What Helps With Heroin Withdrawal?
What Is Heroin Withdrawal?
Heroin is a dangerous illicit opioid drug. It is synthesized from the drug morphine; also an opioid derived from the opium poppy plant. While morphine is a prescription drug that doctors prescribe to treat severe pain, heroin does not have any medicinal properties. Instead, it is exclusively a drug of abuse sold on the street and abused worldwide. In the U.S., heroin abuse and addiction are major public health problems. In 2019, nearly 20% of all overdose deaths involved heroin. Notoriously addictive, heroin abuse and addiction have been rising in recent years. If you are addicted to heroin and wondering what helps with heroin withdrawal, treatment is the most reliable path to lasting recovery.
Many people who are addicted to heroin started out with a prescription opioid addiction. They might have been addicted to codeine, oxycodone, or hydrocodone, for instance, and then gravitated to heroin. One of the reasons heroin abuse rates have risen in recent years is that legislatures and medical providers have begun working together to clamp down on prescription drug abuse–especially medications involving opioids. Those addicted to prescription drugs like hydrocodone or Fentanyl could no longer get them with the habitual ease they were once accustomed to. Consequently, they turned to heroin, which could be found with greater ease and also less expense.
Today, heroin, especially black tar heroin, is available in large quantities in many locations, especially in big cities like Los Angeles. Heroin comes in white powder or a black tarry substance. Users will inject, sniff, snort, or even smoke heroin to achieve its euphoric high. People can become addicted to heroin after a mere couple of uses. Battling a heroin addiction is difficult but well worth the struggle. Heroin abuse will cause a person’s health to substantially diminish, and the risk of suffering an overdose is ever-present.
If you are ready to stop using heroin, Novo Detox can help. One of the difficulties associated with heroin addiction is its powerful cravings and horrible withdrawal symptoms. By entering our rehab, you can obtain treatment that reduces both cravings and withdrawal symptoms so that you can become weaned of heroin toxins as comfortably as possible.
Novo Detox is a revered Los Angeles rehab center that offers heroin detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment (that includes partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment plans), dual diagnosis treatment, and telehealth rehab services. Heroin relapse rates are high–around 86% of people addicted will relapse at least once. By building a strong recovery foundation with professional addiction treatment, you can reduce your risk of relapse and put heroin behind you forever.
Many of our clients are concerned about heroin withdrawal–what it entails and how it can be treated. Here, we’ll explore heroin and its withdrawal symptoms in detail. Learning about what helps with heroin withdrawal can prepare you for beginning your recovery journey. Novo Detox boasts experienced and empathetic addiction specialists. We are dedicated to providing customized care for every client. We can help you manage your heroin addiction with our evidence-based and holistic therapies.
Heroin withdrawal is the body’s intense ‘demand’ for more heroin. At least, that’s what it feels like to people who experience it. Heroin withdrawal occurs because the body strongly depends on the drug. It is so dependent, in fact, that it needs increased doses of the drug over time after it has developed a tolerance to earlier doses. The individual will feel an insatiable need to use heroin once addicted.
When the individual stops using heroin, the brain’s opioid receptors trigger a series of reactions that result in withdrawal symptoms. These might begin quite mildly. The individual might get a headache that doesn’t seem to go away. In fact, the headache is likely to worsen. Flu-like symptoms can set in. Withdrawal symptoms can grow in severity very quickly. Most people going through heroin withdrawal report flu-like symptoms. Here is a list of some of the most common heroin withdrawal symptoms:
- Heroin cravings
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Runny nose
- Insomnia
- Stomach cramps
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Tremors
- Dilate pupils and watery eyes
- Increased heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Shaking
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
When these symptoms become severe, they can become quite debilitating. They can trigger medical emergencies like seizures, heart irregularities, dehydration, and even suicidal thoughts. That’s why it is imperative to undergo heroin withdrawal in a medical detox facility like Novo Detox. We provide treatment to reduce the severity of symptoms and ward off serious health complications. It’s never safe to quit cold turkey alone. By enrolling at Novo Detox, you can undergo heroin withdrawal safely and under the watchful care of our experienced clinicians.
