The prospect of going through heroin withdrawal is often distressing. Sometimes, it leads some people to continue using rather than try quitting. However, participating in a heroin detox program can significantly ease the process and set patients up with counseling and other recovery-focused activities.
If you or a loved one need to stop using heroin, you may have many questions: What is heroin detox? How long does it take? Will heroin detox really work? Learning more about these topics can help you make good choices for recovery care. To find out the answers to the previous questions and more information about detoxing from heroin, call DetoxLA today at 818.616.7341.
What Is Heroin and Why Is It Addictive?
Heroin is an opioid made from parts of the opium poppy plant. Developed initially as a pain medication to help people dealing with severe illnesses or injuries, doctors quickly realized that the drug was addictive and potentially dangerous. Heroin, like other opioid drugs, binds to specific receptors in the body, blocking the sensation of pain and creating a euphoric feeling. Heroin crosses the blood-brain barrier far more rapidly than other opiates, making its effects stronger and quicker.
Addiction, or dependence, means that the body and brain have become acclimated to the presence of a substance and have made changes to accommodate that substance. Removing the substance can cause uncomfortable effects, usually called “withdrawal symptoms.” It takes time for the body to readjust to life without the substance and return to its normal functions.
How Long Does It Take to Detox from Heroin?
The length of time that heroin detox takes can vary from person to person since no two people’s bodies or situations are identical. However, the most uncomfortable part of heroin withdrawal usually lasts between five and seven days. Some of the symptoms of heroin withdrawal are:
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Anxiety and depression
- Feelings of restlessness
- Yawning or sneezing
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Sleep problems
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Cramping and muscle spasms
After the classic withdrawal period, there can be lingering symptoms and challenges related to quitting heroin. People who have just gone through heroin withdrawal are at the highest risk of overdosing if they return to using. For this reason, participating in a heroin detox program is a wise choice.
What Is a Heroin Detox Program and How Can It Help?
A heroin detox program can be inpatient or outpatient. These types of programs are designed to help patients navigate the withdrawal process as safely and comfortably as possible. Medical and therapeutic staff monitor patients closely to ensure they tolerate the withdrawal process well. Patients attend counseling and group therapy to ensure they get the support they need as they enter recovery.
Many heroin detox programs are the beginning of a more extended and extensive rehabilitation program. Patients recovering from any kind of substance use disorder benefit significantly from access to professional treatment programs and a supportive recovery-focused community. Addiction is a disorder that can be treated and managed, but recovery takes time, care, and the right kind of help.
DetoxLA Can Help with Heroin Detox
Our luxury detox center offers our patients a combination of treatment based on best clinical practices and a close-knit community that supports patients like they’re family. We are committed to helping our patients through tough times and moments of triumph. With the right kind of support and treatment, recovery is possible. If you or someone you care about has been struggling with heroin abuse, reach out to our highly trained staff of caring and compassionate clinicians at 818.616.7341 today and learn how we can help you lay down the burden of heroin addiction.