How Can I Safely Detox From Heroin?
Heroin is an extremely addictive drug derived from morphine that can be injected, smoked, or snorted. Like opiate addiction, heroin addiction is highly serious and can have negative impacts on a person’s life — and in some cases can even be fatal.
Recovery can be difficult because heroin withdrawal symptoms experienced during detox are intense. Without outside help from a heroin detox center, it’s highly unlikely an individual attempting to quit heroin will be successful. Below, we’ll discuss the symptoms of heroin withdrawal, how long the process takes, and how to detox from heroin. Our Florida rehab offers the necessary treatments to help you or your loved one safely detox from heroin.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Like any addiction, heroin addiction changes the way your brain functions, causing you to crave the substance on a consistent basis. When you’re not using heroin, symptoms of heroin withdrawal can set in. These symptoms will only get worse if you’re actively trying to quit the drug, and can include:
- Hot and cold flashes
- Abdominal pain
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Restless legs, jitters, and muscle aches
- Severe sweating
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Flu-like symptoms, including headaches, nausea, and fatigue
Because these symptoms are so intense and because they can be accompanied by nervousness, anxiety, and depression, many people relapse or fail to even begin the quitting process.
How to Detox From Heroin
Because the symptoms of heroin withdrawal can be life-threatening, the only safe way to detox from heroin is under medical supervision in a heroin detox center. Safety isn’t the only concern, however. To increase your chances of a successful recovery, a comfortable detox and recovery experience with supportive, well-trained staff can be truly invaluable.
At Beachway, our unique and customized detox and rehab programs focus on a multiple-therapy, holistic approach to treatment, including individual, group, family, and alternative counseling — and even spiritual healing through our faith-based treatment options.
We understand that the best treatment plans will focus on addressing the root problems and sources of a person’s heroin addiction. That’s why we offer dual diagnosis treatment plans that take into account co-occurring mental health disorders. Some of the most common types of addiction treatment therapy also include cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps patients develop new thought patterns and coping strategies that make relapse less likely.
Although attending a heroin rehab center is a necessary part of the recovery process, preventing patients from relapsing is just as important. At Beachway, our Florida rehab provides patients with a safe environment and the counseling necessary to understand and overcome addiction to achieve lasting recovery.
How Long Does Heroin Detox Take?
Heroin withdrawal is complex, and the detox process will vary in length depending on several factors. These factors include the length of use and the amount of the drug typically used, as well as the person’s age, gender, weight, and so on.
Generally, the first withdrawal symptoms will appear between 12 and 24 hours after quitting the substance, though they may appear sooner. Altogether, most detoxes will take between 4 and 10 days to run their course. Here is a general heroin detox timeline:
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- 6 to 24 hours after the last dose. Individuals will begin to experience mild withdrawal symptoms, including aches, pains, and irritability.
- 1 to 3 days after the last dose. This period will typically be the most challenging. Withdrawal symptoms will usually peak around this time, with existing symptoms growing in intensity and new symptoms like jittering, severe sweating, and vomiting appearing.
- 4 to 7 days after the last dose. During this period, withdrawal symptoms will typically begin to subside (people with severe addictions may experience symptoms up to 10 days after quitting). General aches and pains may still be present.
- One week to several months later. Physical symptoms will have disappeared, though some people may experience continued feelings of apathy, anxiety, and depression, which can put them in danger of a relapse. In these cases, aftercare will be needed to maintain sobriety.
Learn More About Our Heroin Detox Center at Beachway
Heroin is an extremely addictive drug, which makes it highly unlikely that individuals will be able to quit it cold turkey. Repeated relapses can even be fatal because users overestimate their tolerance for the drug, putting them at risk of an overdose.
Medically assisted detox is the first step in any successful heroin recovery program. From there, continued care and monitoring, as well as mental health services, can be extremely helpful in maintaining recovery.
Looking for a heroin detox center in Florida? At Beachway, our unique and personalized detox and rehab programs focus on a multiple-therapy, holistic approach that takes into account dual diagnosis and all facets of the person. If you or a loved one is interested in getting help from our Florida rehab, contact us today.