Fortunately, heroin withdrawal usually peaks after 24-72 hours after the person’s last use of heroin. True, cravings and some symptoms may linger, but they will diminish over time. After completing heroin detox, clients can proceed to the next phase of their addiction treatment program. Detox isn’t a cure. Going through withdrawal doesn’t cure heroin addiction. It is only the first step in the recovery process. The mind still depends on addiction even after the body has been weaned. During therapy, we help clients manage their psychological and behavioral dependencies on heroin so they can put their addiction behind them.
Heroin Withdrawal Process: A Timeline
Knowing what to expect during the heroin withdrawal process can be a comfort for many people about to embark on medical detox. Here, we’ll outline the withdrawal timeline. Remember that this is a general timeline. Heroin withdrawal can vary from individual to individual. A person addicted for a short period of time might detox more quickly than someone else. A person’s unique chemistry can also impact the withdrawal process. Here is the general timeline for heroin withdrawal:
First 24 hours after the last heroin use
The first 24 hours from the last use of heroin can involve mild withdrawal symptoms. Again, this might be a mild headache. The individual might feel fatigued or restless. As time goes on, the symptoms may increase in severity.
24-72 hours from the last heroin use
This period is often where heroin withdrawal symptoms peak. During this period, the individual may experience any of the symptoms above–especially powerful heroin cravings. Symptoms are likely to be at their most intense during this time period. Because of that, this is the most medically dangerous period. At Novo Detox, clinicians will carefully monitor each client and provide treatments to reduce symptom severity. Medications can eliminate and reduce the symptoms mentioned above. Holistic treatments can also ease symptoms, allowing clients to rest as their body rids themselves of heroin toxins.
4 – 7 days from the last heroin use
Many clients may continue to experience some discomfort during this period of heroin withdrawal, but they should begin to experience less intense symptoms. Some people begin to feel better as early as day three or four. Cravings can still be persistent and strong, but flu-like symptoms should begin to diminish. Many clients will begin to relax more easily during this phase and regain some of their appetites. In short, this post-peak period will see clients begin to feel better.
7 – 10 days from the last use of heroin
Some people complete detox by day seven, but not all. Someone with a severe heroin addiction or poly-drug addiction may continue to undergo heroin withdrawal for up to 10 days or slightly longer. Lingering physical and mental health symptoms may persist. Clinicians will treat these as needed. Once the person completes the detox process, they can begin the next part of their addiction treatment plan.
A word about dual diagnosis and heroin withdrawal
A dual diagnosis refers to the presence of a substance addiction and mental health disorder like anxiety, depression, or others. Withdrawal can impact mental health and heighten the symptoms associated with it. These individuals can find support for their dual diagnosis at Novo Detox. Our clinicians will treat mental health symptoms throughout detox and rehab treatment, helping clients manage both conditions effectively. As the individual progresses beyond the peak period of withdrawal and with treatment like antidepressants, their mental health symptoms may also begin to lessen in time.
9 Things That Help With Heroin Withdrawal
Fortunately, there are many things to help someone undergoing heroin withdrawal. At Novo Detox, we rely on evidence-based, holistic, and alternative therapies and medications to reduce the severity of withdrawal. There are also some things that clients might attempt to reduce their discomfort. Here is a list of options that may help the heroin withdrawal process.
Medication Assisted Treatment With Suboxone
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) involves using certain medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Currently, MAT works best for opioid addictions and alcohol use disorder. Novo Detox offers suboxone treatment for heroin addiction. This drug can be started along with detox and continued long after depending on the person’s needs. Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist. It targets the opioid receptors in the brain where it ‘satisfies’ their craving for heroin or a different opioid. When satisfied, these receptors don’t trigger powerful cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Not everyone prefers to undergo MAT. But it can help individuals focus better on their subsequent addiction therapies. Some people rely on MAT for the detox process. Others may remain on the drug for months or longer.
