Heroin is one of the most addictive and dangerous substances a person can take. If you or a loved one are in the midst of heroin addiction, you need to know how to navigate the heroin detoxification process and how the experts can help you get through it.
What is Heroin Detox?
Heroin detoxification is a complex process in which an addicted individual’s body suffers withdrawal symptoms from not receiving regular heroin. When the body becomes physiologically addicted to heroin, the brain and nervous system are conditioned to expect this dangerous substance. If a person addicted to heroin does not get it, they may experience severe symptoms such as:
- Intense anxiety
- Chills and fevers
- Sweating
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sadness and depression
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Restlessness
- Aching muscles in the legs and back
- Digestive trouble like diarrhea
- Cravings for heroin
In many cases, heroin detoxification and withdrawal can last up to a week or more.
Understanding the Heroin Detoxification Process
This is a medical process in which an addicted individual proceeds through withdrawal and transitions to long–term addiction recovery treatment with the support of trained staff members to provide medical and therapeutic help.
Heroin detoxification is comprised of several stages, including:
- Evaluation, in which trained clinic members evaluate the addicted person
- Stabilization, in which the patient is supported throughout withdrawal and kept under medical supervision
- Transitioning to further treatment, which may involve checking into an inpatient or outpatient recovery program
Heroin detoxification is very difficult to go through alone. That’s why contacting a comprehensive, trusted clinic like Clear Life Recovery is wise if you or a loved one require assistance.
Methods of Heroin Detoxification
The heroin detoxification process may call for several different methods of withdrawal management1 and patient recovery. Some examples include:
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT), in which a patient is given pain relieving and other medications to help them through the worst of the withdrawal process
- Inpatient detoxification is where a patient is admitted to a recovery clinic for several days or weeks. They’re supervised for medical safety and attend regular therapy and other treatment programs.
- Outpatient detoxification, which allows a patient to stay in their own home but also requires them to visit a clinic frequently for checkups and therapeutic assistance
Symptoms and Challenges During Heroin Detoxification
Heroin detoxification can be incredibly difficult. Physical symptoms are extremely uncomfortable, which may inspire patients to relapse or seek out more heroin. Psychological addiction to heroin can also increase the risk of relapsing, even if one is in the midst of a recovery program.
Due to these challenges, working with a knowledgeable clinic and the right therapist is critical.
The Role of Support and Counseling
While heroin addiction and detoxification are primarily physical, the psychological component can’t be understated. Counseling and emotional support from friends and family members can make all the difference during the heroin detoxification process.
Indeed, therapy and counseling can help individuals with heroin addiction by:
- Showing those addicted to heroin that they are still loved and supported
- Helping addicted individuals stick to positive behavioral changes in patterns
- Uncovering the root psychological or emotional reasons why a person turns to heroin, then addressing those problems
Aftercare and Transition to Treatment
Detoxification from heroin is just the start of a personal recovery journey.2 Continuing treatment after detoxification is crucial for your long-term health and wellness.
Long-term treatment can include ongoing therapy sessions or outpatient recovery programs. In any case, further treatment will:
- Give you the psychological and behavioral tools you need to avoid relapsing in the future
- Help you meet with other people who understand what you’re going through via support groups
- Provide you with better long-term wellness and health
Navigating the Detoxification Process
It’s difficult for anyone to navigate the heroin detoxification process successfully.
With that in mind, you shouldn’t go through it alone. Bring someone with you to the recovery clinic you plan to attend. They can provide additional support and ensure you commit to the program.
Furthermore, be absolutely honest about what you want and what you need. The trained staff members at a drug addiction recovery facility will be able to anticipate and understand what you really need and give you the necessary medical attention to prevent an emergency.
You’ll likely feel significant cravings during the heroin detoxification process. Coping with withdrawal symptoms may involve asking for pain medication from clinic staff and practicing breathing exercises. To maintain motivation in the long term, rely on your friends and family members and remember why you’re going through the process in the first place.
Pop Culture References and Heroin Detoxification
Pop culture can negatively and confusingly impact the public’s perception of heroin addiction and detoxification. It may show inpatient recovery, for example, as a difficult or chaotic process when in reality, it can be very calm and supported from start to finish.
Don’t believe what you see on TV or in other forms of media about heroin detoxification. You can’t “tough it out” by yourself – even the most resilient individuals need support from trained personnel and family members to make it through.
Get Help from a Heroin Addiction Rehab in Costa Mesa
Overall, you can break free from the chains of heroin addiction with the assistance of Clear Life Recovery. At our supportive rehab, we’ll help you through detoxification and assist with building a personalized treatment plan that can help you achieve wellness for years to come. Contact us today.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/
[2] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J251v02n01_03
