Heroin Withdrawal Signs and Symptoms
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 3.7 million people have used heroin at some point during their lives. This startling statistic means that there a sizable number people in the United States who could benefit from a drug rehab program.
When an individual gives up heroin to enter one of these addiction treatment programs, they must first undergo detoxification. Without drug detox, the chance of the recovering addict relapsing into heroin use is just too high. Heroin detox is a relatively short process, but one that can produce uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Opiate-based drugs create some of the strongest withdrawal symptoms among all illicit substances. In particular, individuals who have a heroin addiction and then attempt to quit are prone to experiencing several moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms during the initial days in which they give up the drug.
What are the most Common Heroin Withdrawal Signs and Symptoms?
There are a number of signs and symptoms associated with heroin withdrawal. Some of these symptoms are outward, physical conditions while others cause psychological stress. The most common of these include:
- Depression
- Anxiety or nervous behavior
- Sudden mood swings
- Sudden weight loss
- Strong drug cravings
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive yawning or watering of the eyes
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Generally, these symptoms will have their onset between 24 and 72 hours after the individual stops using heroin. They can last up to a week or more depending upon the individual and the length/depth of their heroin addiction.
How do Recovering Addicts overcome Heroin Withdrawal?
Many heroin addicts are simply unable to cope with heroin withdrawal – and a result quickly find themselves back in the cycle of addiction that has been putting their lives at risk. In order to move forward and overcome withdrawal symptoms it is crucial that the individual follow the advice of the professionals who are overseeing the procedure. Detox experts know all the healthiest ways for people to act in order to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Some people, unable to cope with the harshness of "natural detox" choose instead to use Methadone as a means of detoxifying with fewer withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is a synthetic opiate that mirrors many of the physiological effects of heroin and, although other drugs are being developed that serve the same purpose, is the popular choice for medical heroin detox. By taking smaller and smaller doses of the drug over time, the individual is able to ease off of heroin more gradually – and without many of the withdrawal symptoms associated with going "cold turkey."
Michael's House is a residential drug rehab center located in Palm Springs, California. The caring treatment professionals at Michael's House understand at the deepest level the power that heroin addiction has over the individual. The treatment program emphasizes healing the mind, body and spirit of every patient. For more information, contact Michael's House today.
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