Symptom-Specific Medications
During heroin detox at Novo, clinicians will prescribe medications to treat the client’s withdrawal symptoms as they arise. For instance, some medications can reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Medications can reduce fever and headache. Some clients may benefit from a sedative; others may require medication to reduce high blood pressure. Clinicians will provide medical treatments with medication to reduce the risk of complications and promote clients’ rest and recovery.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Treating mental health symptoms can make clients feel more comfortable during heroin withdrawal and detox. Symptoms of anxiety and depression, for instance, can make the process extremely uncomfortable. Practitioners can prescribe medications that reduce these symptoms. Clients with a dual diagnosis may need to remain on mental health medications long after detox or indefinitely depending on their condition and their doctor’s advice.
Nutritional Support
It’s not uncommon for people with heroin addictions to become very undernourished and unhealthy. Many clients can benefit from holistic support for their health during medical detox through nutrition and vitamins. Nutrition supports the body’s natural healing functions. At Novo, we can provide IV therapy to ensure clients get the important nutrients they need to support their health.
Hydration
Hydration is important because it prevents dehydration, a dangerous health complication. Hydration can naturally reduce some withdrawal symptoms such as headaches.
Hot Bath
A hot or warm bath can help ease cramps and muscle aches associated with heroin detox. Some people might find sleep easier after taking a warm bath.
Distractions
When withdrawal symptoms peak, a person might not feel like doing much of anything. On the other hand, medications can reduce these symptoms and promote comfort. Distractions can be helpful. Reading a book, watching television, or playing a board game with another client can help take one’s mind off symptoms and promote healthy relaxation.
Yoga and Meditation
Novo Detox features yoga and meditation as part of our holistic treatment offerings and amenities. Gentle stretches and meditation can support healing and calm. Exercise, however, might not be right for everyone. At Novo Detox, therapy is customized for each client.
Rest
Heroin withdrawal and detox are intense processes for the body and mind. Rest is important. Resting allows the body to heal. Because many clients experience insomnia during withdrawal, clinicians may prescribe a sedative or natural sleep supplement.
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Get Help With Heroin Withdrawal at Novo Detox
Novo Detox is a leading and affordable Los Angeles rehab that provides comprehensive care and treatment programs for clients who have opioid use disorder. Although the heroin withdrawal process can be unpleasant, it does provide the first healing experience associated with the recovery process. At Novo Detox, we offer medical detox staffed by experienced clinicians. We monitor each client to ensure their symptoms are treated and they feel as comfortable as possible.
Heroin withdrawal is the first step in what will almost always be a long recovery process. Recovery doesn’t happen in a week or even a month, but it does occur a bit more each day. Substance addiction like heroin addiction is a chronic condition. There isn’t a cure; there is only recovery success with abstinence. At Novo Detox, we help clients manage their cravings and other triggers to abuse heroin so they can maintain their recovery, growing stronger and more stable over time.
After medical detox is complete, clients will begin the next phase of their individualized treatment plan. We offer residential therapy, partial hospitalization (PHP) treatment, and intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment plans. Once through the discomfort of withdrawal, clients can focus on their addiction therapies. During therapy, we help clients identify why they became addicted. Then, we can help them create strategies for managing their triggers.
At Novo Detox, we feature clinically driven programs that include evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy. We also feature treatments such as dialectical behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, life and social skills, creative healing, relapse prevention, anger management, 12-step principles, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and more. Clients can expect to take part in one-on-one therapy and group sessions. Together, our treatments support whole-person recovery.
When you choose to enroll at Novo Detox for our heroin detox and addiction treatment, you can expect a careful evaluation of your condition. An assessment is important because it allows our clinicians to recommend the ideal treatments for each client. Some clients might begin Suboxone treatment or dual diagnosis treatment at the same time they begin to detox. Individualized treatments allow us to tailor care to each person’s unique needs.
Contact Novo Detox by calling (844) 834-1777 to discuss our enrollment process and addiction treatment plans and therapies. We can explain our different programs in detail, helping you select the best one for you. Some clients begin with inpatient treatment before transitioning to an outpatient program. Clients who are struggling with stability often choose residential therapy when beginning their recovery journey.
Let our caring addiction specialists help you begin your recovery journey right away. Novo Detox is renowned for its expertise, luxurious setting, and amenities. Call and let’s get started on your recovery plan.
