Heroin Detox Center at Path to Recovery
Heroin is a drug made from morphine, a substance that is derived from the opioid poppy plant. This type of drug is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, which means that it acts as a downer on the brain’s pleasure system. Also, it blocks the brain’s ability to feel pain.
While this opioid drug brings a euphoric rush to a user, using it can eventually lead to the development of heroin addiction. This can be life-altering and even fatal if an individual does not get the necessary treatment at a drug rehab center.
The first step toward recovery is to attend a heroin detox center. Since detoxing off heroin can be difficult, professional help is available. Here at Path to Recovery in Pasadena, California, our medical detox program helps people safely get through heroin withdrawal and end heroin addiction for good.
How Does Heroin Affect The Brain And Body?
Heroin activates certain brain receptors. As a result, it causes simulation and the release of dopamine. This natural chemical brings feelings of pleasure. In other words, when heroin enters the body, an individual feels a sudden sense of euphoria.
Once the initial effects wear off, a person experiences drowsiness. Also, the heart rate slows, mental function becomes hampered, and breathing decelerates. In severe cases, coma or brain damage may result.
Why is Heroin so Addictive?
To be sure, this opioid detox is highly addictive. As soon as heroin enters the body, a person feels a euphoric rush. The sensation is highly pleasurable and keeps an individual wanting more. Another reason why this substance is addictive is its availability and quality. In fact, heroin has decreased in price over the last few years.
Also, this drug’s purity has increased, which means that it contains higher concentrations. Therefore, prolonged use will develop a tolerance. In other words, it requires more of the drug to get the same high. Surely, addiction develops quickly.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
When a person is addicted to heroin, he or she becomes physically dependent. Furthermore, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms appear when this individual stops taking the drug. Since withdrawal can bring several health complications, it is best to have medical supervision during the process. Some of the mild-to-severe withdrawal symptoms a person may encounter when quitting heroin use may include:
- Intense cravings
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Cramps/Muscle pain
- Insomnia
- Fever
- Diarrhea
In some cases, heroin withdrawal symptoms can become so severe that they result in fatality. This is why it is so important to avoid quitting “cold turkey”, or without medical care and supervision. A medical treatment team can help people throughout the withdrawal period and prevent life-threatening effects.
Get Help NowHeroin Withdrawal Timeline
In general, withdrawal lasts a few days to a week. However, certain physiological symptoms may last much longer.
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Days 1 to 2
Typically, withdrawal occurs within about 8-24 hours after a person’s last dose or use of heroin. Tremors, diarrhea, anxiety, muscle aches, and panic attacks may all occur.
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Days 3 to 5
During this period of withdrawal, people may experience symptoms such as abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and sweating
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Days 5 to 7
Any physical symptoms begin to subside around this point. After one week, a person’s physical heroin withdrawal symptoms are usually finished.
Throughout the months after detox, individuals may experience insomnia, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and irritability. But, with continued support and treatment, people can continue to fight drug use and live healthy, addiction-free lives.
Medications Used During Heroin Detox
To combat withdrawal symptoms, a professional detox facility may offer medication that helps to manage the effects. These FDA-approved medications can help address severe withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings or minimize cravings: Some of the medications used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) might include the following:
- Methadone: Methadone is a slow-acting opioid that helps a person taper heroin use and that prevents symptoms of withdrawal.
- Buprenorphine: This is often prescribed to help with heroin withdrawal. It lowers cravings and lessens physical symptoms.
- Naltrexone: This drug blocks brain receptors that react to heroin. To be sure, it is not addictive, but it lowers cravings. It is best for individuals who have finished a heroin detox program.
Next Steps After Heroin Detox
Once a heroin detox program is completed, it is time to proceed with further treatment. Heroin detox is just the first step toward recovery. After the drug has left a person’s body, it is time for even more challenging work to begin.
Luckily, there is a multitude of successful treatments for heroin use disorder. Individuals may opt to attend a residential treatment center for addiction. An outpatient rehab center is also a beneficial choice for those going through the addiction recovery process. These treatment programs can equip people with the tools they need to avoid relapse.
Addiction therapy services, such as dialectical behavior therapy, group therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family therapy sessions can all help those recovering from addiction. Counseling and support groups can help people discover the root causes of their addiction to drugs and address any psychological problems or mental health challenges they may have.
Heroin Detox Programs at Path to Recovery
It is essential to uncover a facility that matches an individual’s rehabilitation goals. A person should make sure that his or her problems are addressed. Also, it is wise to choose a place that offers medically-assisted heroin detox. It is vital to select a place that brings a sense of comfort and security as well. When a person can relax and feel safe, it is easier to concentrate on recovery.
At Path to Recovery, we want to help clients reclaim their destinies. We strive to assist our patients through our medically supervised detox process, working to make sure the beginning of their addiction recovery journey is safe and successful.
Here at our Pasadena, California detox facility helps people establish the foundation they need for a long-term recovery process. Our team of medical experts understands the psychological and physical complications that can occur with ending the use of heroin or other drugs. We know that it is absolutely necessary to have medical support and a comprehensive treatment plan when it comes to overcoming drug dependence. This is why we offer a medical detox program for drug abuse.
We are dedicated to helping our patients achieve sobriety and overcome substance use disorders and develop the coping skills they need in order to prevent relapse. Contact us today to attain lasting recovery and live the healthy life you deserve!
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