Heroin detox
If you feel ready to quit heroin but feel daunted by the idea of heroin detox, be assured that we can support you.
If you choose to detox from heroin in a residential detox facility with Oasis Bradford, the process can be medically managed and made as comfortable as possible.
What is Heroin Detox?
Heroin detox is a method used to help people with heroin addiction slowly come off the drug. You may assume that this works by simply stopping the heroin user from being able to access the harmful substance.
However, heroin detox is more complicated than that. If you have been using heroin for a long time, there is a risk that you will become seriously ill if you stop taking the substance all at once.
The main reason heroin detox has an imposing reputation is that it can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. However, these symptoms are experienced at their most intense by those who have attempted to quit heroin alone, without medical supervision. When the correct medication is prescribed and 24/7 medical supervision is in place, you are much more likely to complete the heroin detox process and be ready to embark on the path of recovery.
Consequently, detox at Oasis Bradford involves you dedicating time to a tapering-off process, taking prescribed medication to act as a substitute for ever-reducing heroin doses and to offset unpleasant heroin withdrawal symptoms.
How Long Does Heroin Withdrawal Last?
The duration of heroin withdrawal depends on the individual. However, the heroin withdrawal timeline usually lasts for approximately ten days:
- The first six to twelve hours: Withdrawal symptoms start to kick in and tend to be flu-like, such as fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle aches, and headaches.
- The first few days: During this time, withdrawal symptoms continue and will include psychological symptoms such as insomnia and anxiety.
- Ten days after the last dose of heroin: most clients are starting to feel better physically and mentally. However, many will still be dealing with cravings, so it is important for detox treatment to be followed up with a comprehensive support plan involving psychological therapies and holistic activities.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Some common symptoms of heroin withdrawal include anxiety, insomnia, cravings and flu-like symptoms. However, every client responds differently to the detox. Other symptoms that are widely reported in heroin withdrawal include:
- Memory issues
- Goosebumps
- Increased body temperature
- Increased blood pressure
- Diarrhoea
- Irritability
- Dysphoria
It is difficult to predict how you will respond to a heroin detox, as it is unique to each individual . However, we can estimate your risk factor based on your age, physical health, and using patterns, i.e. how often you use heroin.
Even experiencing a few of these symptoms without medical supervision could be enough to increase the risk of you relapsing. That’s why we strongly advise you to make an inpatient detox with us the first step in your recovery journey.
Myths surrounding Heroin Detox
I can detox from heroin on my own
Although it is tempting to start the heroin detox process on your own, it could be extremely dangerous. It is important for anyone struggling with this drug to receive heroin detox under the supervision of medical professionals who are in a position to oversee the process and subscribe medications to keep you safe and comfortable if needed. Aside from the potential safety risks that could occur, detoxing on your own means that any co-occurring mental health conditions you may have are not addressed. This increases your chance of relapsing.
Heroin detox is the same as rehab treatment
It’s important to know that there’s a difference between heroin detox and heroin rehab. While detox aims to help you overcome withdrawal symptoms through medication, the latter takes a more comprehensive approach. It provides ongoing support to not only physically heal you from heroin abuse, but also address the psychological aspects that contribute to your cravings. It’s crucial to consider both options when seeking treatment for heroin abuse.
You may experience specific side effects during the heroin detox process, such as mood changes, intense cravings and maybe even some physical changes. However, you are susceptible to even more extreme side effects while taking heroin.
Heroin detoxification aims to enable a healthier lifestyle for you in the long run. With the help of Oasis Bradford, you can do that in a safe environment with people supporting you throughout any side effects you may have.
Take the Next Step With Oasis Bradford
Although we cannot promise that withdrawal from heroin will be easy, at Oasis Bradford, we can make it as safe and comfortable as possible.
While you undergo heroin detox, you will stay at our facility, meaning you have the benefit of being surrounded by medical professionals on a daily basis. Medical and therapist care is available 24/7, so we can act quickly if you are suffering mentally or physically during the detox.
If you have any questions about detoxing from heroin with us or you are ready to take the next steps, get in touch with us today, and we will provide you with all the information you need.
Frequently asked questions
Fortunately, treatment tends to have some similarities, regardless of the drug you have been using.
