Are you scared to stop using because the symptoms of heroin withdrawal will come on quickly? Have you heard horror stories about quitting the drug that persuades you to keep on using it? Stop! With the right detox program, you can now quit in comfort.
What Makes Heroin Addictive?
Heroin is a morphine derivative. Its refinement results in a quicker ability to break through the blood-brain barrier. This chemical property results in a noticeable rush, which can last for up to two minutes. It signals the moment in time that the drug connects with the opioid receptors in the brain. Experts believe that heroin’s potency is twice that of morphine. A resulting high may last for four to six hours, which promises a state of relaxation and wellbeing. In some cases, you might feel euphoric, tired, or wired–all at the same time. As you come off the high, you want to relive it. But your body gets used to the heroin. Soon, the typical dose won’t be enough to provide you with the high that you crave. So, you increase the dose. At the same time, the chemicals in heroin affect your brain’s ability to release certain endorphins and neurotransmitters. They won’t release now without the drug in the system. It’s this development that gives rise to the symptoms of heroin withdrawal. When you don’t take the drug now, you suffer from a variety of painful and uncomfortable sensations. Some of them are physical while others create psychological problems.
What are the Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal Like?
It starts with a gastrointestinal upset that gradually increases in severity. Queasiness gives way to vomiting. Prolonged diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Your muscles hurt. You can’t sleep even though you’re tired. You’re anxious and suffer bouts of recurrent depression. You wish you could make the pain go away. Many people who try quitting the drug by themselves start using again at this point.
A Medical Detox Makes Withdrawal Comfortable
The symptoms of heroin withdrawal scare off plenty of individuals who want to quit. They fear for their lives as heroin is more dangerous than ever. The poisons that dealers mix in with the substance claim lives. Variations in purity lead to unintentional overdoses. Getting out of this lifestyle now gives you a chance at survival. You can also regain your health. Substance abuse treatment starts with detox. At a high-quality facility, experts monitor your withdrawal progress and administer programs and therapies such as:
- Gender-specific detox services that provide you with a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment
- Medical detox, which allows for a tapering off rather than a cold turkey approach
- Dual diagnosis treatment that lets you manage co-occurring mental health problems such as depression or anxiety
- Talk therapy, which provides you one-on-one attention with a qualified counselor who helps you think long-term
- Group therapy sessions that build your self-esteem while giving valuable peer-to-peer input for recovery
The process starts with a detailed intake interview. You discuss your heroin addiction and habits with a non-judgmental counselor. This professional will ask about your typical dose and overall health. If you’re struggling with secondary addictions, too, now’s a good time to mention them. From there, the intake counselor customizes a treatment plan that suits your needs. Getting someone else’s detox doesn’t work. You need a combination of modalities and therapies that will tackle the severity of your heroin habit. It’s interesting to note that this customization is an ongoing process, even though your stay at the facility’s short.
Overcome the Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal Today
You don’t have to keep on using heroin and risking your health and life. You also don’t have to fear the severity of withdrawal symptoms. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery, compassionate therapists work with you to overcome the physical dependence on heroin. Call us today at 866-294-5306.