Heroin is a highly addictive street opioid that’s abused for its euphoric and sedative effects. Chronic abuse can change the brain’s chemical structure, leading to physical dependence. Dependence is usually the initial red flag that someone’s becoming addicted to heroin. Dependence is marked by withdrawals, which can lead to relapse and other complications if attempted at home. To ensure your safety and recovery, keep reading to learn how our heroin detox center can help.
What Is Heroin Withdrawal?
Heroin withdrawal refers to the body’s attempt to flush heroin out of its system. Otherwise referred to as detoxing from heroin, heroin withdrawal occurs when people who are physically dependent on the drug attempt to quit cold turkey or suddenly stop using it.
Physical dependence is a common indicator of drug abuse and addiction, especially when it comes to illegal drugs like heroin. Typical heroin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Depression
- Muscle spasms
- Cravings for heroin
The severity and longevity of the withdrawal symptoms of heroin may vary depending on different factors, including the person’s age, metabolism, liver function, and weight. Additionally, people who have used heroin for longer periods and in higher doses will usually experience more severe withdrawals.
How Long Does It Take To Detox From Heroin?
Heroin detox symptoms usually begin within 6 to 12 hours after the person’s last use. Symptoms that occur in the beginning stages of withdrawal include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, runny nose, sweats, and chills. These symptoms usually peak around the 1 to 3-day mark, escalating to more uncomfortable symptoms like diarrhea, agitation, insomnia, and fatigue.
At its peak, heroin withdrawal could also include mental health-related symptoms like anxiety and depression. Considering that heroin interacts with the mood-affecting chemical dopamine, the individual may experience a drop in mood as the body adjusts to being without the drug.
Heroin withdrawal symptoms usually dissipate after 3 to 5 days. Withdrawal can take a week or two to come to a full end. However, certain symptoms, such as cravings for heroin, may reoccur later on in recovery.
Cravings for heroin are especially common in recovery, which can be tempting. To keep clients on track, our luxury drug and alcohol rehab in South Florida offers aftercare services that provide counseling and guidance for coping with challenges in recovery, such as cravings.
Safe Detox for Heroin Addiction
Attempting to quit heroin cold-turkey can lead to various complications, the most severe of which is dehydration. While this may not seem like an intimidating symptom, dehydration is one of the deadliest symptoms of opioid withdrawal.
If you or someone you care about is looking to quit heroin, our heroin addiction treatment offers safe detoxification and psychotherapy options to aid clients in their physical and psychological recovery. For more information about our residential addiction treatment in Palm Beach, contact Seaside Palm Beach today.
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