Several drugs have been causing havoc among the citizens of our country. One of them is heroin. This opioid drug is an illegal substance and is obtained from morphine. Heroin is mainly consumed for the excessive release of dopamine in the brain. This is what causes the euphoric effect and suppresses the sensation of pain, anxiety, etc.
No matter how relieving the effects of heroin are, its long-term side effects are much more painful. Therefore, the experts advise detoxing the substances as early as possible. Here’s all that you need to know about heroin detox and its withdrawal.
Heroin Detox
Just like every other substance detox, heroin detox involves the same process. The patient is required to quit the intake of heroin and eliminate the substance from their system.
While the substance is processed, the patient will undergo a few withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms are a sign indicating the absence of heroin in the system. Since the mind and body have developed a dependency on the drug, it will take some time to get used to the absence of heroin.
Some of the common withdrawal symptoms experienced during heroin detox are:
- Muscle aches
- Anxiety
- Sweating
- Agitation
- Insomnia
- Upset stomach
These symptoms can reach their peak on the second and the third day after beginning the detox and eventually subsides with time. However, if they seem to be too severe to handle or the patient suffers from diarrhea or vomiting, they should seek medical assistance soon.
Factors Affecting Heroin Withdrawal
As mentioned above, the withdrawal symptoms can last for about 5 to 7 days with 2nd and 3rd being the toughest. However, this is not the same for all patients. The severity and longevity of withdrawal symptoms are governed by the following factors:
- Amount of heroin consumed
- Duration of addiction
- Frequency of heroin intake
- Mode of consumption
Heroin Addiction Treatment
The process of heroin addiction treatment begins with an assessment. This assessment involves a few tests to identify the following:
- Current physical and mental state
- Other substances present in the body
- History of previous detox attempts
- Will and motivation to achieve sobriety
Once all of this is determined, the professionals can recommend the medications and therapies.
A similar process of treatment is followed by the professionals at Taylor Recovery in Texas. You can inquire about the same by approaching our experts. Get in touch today!