Overcoming heroin withdrawal symptoms can be potentially life-threatening. Due to the highly addictive nature of the drug, many heroin addicts often endure a series of painful, uncomfortable, and potentially lethal withdrawal symptoms that not only make it difficult for someone to overcome their addiction but do so in a safe manner. This is why seeking professional detox treatment when overcoming heroin addiction is essential.
At Sequoia Recovery Centers, we provide a medically supervised detoxification program to help addicts safely and effectively overcome their addiction. Detox is the necessary first step in any addict’s recovery journey. We are here to help you every step of the way through your detox process so you can receive constant, comprehensive care to safely go through your withdrawal symptoms. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you detox and start your addiction recovery journey.
How Does Heroin Affect the Brain?
Heroin is a highly addictive substance. Heroin is extremely addictive because of how it impacts your brain chemistry. When heroin is consumed, the drug binds with the opioid receptors of the brain. Binding to these opioid receptors causes the individual to experience a heightened sense of pleasure and satisfaction.
The body naturally produces its own version of opiates that bind to these opioid receptors in your brain, which help your body control and reduce pain. However, when you are consuming an external opioid drug, like heroin, this tricks your brain into producing less of its natural version of opiates because heroin use is essentially acting as an external replacement. This is why opioid drugs like heroin are so addictive.
When a person who has become dependent on heroin to experience a desired effect stops abusing the drug, they will undergo uncomfortable symptoms of heroin withdrawal. These withdrawal symptoms, though temporary, can be painful and even life-threatening, depending on the severity of the addiction. This is why seeking professional addiction treatment is essential to overcome withdrawal symptoms safely and effectively.
Does Heroin Require Detox in Recovery?
Yes, before heroin addicts can receive addiction treatment, they must undergo a detoxification process. Detox is essential because, inevitably, an addict will undergo withdrawal symptoms which can be uncomfortable. Therefore, before an addict can devote their undivided focus and attention towards addiction treatment, they must first detox and go through withdrawal symptoms.
Typically, the detoxification process takes about one week to fully overcome your heroin withdrawal symptoms. However, addicts with severe cases may need upwards of two weeks to completely detox and overcome their withdrawal symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal?
As a heroin addict undergoes the detox process, they will inevitably go through several uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms as part of the detox process. This is your body’s way of adjusting to the lack of heroin in the body, which has, over time, become dependent upon.
Several heroin withdrawal symptoms may occur during the detoxification process, such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Watery eyes
- Chills
- Muscle cramps
Many addicts start to notice withdrawal symptoms about 8-24 hours after last using the drug they’re addicted to. Again, the timeline of how long an addict will experience withdrawal symptoms varies largely on how severe their addiction is. Expect withdrawal symptoms to take anywhere from 1-2 weeks to completely undergo detox.
How to Find a Heroin Detox Center in Washington
You shouldn’t have to suffer through symptoms of heroin withdrawal all on your own. Withdrawal symptoms can be painful, uncomfortable, and potentially life-threatening. Heroin detox centers provide clients with a safe and effective way to detox and overcome symptoms of heroin withdrawal. Depending on the severity of your addiction, prescribed medications can help reduce the severity of your withdrawal symptoms so you can successfully detox and transition into receiving addiction treatment to receive the necessary support and care to maintain a long-term life of sobriety.At Sequoia Recovery Centers, we offer a range of detox programs to help people struggling with substance abuse in Washington receive the exact care they need to overcome their addiction for good. Whether you need a heroin detox program or help to detox from another drug, we are here to help you every step of the way through your detox process. Contact us today to learn how we can help you start your addiction recovery journey.
