The heroin epidemic shows no signs of slowing down. People start using heroin for its ability to relieve pain, reduce anxiety, and provide pleasurable feelings. Although quitting is definitely the right course of action, heroin withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable—and even life-threatening.
About Heroin Withdrawal
Sold on the streets as a white or brown powder, heroin is highly addictive. Whether snorted, smoked, or injected, heroin brings about a rush of euphoria that makes pain and anxiety shrink away.
There are multiple paths to a heroin addiction. Although some people start using heroin right away, the majority “graduate” after using other substances. Others replace more expensive and difficult to obtain prescription painkillers with a cheaper product.
Uncomfortable heroin withdrawal symptoms make it difficult to quit using. Many people fear this “dope sickness” so much that they keep using heroin to prevent ill effects, despite the drug ruining their lives.
Many people who attempt to quit heroin on their own find the process too difficult. Thus, they end up relapsing mid-detox, which could end up being fatal. That’s why it’s important to detox under medical supervision. Supervised detox programs provide safety, comfort, and support while you end your physical dependence on heroin.
Common Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
The severity of your heroin withdrawal symptoms depends on several factors. These include your average heroin dose amount, the potency of your heroin, and how frequently you have been using the drug before quitting.
While symptoms may vary, they commonly include:
- Anxiety and agitation
- Muscle aches, insomnia, and sweating
- Abdominal cramps and diarrhea
- Vomiting and nausea
- Dilated pupils and excessive yawning
While detox helps you break your physical heroin dependence, you’ll still need to address the addictive behaviors that led you to get help in the first place. The best rehab centers develop an individualized addiction treatment plan to give you the best chance at lasting recovery. You’ll undergo individual and group therapy, gain coping skills, and learn about your addiction. You also set goals for treatment and continued recovery after rehab.
Therapy in rehab uncovers root causes of your addiction. These sessions also address these causes while helping you undo negative thought processes.
We Can Help You Get Through Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Ashley Addiction Treatment in Havre de Grace, Maryland, provides four core substance abuse programs to help individuals overcome heroin addiction and live a productive post-treatment life. These programs include:
- Primary Program
- Relapse Program
- Young Adult Program
- Pain Recovery Program
Your journey to sobriety begins with detox. During the process, medical professionals supervise your detox, delivering innovative, integrated, and holistic care to keep you safe and comfortable.
After heroin detox, you enjoy amenities of Ashley Addiction Treatment during rehab. These amenities include yoga, acupuncture, massage, a wellness center, dietary counseling, laundry services, semi-private rooms, 24-hour food access, and housecleaning. All of these services enable you to focus on the light of recovery and also achieve goals for your own lasting wellness.
Pain and addiction don’t have to control your life. You regain control and a fresh start in recovery with Ashley Addiction Treatment’s help. If you or someone you love is ready to end your suffering in addiction, call us now at 866-313-6307.