Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug synthesized from morphine and has been illegal in the U.S. since the early 1920s. Even as early as 1914 doctors realized its dangerous potential, so it’s essential if struggling with an addiction to this drug to undergo heroin detox.
Recent trends in heroin use reflect a shift from intravenous use to snorting or smoking the drug, perpetuating a misconception this reduces its potential for addiction. The drug is lethal in its users building a tolerance, and the potential for sudden, rapid overdose and respiratory suppression which ultimately stops breathing altogether.
When it enters the brain, heroin binds to molecules on cells known as opioid receptors, located in various areas of the brain and body. This changes the perception of pain and reward, so while it operates as a depressant, it provokes both relaxation and euphoria with the diminishing of pain. Signs of heroin addiction are track marks and collapsed veins, bruising, bacterial infections, arthritis, weight loss, disorientation, and sudden changes in behavior or actions.
At New Start Recovery, our drug detox center can help those struggling with heroin addiction heal and begin the recovery process. Our heroin detox center uses a combination of therapy and medication to assist individuals as they get the treatment they need.
How to Detox from Heroin
If you or a loved one is struggling with this deadly addiction and wondering how to detox from heroin, the comprehensive care offered at New Start Recovery where we treat both the physical aspects of withdrawal from heroin dependence as well as the psychological effects of addiction.
The onset of withdrawal symptoms can begin six to 12 hours after the last dose, peaking within one to three days, and with consistent care will gradually lessen over five to seven days. Some users report weeks or months of withdrawal symptoms, so detox is an important opportunity to focus on building a good program around a strong support system. The duration and degree of usage will determine the length of experienced withdrawal symptoms, as most who suffer from addiction have poor health as a result.
New Start Recovery provides both sub-acute detoxification, and a focus on maintaining proper nutrients to restore the bodies’ strength. Commonly experienced withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Aches and pains
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pains
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Shakiness and seizures
Our team of addiction treatment professionals can help individuals cope with these withdrawal symptoms and ultimately overcome them on their way to treatment.
What to Expect from a Heroin Detox Center
Our clients begin heroin detox with a comprehensive evaluation to gain a working knowledge of medical history, history of abuse as well as their personal well-being and psychological condition.
Part of the initial health assessment at New Start Recovery involves a physical examination, including a visual screening of patients. Our team of professionals has experience working with patients detoxing from heroin and have competent judgment for assigning a severity level based on variables such as age, number of years using, amount used per week, family history and any underlying mental disorders.
Once the initial health assessment is completed, our clinical staff members work with clients to establish a treatment plan that incorporates daily individual and group therapy sessions. New Start Recovery is committed to ensuring a safe and effective recovery to our clients, offering 24-hour care as well as a comfortable and healthy environment. Our sub-acute detox program allows patients to sustain recovery through the challenging aspects of treating addiction.
Find Heroin Detox and Medication at New Start Recovery
Suboxone is a medication used by licensed physicians to treat opiate dependence in patients who are addicted to opioid drugs such as heroin, oxycodone and Vicodin. This medication effectively reduces symptoms of withdrawal from opiates and at the same time decreases the patient’s cravings significantly. Suboxone, when prescribed by a qualified physician in the correct dosage can greatly increase the likelihood of a patient staying in treatment and ultimately freeing them of addiction and cravings.
Naltrexone (Revia) is a safe, effective oral medication used as part of a comprehensive treatment program, as an aid to treat alcohol dependence and opioid addiction. While effective, it must always be remembered that naltrexone is a tool used to assist an individual in the process of recovery, and is not a cure in and of itself. While these medications may be used through the detox process, it is recommended at New Start Recovery additional treatment directed toward conditions which prompt addiction behavior are addressed for sustained recovery. Some of our addiction treatment programs include:
- Residential treatment
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Sober living program
- Alumni program
So reach out to us today [Direct].