The continued use of heroin impacts the brain’s reward system and increases tolerance. As a result, the user will need to take a higher dose to achieve the same effects. In case they fail to take the drug, they can experience painful and uncomfortable withdrawal effects. It is crucial to have access to medical care when stopping heroin use to prevent complications. TruHealing Centers provides supervision during addiction treatment to reduce the effects of heroin withdrawal. To learn more, contact our team today at [Direct].
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Heroin withdrawal symptoms are similar to those experienced after stopping the use of prescription opioids. However, since the body processes heroin faster, the effects will begin earlier. In most cases, they start approximately six to eight hours after the last dosage. Besides, they may vary depending on factors like the level of addiction and physical health.
A fever with mild or severe symptoms is one of the most common effects of heroin withdrawal. A user may experience muscle aches, chills, sweating, and increased body temperature. The cessation of use may also lead to intense cravings, abdominal pain, and anxiety. Other signs include diarrhea, increased agitation, dilated pupils, and decreased appetite.
Duration of Heroin Withdrawal
The period within which users experience withdrawal symptoms often varies due to some factors. For example, using the drug for an extended period may cause symptoms that last up to a week. Moreover, frequent use and taking a significant dosage increases the duration of heroin withdraw. Other factors that determine how long withdrawal lasts include:
- The method used when taking the drug
- The presence or absence of a mental health condition
- Other drugs abused alongside heroin
- Amount of heroin in the body during detox
Intense drug addiction is likely to cause extreme post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). Some of these signs include decreased concentration, mood swings, fatigue, and increased anxiety. This condition can also lead to memory loss, depression, restlessness, and panic attacks. In most instances, these effects last for approximately one and a half to two years. However, some of them will reduce in intensity with time as the body adjusts.
Heroin Detox
Heroin withdrawal can cause health complications that might be life-threatening. For instance, diarrhea and vomiting may lead to dehydration and affect other body functions. In some cases, one can inhale stomach contents after vomiting and choke. While not all withdrawal effects are fatal, some of them cause discomfort that can lead to relapse. Thus, it is crucial to undergo a supervised medical detox for life-long recovery from addiction.
Specialists in residential centers observe patients during detox and can provide medication to reduce discomfort. One of the medicines used in the process is methadone, which is a slow-acting and low-strength opiate. This drug mimics the effects of heroin and helps in reducing the dosage taken. Another drug used in detox is buprenorphine, which lessens vomiting, craving, and muscle pain.
Once the body has no trace of heroin, it is crucial to join a long-term addiction treatment program. Taking this step helps in identifying various triggers and learning how to avoid them. It also assists in improving self-control, which is essential for relapse prevention. Some of the programs that treat heroin addiction are:
- Residential addiction treatment
- Dual diagnosis program
- Intensive outpatient treatment
- Men’s addiction treatment
- Women’s addiction treatment
Get Customized Heroin Addiction Treatment
The effects of Heroin withdrawal are uncomfortable, and they may cause serious health problems. At TruHealing Centers, we offer medical detox and a variety of heroin addiction treatment programs. We will check your health to identify any other medical issues and develop a treatment plan. Moreover, we have group therapy sessions to help you meet with people that have similar struggles. Contact TruHealing Centers today at [Direct] to enroll for heroin addiction treatment.