms associated with heroin withdrawal.
Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights offers 24/7 access to medical professionals during 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 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.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, some short-term and long-term effects of heroin use may include:
Short Term Effects:
- Dry mouth
- Warm flushing of the skin
- Heavy feeling in arms and legs
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe itching
- Clouded mental functioning, including impaired judgment
Long Term Effects:
- 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
- Irregular or halted menstruation
Because We Care
The most effective method of detoxification is detoxing at a certified medical detox facility, like Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights. Serious complications can occur during the withdrawal process, which is why it is highly suggested to detox at an inpatient level of care- with medical personnel available at all times. Our medical professionals are consistently monitoring guests on a 24-hour/day basis, and providing medication to relieve withdrawal symptoms. Minimizing discomfort is important when dealing with heroin withdrawal because guests will not become desperate to use heroin so that they can stop feeling sick. Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights keeps the detox process as pain-free as possible to keep our guests in the best state of mind during this first step of recovery. Following detox, we encourage each guest to continue treatment with our residential inpatient program.
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 can include:
- Restlessness
- Severe muscle and bone pain
- Sleep problems
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Hot/cold flashes with goosebumps
- Uncontrollable leg movements
- Severe cravings
