Heroin Detox
An Effective Opiate Detox Program for Orange County
No matter who you are, it’s likely that either you or someone close to you has been affected by addiction. Heroin is one of the most potent and powerful drugs on the market today and the dangers associated with its use cannot be understated. The physical effects of heroin abuse can even include liver and kidney damage.
The heroin recovery process can be a long and difficult one, but it is a journey that can be made with the right support and guidance. If you or someone you love is struggling with drug abuse, seek help as soon as possible.
Keep reading to learn more about heroin addiction, heroin detox treatment, and how South Shores Detox and Recovery can help you get on the path to recovery through our detox treatment programs!
The Effects of Heroin Addiction on The Brain and Body
Heroin addiction is a devastating disease that has far-reaching consequences, both for the individual struggling with addiction and for those around them. The effects of heroin addiction on the brain and body are wide-ranging and can be catastrophic, making it a life-threatening condition that must be addressed with urgency.
One of the most profound effects of heroin abuse on the brain is the way in which it affects the body’s reward system. When someone takes heroin, their brain releases a large amount of dopamine, the chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward.
Heroin: Hijacking the Brain’s Reward System
Prolonged use of heroin can distort the natural production of dopamine in the brain, disrupting its reward system. This leads to needing increased amounts of the drug to get the same effects as before, while decreased levels of dopamine can cause feelings of depression and powerful cravings when an individual stops taking it.
Heroin addiction has far-reaching implications, not just psychologically but also physically. Intravenous drug use can cause veins to collapse, leading to pain and difficulty finding veins for injections. Additionally, it can cause infections and even life-threatening blood clots.
24 Hour Heroin Detox Helpline
How Heroin Detox Works
Heroin detox is an essential part of the recovery process, but it is not an easy task. It can be both physically and emotionally demanding as the body works to rid itself of the toxic substances that have built up from prolonged drug use. Drug detox programs help pave a path toward sobriety and a healthier life.
This process can take several days to several weeks, depending on the individual and the severity of their addiction. During this time, the body will experience withdrawal symptoms as it adjusts to functioning without the drug. One of the most challenging aspects of heroin detox is the onset of intense symptoms of withdrawal.
Withdrawal symptoms during heroin detox may seem overwhelming, but it is important to remember that these are a natural part of the healing process. With the right support and care, navigating them is possible and individuals can start their recovery journey on the right track.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Heroin withdrawal is an intense experience that can affect individuals on a physical, mental, and emotional level. Detoxing from heroin will bring about a range of uncomfortable symptoms that may come at different stages of the process. It is important to remember that these are all normal parts of recovery and should not be seen as a sign of failure.
Heroin Detox and Heroin Withdrawal Timeline
When Does Heroin Withdrawal Start?
The initial withdrawal symptoms that occur during the first few days of heroin withdrawal are typically the most intense. During this time, the individual is likely to experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms that can be both unpleasant and intense. Some of the most common symptoms during this acute stage include:
- Muscle aches and pains
- Restless legs/Muscle spasms
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cold sweats
These symptoms are typically the strongest in the first few days after the last dose of the drug and will gradually subside as time goes by.
Getting Past the First Days of Detox from Heroin
On days 4 or 5 of detox, the heroin withdrawal symptoms will start to become more manageable. However, some physical symptoms may persist, such as muscle aches, restlessness, and insomnia. In addition to these physical symptoms, the individual may also experience intense psychological symptoms, such as:
- Depression
- Anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure)
- Irritability and agitation
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Cravings
- Difficulty concentrating
Longer Lasting Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal
Heroin use can lead to a wide range of distressing withdrawal symptoms that can persist for weeks or even months after the last dose. Those experiencing the longer-lasting symptoms may experience depression, anxiety, and persistent craving for the drug as well as difficulty sleeping, concentrating, and feeling pleasure. These are commonly referred to as post-acute withdrawal symptoms.
The intensity of each person’s heroin withdrawal symptoms and the heroin detox timeline depends on how long they have been using, their pattern of usage (whether binging or using consistently over a longer period), and their level of physical dependence and psychological dependence prior to quitting, among other factors.
Medical Detox For Heroin Withdrawal
A medical detox is an effective approach to managing symptoms of heroin withdrawal and reducing cravings. This involves the use of prescription medications such as naltrexone or buprenorphine, which act by taking the place of heroin in the body and helping manage severe withdrawal symptoms.
At South Shores Detox and Recovery, we avoid using methadone for detox, as its usage tends to be for those seeking a long term substitute rather than a life free from opioids.
In addition to medication-assisted treatment, it is also important to have a supportive and caring environment during the detox process. This may include the support of family members and friends, as well as access to medical professionals and resources, such as counseling and therapy. Having a strong support system in place can provide a sense of comfort and security during this difficult time, and can help you stay motivated and focused on your recovery.
What About Quitting Heroin Cold Turkey?
Quitting heroin cold turkey should not be attempted due to the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and the potential danger. A medical detox program is a more reliable solution, as it provides access to medications that can help reduce cravings and lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
The withdrawal symptoms from heroin are not typically life-threatening, but they can be severe and can lead to relapse and overdose. Overdosing on heroin after quitting cold turkey is a serious concern, as the individual’s tolerance to the drug may have decreased during the withdrawal process, and they may be more susceptible to overdose if they start using again.
If a medical detoxification program is available, it’s always recommended.
Addiction Aftercare and Long Term Recovery
After completing your stay at a heroin detox center, there is still a lot of work to do to treat your heroin use and substance use disorder.
Detoxing from heroin use is only the first step on the path to recovery. It’s essential to get into a recovery program and find an ongoing treatment that will help individuals stay sober.
Aftercare and long-term support are also key in overcoming heroin addiction, providing individuals with the best chance at living a healthier life.
Please visit our other resources such as ‘what does heroin look like‘ for assistance in identifying if a loved one may be using this highly addictive opioid.
The Importance of Support and Connection in Sobriety
Inpatient rehab facilities, 12-step programs, and therapeutic communities – like sober living – offer a supportive environment to help individuals manage cravings and abstain from relapsing. It is important to also focus on physical issues associated with past drug use which may require medical attention, such as liver damage, gastrointestinal issues, or vitamin deficiencies.
Taking steps to reduce stress, eating healthily, and getting adequate rest is also important for sustaining long-term recovery. With the right care, support, and self-discipline, those who embark on the journey of heroin detox have a great chance of achieving lifelong sobriety and reclaiming their lives.
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Your Choice for Heroin Detox in Orange County
If you or someone you know is struggling with heroin addiction, it is important to seek help. South Shores Detox and Recovery is a leading provider of heroin detox services and can help individuals in their journey toward recovery.
We employ a holistic approach that focuses on treating both the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal as well as addressing any underlying mental health issues that may be contributing to addiction. In addition to detox, we offer comprehensive aftercare services such as group therapy, nutritional guidance, and access to psychiatric care.
Contact us as soon as possible to find out how we can help you with your substance abuse issues and help you enter a heroin withdrawal treatment facility.
All calls are confidential, so if you or a loved one are struggling with heroin or other opiates, please reach out now and get options for lasting recovery at South Shores!