Heroin is used as a recreational drug due to its euphoric effects and can either be sniffed or injected. Its effects on the body can be lethal, ranging from damaged nasal tissues to lung complications and kidney disease. Almost 15,000 deaths involving heroin overdose and around 808,000 confirmed cases of heroin use were recorded in 2018.
If a person decides to undergo heroin detox, withdrawal symptoms may immediately arise 6 hours from the last dose and may peak in just a few days. Because of this complicated nature of detoxification, it’s highly recommended to seek medical help to quit heroin addiction safely.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can depend on how long a person has been using the substance. Once a person stops taking heroin, the following symptoms may arise:
- Nausea
- Severe itching
- Dry mouth
- Runny nose
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue
- Tremors
- Diarrhea
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Muscle spasms
- Kidney disease
- Infection in the heart lining
- Lung complications
- Damaged nasal tissues for those who sniff heroin
- Collapsed veins for those who inject heroin
The Process of Heroin Detox
Generally, the detoxification process can be broken down in three steps but each may have different methods depending on the severity of the addiction.
1. The first step is the assessment of the patient. A medical evaluation will be conducted to find out essential information such as the frequency and duration of use, other substances taken in conjunction with heroin, and previous attempts to sobriety.
2. Medical professionals may facilitate several medical and psychological therapies to help curb the onset of the symptoms. Since it isn’t advisable to go cold turkey on the use of heroin, drug replacement therapies are conducted to gradually ease the body from its dependence on heroin.
3. Once the patient responds positively to the therapies, a personalized program will be devised according to their needs. They can choose either a 24/7 inpatient program or an outpatient program with a more relaxed schedule.
Heroin detox can be difficult when done alone, that’s why Broadway Treatment Center is here to assist you throughout the whole process and ensure your safety in every way. Contact our staff, and we’ll provide you with every information you’ll need to help you get started.