Get help with heroin detox if you have decided to quit heroin use and are considering addiction treatment. You should also learn more about what you can expect from withdrawal symptoms and heroin detox.
According to a study administered by the CDC, over 115 people in the United States die every day from overdosing on opioids (https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids/opioid-overdose-crisis#one). With such odds, it is more important than ever before to face opioid addiction head on.
Overcoming heroin and opioid use is not easy because of the heroin withdrawal and detox process. It will take several days for heroin to leave the body of persistent users. Once the drug begins leaving the person’s system, withdrawal symptoms will arise. The early withdrawal symptoms that occur within the few first hours of the drug exiting the system will be mostly physical. Heroin users will experience cold-like symptoms, including a runny nose and headache. They may feel agitated and angry. Most patients in this stage do not sleep well and have hot flashes or bouts of sweating and shakiness.
Later into withdrawal patients will experience:
A medically supervised detox program may help taper the symptoms of withdrawal, providing the patient with a more sustainable and successful recovery. Rather than the patient being forced to experience all of the withdrawal symptoms to their fullest effect, a detox program can make the process more comfortable.
During a heroin detox program, planning and monitoring will take place. A customized detox plan that may include some supplemental medications to help reduce symptoms will be made based on the patient’s personal medical history and desires.
If requested, non-medicated heroin recovery plans are also possible. During the execution of the customized plan, the patient will be monitored to ensure they are safe as they experience withdrawal symptoms. Since patients are monitored closely, complications and relapses are less likely.
Medicated detoxes have better success rates than non-medicated detoxes, but both are good options to consider. During a non-medicated detox, no prescription medications will be used to reduce symptoms, but other alternative methods of therapy like acupuncture and supplements may be introduced. Unfortunately, non-medicated detoxes have higher relapse rates than medicated detoxes.
Medicated detox patients see more tolerable relief of withdrawal symptoms, management of cravings and better recovery statistics. Even with better odds, medicated treatment may not be the right choice for everyone and it could be costly.
If you are ready to face your addiction and overcome it, we can help. We will help determine whether or not medicated detox is right for you and provide you with the talk therapy you need to make important decisions about heroin addiction recovery.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with us, call (212) 410-6832. Our office is located in New York. Call Joel Nathan, MD today.
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