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Is Heroin an Opioid?

a person speaks with a doctor possibly asking is heroin an opioid

Not long ago, many people would have told you that heroin was the most dangerous substance available and the one most likely to result in drug abuse, addiction, overdose, and death. Heroin is an opiate synthesized from morphine which comes from the seeds of poppy plants. Poppy plants are the source of naturally occurring opium, which also has highly addictive properties.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with heroin abuse or addiction, reach out to DetoxLA today at 818.616.7341 to speak with a trained representative who can tell you more about the benefits of our heroin detox program.

Heroin Addiction and the Opioid Epidemic

Today, opioid addictions are less likely to be pure heroin. This fact is because modern street drugs are often cut with dangerous, potent synthetic opiates like fentanyl.

Know Common Signs of Addiction

All forms of substance abuse have similar or related common signs of addiction. These signs involve changes in a person’s daily life, behavior, and engagement with work, family, and friends. If you or a loved one shows any of the following common signs of addiction, consider reaching out for professional help:

  • Cravings
  • Increase in use
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Lack of responsibility
  • Relationship issues
  • Loss of interest in hobbies
  • Increased isolation
  • Work issues

Signs of Heroin Withdrawal

To protect those you care about, it’s a good idea to be aware of the signs and symptoms of someone abusing or relapsing from heroin or other opiates.

Common symptoms of heroin withdrawal can include:

  • Agitation
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Runny nose
  • Sweating
  • Shaking
  • Nervousness
  • Vomiting
  • Increased anxiety
  • Depression

Why Detox Is Essential for Heroin Addiction Recovery

Medical detox plays an essential role in treating heroin and opioid addiction. Once a person has freed themselves from the cycle of abuse, their mind and body will be able to start the process of healing. The detox process can be challenging, and there is always a possibility of the need for medical treatment as a result of physical or psychological symptoms. This challenge is why medically-supervised detox is recommended for those with moderate to severe addictions.

At DetoxLA, our expert medical experts want our patients to feel safe and cared for throughout the detox process. We pride ourselves on providing the best possible service to all of our patients. Each patient is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve in a nonjudgmental environment.

The Case for Medically-Supervised Detox

Detox begins with a period of acute withdrawal. During this initial phase, cravings and withdrawal symptoms can feel intense, increasing the temptation to relapse. Detox from heroin can be physically and psychologically taxing. For these reasons and more, medically-supervised detox is highly beneficial.

Common Detox Experiences

Before beginning detox, it’s good to know how the process tends to go so you are not entirely taken by surprise. Common symptoms of withdrawal, as well as challenging psychological and emotional states, can be unpleasant but do not pose a severe health risk. That being said, situations that can arise during the detox process require immediate medical attention. This risk is why it is encouraged that you undergo treatment in a medically-supervised setting.

Some symptoms experienced during the withdrawal period can include:

  • Increased anxiety
  • Increased irritability
  • Increased agitation
  • Increased restlessness
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased heart rate
  • Excessive sweating
  • Abnormally high body temperature
  • Paranoia
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures

The Steps After Detox

After undergoing detox, patients should consider additional treatment, whether inpatient or outpatient. In any case, engaging in regular therapy sessions with a professional mental health practitioner is a good idea. A therapist can help you understand the root causes of your addiction and help you learn life skills that will aid you in relapse prevention.

12-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, are helpful resources that can help provide you with further encouragement, motivation, and accountability on your road to recovery. You may want to consider finding a sober sponsor.

Reach Out to DetoxLA Today to Begin Heroin Detox

It’s important to remember it’s never too late to kick the habit and find a new path forward. Don’t wait to begin recovery. Start the path to getting your life back on track today.

To learn more about the steps to consider after detox, reach out to the experts at DetoxLA at 818.616.7341 today. We look forward to helping you on your journey toward lasting recovery.