Tips for Heroin Detox Success
Heroin addiction is one of the most dangerous, destructive conditions in the substance abuse community. In addition to the constant specter of overdose, heroin also carries a variety of health risks as IV users continue to spread the HIV/AIDS virus and Hepatitis at an alarming rate.
For these reasons, and a host of others, when it comes to receiving treatment there is a sense of urgency for anyone who is addicted to heroin.
The process that begins with intervention and ends with aftercare may include a variety of different treatment styles and modalities, but one constant is the need for heroin detox.
Heroin detox is the process of allowing opiate-related toxins to leave the brain and the bloodstream, thus giving individuals a "fresh start" when they begin counseling and other psychological elements of drug rehab.
But heroin detox is not an easy process. Heroin overtakes the
Tips for Heroin Detox Success
- Keep a journal. Some recovering heroin addicts have found journal writing an effective way to monitor their progress during detox and rehab. A journal gives individuals a way to release their inner thoughts about recovery and track how far they have come.
- Maintain attitude. It may sound cliché, but maintaining a positive mental attitude during heroin detox can make or break the individual's ability to get through the process. Depression and anxiety experienced during detox will be compounded if the individual is also filled with negative, angry thoughts.
- Take a holistic approach. During heroin detox, it is important that the individual is in as good physical shape as possible. Holistic and good health practices such as yoga and regular exercise will help individuals strengthen themselves and thus cope with the withdrawal symptoms associated with detox.
- Consider a natural approach. While many recovering heroin addicts choose methadone as a means of detoxifying, the process is not for everyone. Engaging in natural detox (without the use of drugs) may cause the individual to endure stronger withdrawal symptoms, there will be no need to cope with potential methadone addiction or travel daily to a clinic in order to receive their dosage.
Withdrawal Symptoms to Expect During Heroin Detox
During the detox process, individuals are likely to experience some strong withdrawal symptoms. Although these symptoms are not life-threatening, they can last for up to 2-3 weeks and can cause high levels of discomfort.
Common heroin detox withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Strong drug cravings
- Suicidal thoughts
- Restlessness
These symptoms will be at their strongest in the initial days following the start of the detox process. As detox progresses, they should be gradually less severe.
Michael's House is a residential drug treatment facility that takes a whole body approach to treating heroin addiction. Individuals who enroll at Michael's House are treated to luxury facilities, caring staff and some of the most effective treatment methods in California. Contact Michael's House at for additional information about their heroin addiction treatment program.
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