Heroin is a popular opioid used across the United States. Contrary to popular belief, people from all walks of life use heroin regularly. Often injected or smoked, heroin reduces pain and creates a euphoric feeling. Heroin is derived from the opium poppy and is popular among people who use other opioids like OxyContin, Vicodin, and fentanyl.
A heroin detox program can help those living with a heroin dependency. Like other opiates, it’s dangerous to detox without professional support. If you or a loved one need help to prepare for heroin detox, call a reputable detox center today.
Understanding Heroin
Heroin provides a fast, short-lived high. It immediately enters the bloodstream, releasing dopamine and stopping pain. Heroin converts to morphine when it enters the body. This can leave people lethargic and incapacitated. When a person stops using heroin, their brain goes into shock. During withdrawal, people can get very sick.
Symptoms of heroin withdrawal include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Erratic behavior
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Paranoia
- Cravings
- Cold sweats
The longer someone uses heroin, the more intense their withdrawal will be. Regular heroin users need to take heroin every six to twelve hours to prevent withdrawal symptoms. During withdrawal, willpower is not enough to keep someone from using heroin or other drugs. That’s why it’s crucial to seek help from a heroin addiction treatment program.
Detoxing from Heroin
Psychiatric care at a heroin detox center is the safest way to detox from heroin. Many drug detox centers will use prescription drugs like Suboxone and methadone to reduce withdrawal symptoms and ween the body off opioids. Some people may take either drug for years after quitting heroin. For many, these drugs can be the best way to prevent drug cravings and relapse. Doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists can determine what treatment is best for clients and their overall mental health.
Heroin rehab often comes with dual diagnosis treatment. These programs assess, diagnose and treat mood disorders alongside addiction. Today, at least half of people living with addiction also have co-occurring disorders. Often, heroin use can be a way to self-medicate for unresolved trauma, untreated physical pain, and undiagnosed mood disorders. During heroin detox, therapists can provide treatment to reduce relapse and cravings while helping people understand their addiction.
Preparing for Heroin
Preparing for heroin rehab can be overwhelming. For most people, the best choice for heroin rehab is a residential detox program. These programs last anywhere from 30 to 90 days. For at least a month, clients live at the rehab clinic. They receive medical and nutritional supplements to reduce withdrawal and ease detox symptoms. At the same time, they begin various types of therapy for addiction recovery.
If you or someone you love is considering residential treatment, check with each program you’re considering for specific guidelines and programs. Look for a program with comprehensive aftercare like PHP, IPO, sober living, and alumni programs.
For those with strong sober support systems at home and limited access to drugs and alcohol, an intensive outpatient program might be a good choice. Suboxone and methadone are available through outpatient programs. PHP and IPO programs require a high level of independence and commitment, and safe home life.
Preparing for Heroin Detox Near You
If you or someone in your life is struggling with heroin use, call a reputable center today. There are many choices for a heroin detox center in Atlanta and across the country ready to help.
Preparing for heroin detox includes checking state and local addiction recovery resources. Local 12-step programs can help you prepare for initial detox and recovery. Always make sure a center is licensed. Today, an increasing number of detox centers take a wide range of insurance. If you are trying to quit heroin at home, contact a drug and alcohol detox center today.