Heroin is a highly addictive substance, with many people getting addicted relatively quickly after their first use. Fortunately, there are resources available to help people with heroin addiction recover. Heroin detox, or the period you go through heroin withdrawal, is often the first step in recovery. The heroin detox process at a professional drug detox center can make your recovery more manageable and comfortable.
Promises Brazos Valley has the heroin detox program you need to start your recovery on the right foot. We believe in a whole-person approach to healing from addiction, which includes medication, therapy, and support for co-occurring disorders that may be inhibiting your recovery. Reach out to us today at 979.426.0086 to learn how we can help you through the heroin detox process.
The Stages of Heroin Detox
Before beginning a heroin detox program, you must familiarize yourself with the heroin detox process. There are several stages of detox that will start shortly after your last use of heroin.
24 to 72 Hours After the Last Dose
The first withdrawal symptoms appear around 24 to 72 hours after your last use of heroin. At this point, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Elevated blood pressure
- Nausea
- Rapid heart rate
- Sweating
- Vomiting
If you have used heroin regularly for a while, you may also have issues with sleep. Many people find that they have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
72 to 96 Hours After the Last Dose
This second stage of heroin detox is when withdrawal symptoms tend to peak. It is usually the most challenging time for people to endure, putting you at the highest risk for relapse. On top of the physical symptoms that began in the first stage, you may also deal with emotional ups and downs. However, if you are in a drug detox center and getting the proper care for your recovery, your treatment team can address any complications immediately.
One to Two Weeks After the Last Dose
Once your physical heroin withdrawal symptoms peak, they will slowly begin to subside, usually about a week after your last use. However, psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression can persist for weeks or even months after you stop using heroin. This is why you must continue with addiction treatment long-term.
Two to Four Weeks After the Last Dose
By this stage, you will likely have made it through the physical withdrawal symptoms, although some people may still have cravings from time to time. Depression and anxiety can continue through this stage and last for quite a while, depending on your situation. Rehab specialists can treat these symptoms with medication and therapy, standard components of any long-term heroin addiction treatment program.
Getting Help for Heroin Withdrawal
Heroin detox can be uncomfortable, especially if you have a severe addiction. But when you get help from a drug detox center, the heroin detox process can be much more manageable. The professionals at these facilities can provide you with the resources you need to manage your symptoms and address the underlying causes of heroin use.
Promises Brazos Valley: Helping You Get Through the Heroin Detox Process
The heroin detox process can be difficult but not impossible. With the proper care and support, you can safely get through the stages of heroin detox. Promises Brazos Valley offers a comprehensive heroin addiction treatment program with medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapies, holistic therapies, and the support of our experienced team. We have the program for you whether you need highly structured residential treatment or a more flexible outpatient program. Contact Promises Brazos Valley today at 979.426.0086 to schedule an assessment to determine which of our programs is right for you.