With a very addictive nature, heroin is particularly hard to quit using after chronic, prolonged use. Quitting requires a structured treatment program with help from medical professionals. Although outpatient options are available, inpatient detox is the best way to start.
Why Heroin Detox Is Necessary
People need heroin detox after repetitive heroin use because of the onset of withdrawal. This process starts when people stop using after they develop tolerance, physical and mental dependence, or addiction.
Tolerance makes people take higher doses of heroin to achieve the same effects. With a physical dependence, the body adapts to the drugs so much that it can’t function without them. With mental dependence, people believe that they can’t function or achieve satisfaction without drugs. Addiction eventually develops with continued use, which makes people use even when they want to stop.
People who go through withdrawal after developing these problems often start using again unless they get help. Sometimes they overdose on heroin during this relapse, which can lead to organ damage, coma or death. This is one reason why inpatient detox is the best option for most heroin users.
Another reason is that inpatient detox makes withdrawal as comfortable and safe as possible. During this process, people can experience muscle pain and flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. The anxiety, sweating, and insomnia also make it hard to get through withdrawal without the medical care at an inpatient detox.
Inpatient Detox
The purpose of inpatient detox is to provide a safe, comfortable environment for people to detox from drugs. The medical team supervises vitals and monitors symptoms for potential complications. This supervision helps people break the physical and mental dependence they’ve developed.
There’s no set duration for withdrawal. It varies depending on the severity of heroin use, which includes the amount and duration of use. However, there’s a loose timeline for the average duration of withdrawal.
On average, withdrawal and its symptoms begin six to 48 hours after the last heroin dose. During the third to fifth days, the symptoms intensify. Since people experience the worst of the symptoms at this point, many of them relapse at this point unless they seek help.
By the sixth and seventh days, the symptoms begin to ease so that people can recover. However, withdrawal doesn’t end here for everyone. Some people experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).
With PAWS, they continue to experience physical mental symptoms such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and fatigue. These symptoms can last for months after the last dose of heroin and even after detox.
During inpatient detox, the clinicians can administer medicines to ease the symptoms that people have during the first week. They may even use other drugs to taper heroin use and minimize cravings. They might recommend continued use of some medicines to rehab therapists if PAWS seems likely or develops.
Important Program Qualities of the Best Detox Centers
One of the most important factors that people should consider when they look for a detox center is staff credentials. However, an inpatient program isn’t good unless it offers treatment services that meet people’s individual needs as well. It’s also important for people to consider the location and cost of treatment. The comforts and amenities should meet their needs, too.
Get Heroin Detox Treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery
If you want help to overcome heroin abuse or addiction, Serenity House Detox & Recovery can guide you through the first step. Our detox-only centers in Fort Lauderdale and Jupiter have the education, training, and compassion to help. From alcohol and drug detox to men’s and women’s programs, we want to help you build a foundation for your rehab. Some of our services include:
- Customized treatment plans
- Individual therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Meditation groups
As part of our effort to help you overcome drug problems, Serenity House Detox & Recovery provides a safe, comfortable environment. We help you engage in your recovery and learn strategies to build a sober future.
Don’t let heroin rule your life any longer. Count on the treatment programs at Serenity House Detox & Recovery to set you on the path to recovery. Dial 866-294-5306 today verify your insurance and get started.