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Different Types of Detoxes From Heroin

Recovery Centers of America

Authored by Recovery Centers of America

We all want our loved ones to be happy and live long healthy lives.

This wish can be severely crippled when a loved one suffers from heroin addiction. What can we do to support a loved one away from addiction and back to a productive life? As the number of people who suffer from heroin addiction continues to rise, this is a question that more of us will have to answer. How do we effectively support the health of those that we love? How do we help them find happiness again and quit using drugs?

Detox From Heroin

The first step is to prepare for detoxification. Detoxification, or detox, is a physical and mental process that occurs as drugs leave the body and brain. Medical professionals should supervise detox at detox facilities because extreme discomfort and medical complications can occur during this withdrawal period. Therefore, a person should seek professional help when detoxing from drugs and alcohol.

Many heroin users fear detoxing from heroin because of the painful withdrawal symptoms. For example:

  • Cramping
  • Diarrhea
  • Insomnia
  • Craving heroin
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Cold sweats
  • Vomiting
  • Altered mood

Detoxing from heroin can take a shorter or a longer period of time, depending on the detox plan. Rapid detox takes a few hours. Medication maintenance detox can take several weeks or months. However, either way, it can take a long time for your body and brain to fully adjust after the initial detox from heroin.

There are several different types of heroin detoxes:

  1. Anesthesia. Professionals use general anesthesia to sedate the patient for about six hours while they use different medications to clear the patient’s system of opioids. However, the patient will still undergo withdrawal symptoms.
  2. Buprenorphine. With this specific heroin detox, our patient is given Buprenorphine to help minimize the cravings for heroin. While using Buprenorphine, detox symptoms are minimized.
  3. Clonidine. Clonidine is a good option for heroin detoxes because it reduces withdrawal symptoms by 50% to 75%.
  4. Opiate substitution therapy. Heroin can be substituted for another opioid, like methadone, from which a person can be more easily weaned.

Addiction is a serious problem that needs a serious solution. Detoxification is the first step. These heroin detox methods may help to ease what can be a difficult and painful process.

Addiction can be as isolating and fear-inducing. However, no one needs to feel alone or scared on the journey to recovery. Our heroin detox facilities are here for you, ready to walk with you through every step of the process. Furthermore, if you would like more information about detox from heroin, please do not hesitate to contact us today at 1-800-RECOVERY.

Authored by

Recovery Centers of America

Recovery Centers of America

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