Drug detoxification is often the first step you take when you want to leave a heroin addiction behind. Detoxification rids the body of drugs and helps manage withdrawal symptoms. For many who struggle with a heroin addiction, detox is the most frightening aspect of a drug recovery program. Some people are so afraid of detox that they keep using drugs. Sadly, continued drug use often leads to overdose. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 13,000 people died from a drug overdose involving heroin in the United States in 2020.
Many treatments are available that can ease withdrawal symptoms. Participating in professional detox treatment makes detoxification less painful, and your odds of success increase. If you or someone you love is addicted to heroin, don’t let the fear of detoxification stand in the way of recovery. At Michael’s House, we have a heroin detox center in Palm Springs, California, that offers patients a variety of treatments to assist with detoxification and help them start the road to recovery. To learn more about the detox process at our drug and alcohol detox center, contact us at 760.548.4032.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Heroin is considered one of the most addictive substances in the world. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has labeled heroin a Schedule I drug. This drug can cause intense and lasting changes in the brain. When a user takes heroin, the drug moves to the brain and changes to dopamine. This substance attaches to receptors in the brain, and the user experiences a flood of pleasurable sensations. Over time, the dopamine receptors become less sensitive. More heroin is required to achieve the same pleasurable response.
Heroin withdrawal symptoms from a single dose often start within 12 hours of drug use. Withdrawal symptoms are usually mild initially, but they can become more severe as the process continues. The early stages of heroin withdrawal are:
- Muscle aches
- Nausea
- Teary eyes
- Runny nose
- Insomnia
The later stages of heroin withdrawal include:
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Muscle spasms
- Depression
While these symptoms may not be life-threatening, they can certainly be debilitating. It’s especially hard to deal with these symptoms when a user knows the symptoms could immediately stop when they use heroin.
Medication as a Form of Treatment at a Heroin Detox Center
While it might sound counterintuitive, people in the throes of heroin addiction often need medications during the detoxification process. Consulting physicians prescribe medications to ease your symptoms and reduce the intense cravings that an addict feels during withdrawal. This might be the biggest benefit of medications your physician gives you during detoxification.
Often, consulting physicians prescribe clonidine during detoxification. This drug helps block restlessness and insomnia and may assist with running nose and headaches. Your physician may give you other drugs to ease abdominal symptoms.
Another drug that doctors may prescribe is methadone to help wean users off heroin. This medication can provide a bit of a high to users. For this reason, doctors often give this drug at specific times in specific clinics. Some consulting physicians provide methadone during detoxification and then suggest continued methadone usage during a maintenance program.
Rapid Detoxification
Michael’s House offers a social model detox program in collaboration with consulting physicians. Still, some heroin detoxification centers offer rapid detox programs for patients who feel uncomfortable with inpatient treatment programs. The patient is placed under general anesthesia in a rapid detoxification program, and medications are pumped into his system.
These medications bind to receptors in the brain and stop them from picking up any heroin that might be remaining in the bloodstream. The withdrawal symptoms still occur, but the patient is under anesthesia, so he doesn’t consciously feel any of these effects. When withdrawal symptoms decrease, the patient is awakened.
Are You Considering a Heroin Detox Center?
If you’re struggling with heroin addiction, you may wonder if a heroin detox center is right for you. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Detox centers offer various programs and services, and the most suitable option for you depends on your individual needs and circumstances. However, detox centers can generally provide a secure and supportive environment while you’re going through withdrawal and beginning your recovery. Detoxification can be difficult and uncomfortable, but with the help of professionals, it can be an immensely valuable first step. If you’re considering heroin detox, reach out to Michael’s House to learn more about your options and how a heroin detox center could help you achieve your goals.
Find a Heroin Detox Program in Palm Springs, CA, at Michael's House
It is important to remember that heroin detox is not a cure for addiction. Most addictive behaviors can be connected to other issues, such as depression. It is imperative to follow detox with a drug treatment program. Here, you can learn how to restructure your behavior so that a relapse into addiction is less and less likely. Unfortunately, many people in the grip of addiction don’t commit to a formal recovery program once they’ve completed detoxification.
Give yourself a fighting chance at recovery, and stay in treatment after detox. Michael’s House offers comprehensive heroin detox as a part of our heroin addiction treatment program. For more information, contact us today at 760.548.4032.