For someone who has been using heroin, especially for a long time, the prospect of going through withdrawal can be intimidating. Or, if a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, you might be wondering what to expect, what your loved one will have to go through, and how to help them stay safe—learning more about what heroin withdrawal is like and what treatments and methods can encourage a person who is trying to quit heroin and help them see how recovery is possible. It can also help loved ones and family members of people struggling with heroin addiction to understand better what their loved one is going through and what they might need to recover successfully.
What Is Heroin Withdrawal Like? Is It Painful?
Heroin withdrawal is not fun or easy, but it can be managed with the right help and support. Everyone’s experience with heroin withdrawal is different because everyone’s circumstances are different. How long it takes and how intense the symptoms depend on a number of factors, such as the person’s general state of health, their age, how long they have been using, and if they have used other drugs. Some of the more commonly-experienced symptoms of heroin withdrawal are:
- Involuntary leg movements
- Nausea and vomiting
- Restlessness
- Sudden, intense feelings of cold
- Yawning
- Sweating
- Difficulty sleeping
Not everyone struggling with heroin withdrawal will experience all these symptoms and the intensity of each will vary from person to person.
How to Detox from Heroin Safely
Even though serious medical complications from heroin detox are rare, people who are in the process of withdrawing or have recently quit heroin are at high risk for overdose if they should relapse. This has to do with a person’s tolerance to the drug, which increases over time as someone is actively using, but then drops quickly when a person stops using. Many heroin overdoses occur when a person has gone through a period of quitting and then returns to the same dosage from before, which is too much for their body after a tolerance drop.
For this reason, it is advisable for a person who is trying to quit using heroin to seek help from a heroin detox program and/or a heroin withdrawal management program. Patients who attend these types of programs are supervised by medical and therapeutic staff to make sure that they are tolerating the withdrawal process well. Patients also receive counseling and attend support groups that can help them avoid relapsing, which helps them stay safe and healthy.
How Can I Find the Heroin Detox or Withdrawal Management Program That Is Best For My Needs?
The best way to find a program that meets your needs is to contact programs in your area and ask them to help someone in your situation. There are many different programs out there, but it is always best to choose one that is properly licensed by the state and accredited by respected professional associations. It is also important to find a program that includes family and loved ones in the treatment process since studies show that people who have strong support networks are more likely to maintain their recovery over time.
At Liberty Health Services in Derry, New Hampshire, we are committed to helping our patients and their families navigate their recovery journey. Our luxurious facility is comfortable, private, and perfectly situated to allow patients to focus on their recovery while taking care of their daily needs. The best time to seek treatment is now, so don’t wait. Reach out to our kind and compassionate staff members at 855.959.4521 and let us tell you how we can guide you on the path back to your life.
