Effective Heroin Detox Methods
Heroin has been a staple on the American drug market for decades. The abuse of this drug dates back as far as the 1930s, and its use has seen peaks and valleys ever since.
More recent history has included an upturn in the use of heroin. The prescription pill epidemic of the mid-2000s gave way to the heroin epidemic, and currently, fentanyl is invading every corner of the United States.
Heroin is an extremely difficult drug to detox from because of the serious physical symptoms and dependence associated with its abuse. The chemicals in this drug bind to receptors in the brain, rewiring the entire structure and altering the way the body processes certain signals.
Individuals who seek abstinence from heroin must undergo what’s known as heroin detox. This withdrawal process can be incredibly uncomfortable and often requires the presence of medical professionals.
Keep reading to find out more about the details of heroin detox, and the effective programs offered at Icarus in New Mexico!
What Is a Heroin Detox?
Heroin detox is the process in which an individual eliminates all traces of the substance from their body. This is done through complete abstinence from the drug over a period of five to seven days.
There are several important characteristics of heroin detox. Several distinct phases are included in the process, which can be quite difficult. However, completing heroin detox is rewarding for individuals suffering from substance abuse disorder and is often the most important step in lasting recovery from heroin dependence.
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A Closer Look at Heroin Detox
There are several important features of a heroin detox program that individuals must be aware of. The following section outlines the most significant features of this process.
- Individuals must remain free from heroin use during the entire process. Failing to maintain abstinence is known as relapse.
- During the detox process, individuals will go through withdrawal symptoms. These range in severity and are marked by several distinct phases.
- Individuals have the choice between at-home detox and medically-assisted detox.
Before identifying someone who has an issue with heroin abuse disorder, it’s vital that they’re able to identify the signs and symptoms of heroin withdrawal.
What Are the Typical Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms?
The following are the most significant characteristics of heroin withdrawal, and can also be present as post-acute withdrawal symptoms.
- Frequent yawning
- Water eyes
- Stomach cramps
- Muscle aches
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Cold chills/goosebumps
The intensity and duration of heroin withdrawal depend on the length of the drug abuse, and the amount ingested. Heroin’s half-life and the amount of time it stays in a user’s system also play a role.
A heroin withdrawal timeline is an example of what to expect from detox and how long it may last. In the following section, we’ll outline a potential heroin and opiate withdrawal timeline.