Heroin Detox
How Heroin Works
The body is a miraculous machine. The brain produces chemical substances called endorphins, which are natural opiates. Endorphins flood the space between the nerve cells and inhibit the triggers set off by stress, pain, or panic. The chemical structure of heroin is similar to that of endorphins but it is more powerful. Regular use of heroin then inhibits the body’s own production of endorphins and it relies upon the intake of heroin. The initial effect of heroin is a sense of well-being, or a warm, cozy state. In many cases, the initial euphoria experienced disappears and use continues because of the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Often, continued use leads to death from overdose.
Heroin Withdrawal
Heroin detoxification (heroin detox), like any drug detox, will be accompanied by physical symptoms. Exposure to heroin use of just three days will result in withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of withdrawal can begin as early as four to six hours after the last use. Â
Vital Signs |
Withdrawal Symptoms |
Length of Detox |
Tachycardia
Hypertension
Fever
|
Muscle and bone pain
Sweats and cold flashes
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Flu-like symptoms
Vomiting |
Symptoms begin between 4-8 hours after the last use.
Symptoms may peak between 36-72 hours
Withdrawal can last 7-14 days |
Unsupervised withdrawal is a key reason for relapse (as well as uncomfortable and unsafe). It is a difficult process if not handled properly. The safest way to approach heroin detox should be with a medical drug detoxification facility. While heroin withdrawal can be challenging to the nervous system, the symptoms can be eased with a variety of carefully administered drugs such as clonidine, methodone, or Suboxone, to name only three of the hundreds of potential medications available.
Opiate agonists (clonidine, methodone, Suboxone) block some of the physical manifestations of withdrawal. Though these drugs act like heroin, the body does not respond the same as heroin upon detoxification. At our medical detox facility, physicians and nurses monitor your condition, minimizing your heroin withdrawal symptoms as the opiate dosage is gradually reduced. Again, these drugs are not to be self-administered, as there are physical and psychological side effects that can lead to an additional addiction. It should be noted that when a heroin addict ceases to use heroin for a number of weeks and then immediately returns to levels of prior usage, he or she is at an increased risk of suffering an overdose due to the body’s inability to tolerate the heroin. It is strongly recommended that a treatment program follows detoxification and that treatment is followed by a clearly articulated aftercare plan.
Detox from Heroin | Programs
Because of the highly addictive properties of heroin, a medically supervised withdrawal followed by a drug treatment program is strongly recommended. You should understand that about a week after heroin detoxification your physical symptoms may disappear, but you will be left with emotional cravings. These cravings are considered part of the heroin detox and should not be minimized, as these are strong enough to cause a relapse. A common mistake made by heroin addicts is to ignore the psychological aspect of heroin addiction and detoxification.
At Lakeview Health Systems, our quality drug rehabilitation program can help you learn how to deal with heroin cravings and live a sober, drug-free life. We offer heroin addicts a comprehensive treatment program lead by masters- level therapists who will educate you about your drug abuse its emotional and physical consequences.
Beyond Heroin Detoxification
At Lakeview Health Systems we are dedicated to helping you reclaim your life from heroin; our programs are custom-tailored to your needs. Studies indicate that heroin detoxification, whether supervised or done in the privacy of your home, is not enough to keep you from quickly relapsing. In a therapeutic environment, every aspect of addiction and recovery will be covered, including individual and group therapy sessions, 12-step programs, recreational activities, and more. Once you have passed through the heroin detoxification stage, you need to learn how to re-enter your life as a clean and sober individual. All our treatment phases are structured to facilitate your reorientation process.
The entire staff at Lakeview Health Systems is committed to seeing you overcome your addiction. Take control of your life now and make the best choice of your life.Â
Other Detoxification Programs that Lakeview Offers:
There are heroin detox admissions coordinators standing by who can help answer all your questions, assist with travel arrangements, and answer insurance questions so that you can begin your recovery immediately. Detox from Heroin. CALL NOW: 1-800-884-1727. You can also reach our Helpline by using Live Chat or through our Contact Us form.
