Heroin Detox: What You Need to Know
The first step towards overcoming heroin addiction is detoxification, or simply "detox". Heroin detox refers to the process of removing all the toxins associated with the drug from your body. Most drug rehab facilities offer a full detox program, while other facilities are devoted specifically to the detox process along.
Here are some important facts about heroin detox that you should know before beginning the process.Key facts about Heroin Detox
When heroin withdrawal begins
For most people heroin withdrawal hits its peak 48 to 72 hours after the last dose of the drug has been taken. The onset of symptoms may come a bit sooner, but will not reach maximum intensity until sometime around the 48 hour mark.
What are the symptoms of heroin withdrawal?
Heroin withdrawal symptoms most commonly include the following: seizures, heart irregularities, vomiting, insomnia, the sweats, drug craving, restlessness, muscle and bone pain, diarrhea, cold flashes, and goose bumps.
Are these symptoms dangerous?
While individual rarely die as a result of heroin withdrawal (there are some rare cases of fatal sudden heroin detox), the symptoms can cause quite a bit of discomfort and often lead to relapse for those who grow overly agitated by them. For this reason, it is always recommended that an individual go through detox while under the care of a professional.
Why heroin detox should be under professional care
In addition to the reason above (uncomfortable symptoms), another reason to go through the detox process in the care of a professional is the setting. Detox needs to take place in a relaxing environment, and certainly a place that is far away from anywhere the individual used drugs or has access to additional heroin. A detox center or residential rehab program provides a "neutral environment" where the individual can truly focus on getting well without the distraction of the outside world.
Medical Heroin Detox
One common medical heroin detox process includes the use of methadone to "bring down" the user. Methadone is an opiate that tricks the body into thinking it is receiving the doses of heroin, while actually easing the individual off of the drug. One unfortunate side effect of methadone treatment is becoming addicted to the methadone itself.
What comes next?
After the heroin detoxification is complete, the body is free of opiate toxins, and the individual is now in proper condition to continue on to drug rehab. Think of it as completing the physical aspect of recovery so that you can now focus on the psychological part of the process. It is recommended that once the detox is complete that the individual enter a rehab program immediately. This helps get the most out of the detox, and keeps the momentum going towards a full recovery from addiction.
Michael's House offers a full heroin detox program as part of its residential drug rehab program. We provide a safe, caring environment for those individuals who are going through withdrawal symptoms – helping them stay healthy and avoid relapse during this challenging time. Contact Michael's House today at 1-877-345-8494 for more information about our heroin rehab programs.
