Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms:

What You Need To Know

“Recovery IS Possible.”

According to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health completed in 2016, almost one million people had tried heroin within the year prior. With the heroin epidemic that’s currently going on today, that number could be much higher, which is alarming.

Heroin is indeed one of the harshest drugs out there on the streets and can wreak havoc on anyone’s life regardless of age, social status, gender, and so on. Heroin is an opioid that’s made from morphine. It’s considered a depressant that users usually snort, smoke, or inject into the vein. When used, a person will get an intense feeling of relaxation and pleasure at the same time. Though this may sound appealing, there are some very real dangers associated with using heroin.
First, it’s very harsh on the body, especially those that use it long-term. Second, it’s very addictive and tough to stop using once someone has become addicted. Third, it can be deadly, and many people have overdosed and died using the drug.

How Do Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms Differ From Other Drugs?

Heroin is among the most addictive drugs out there and the detox process can be quite challenging. You may begin to experience withdrawal symptoms just a few short hours after the last dosage and they’re not pleasant. In fact, the first few days it can feel like the worst-case flu you’ve ever had, and then some.
This is a big reason why some people continue to be dependent on the drug, because in all honesty, the withdrawal symptoms can be so severe. However, with the right detox method, you or your loved one can get completely free and get life back on track in a short amount of time.

Heroin Detox Withdrawal Symptoms

As with any drug, the kind of withdrawal symptoms you experience may vary depending on factors, such as how long you’ve been using, the frequency, your health, whether or not you have a support system, and more. Heroin detox symptoms resemble the flu, but are more intense. Common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Heavy sweating
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Body aches
• Muscle cramping
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability or emotional instability
• Dilated pupils
• Watery eyes
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea

More serious detox withdrawal symptoms include:

• Seizures
• Death

It may be challenging to detox from heroin, especially on your own. It’s best to detox from heroin under the care of an addiction specialist. There are a variety of detox and treatment centers staffed with excellent substance abuse professionals who can help you get free using tools and techniques that have a high success rate.

Is Medication Given To Taper Off Heroin?

Sometimes medication is given to help ease the brunt of the withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is the most common medication given to help you taper off heroin. Even though methadone is essentially a substitute drug, it dulls the “high” that you would get taking heroin and helps prevent some withdrawal symptoms. Essentially, it keeps symptoms at a level that you can manage. Plus, the medication only has to be taken for a period of time, with the ultimate goal of getting off methadone as well.

Buprenorphine and Suboxone may also be used, which help reduce the cravings of heroin, but do not give you the “high”. Naltrexone is another medication that is sometimes used, as it blocks the opioid receptors and is not physically addictive like the others. However, it does not generally have as great a success rate as the other medications.

Heroin Detox From A Medical StandPoint

Going through heroin detox at a detox center assures that you have 24/7 monitoring, support, and accountability. This type of structure and support increases your chance at getting off heroin and staying off it. It also allows you to get behavioral and pharmacologic treatments, which have been quite effective when both types are integrated into treatment. You certainly don’t want to try to detox from heroin at home, as it can be grueling and dangerous.

How Can I Get Through Heroin Detox?

There is hope for getting free from heroin addiction. It will take some hard work, perseverance, a strategy, and a good support network, such as a drug detox or rehab. The first few days are likely to be the toughest, but with medical support and assistance, you can get through it. We’ve helped many men and women get through detox symptoms, overcome heroin addiction, and get their life back.

As mentioned previously, you or your loved one may encounter some flu-like symptoms – body aches, sweating, nausea, shakes, cravings, and a bit of a sleeping disruption, but you’ll also be surrounded by compassionate professionals willing to assist and support you as necessary. And, being at an addiction rehab facility helps decrease triggers that you may encounter if you were trying to detox at home. You get to completely focus on your recovery, which can be beneficial.

iRecover provides Medically Supervised Detox at our facilities to help those that are struggling with heroin or any other form of substance abuse addiction.

Need Addiction Recovery Help?  Looking for Medically Supervised Detox? If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction to heroin, or any other drug, rest assured that addiction treatment can help. Here at iRecover Treatment Centers,  we’re here around the clock to assist you in any way we can. Addiction treatment in Canada can be just what you need to get free and begin creating the kind of life you truly desire.
Give us a call at 877-387-4155 and get started on your recovery journey now.

If your loved one needs addiction treatment, know that professional help is available and helpful. Here at iRecover Treatment Centers, we’re here around the clock to assist those in need any way we can. Addiction treatment in Canada can be just what your loved one needs to get free and begin creating the kind of life they truly desire.