Heroin Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, & Treatment

heroin detox

Speedballing — mixing heroin with cocaine — or using heroin with other how long does cymbalta withdrawal last types of drugs may also complicate the withdrawal process. Call to speak with an American Addiction Centers’ caring admissions navigator who can help you find a heroin addiction treatment program based on your individual needs. To see how treatment costs can be covered, use the free form below. At AAC, our staff creates an individualized treatment plan that fits your specific needs. We can help you detox from opioids with the help and guidance of our medical staff.

Why Are More People Using Heroin?

heroin detox

It was originally developed as a medication to treat pain, but its likelihood to cause physical dependence has made it a popular recreational drug. Some people may experience withdrawal symptoms longer than average, for several months. Such treatments can include behavioral therapies and pharmacological treatments. Treatment for heroin use is often most effective when it involves a combination of behavioral approaches with medication. Physically, heroin withdrawal leads to symptoms that are similar to the flu. People often experience nausea, diarrhea, runny nose, achiness, tremors, fatigue, chills, and sweats.

It’s also called horse, smack, junk, and brown sugar, among other names. A few examples are ice or heat therapy, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, and nerve stimulation. Clients can manage mild effects by drinking two to three liters of water each day during detox.

Heroin Withdrawal

While not everyone who takes legal painkillers or recreational substances becomes addicted, some people won’t be able to stop taking them. A person on heroin may not look like they’re “on drugs.” They may just seem sleepy. People who are addicted almost always deny that they’re using. The liver starts to break down (or metabolize) heroin within minutes. If someone took your blood, they could only detect the pure form of the drug for about 5 minutes. But heroin metabolites may stick around in your urine or hair for 2-4 days or longer.

What are the symptoms of heroin withdrawal?

If you and your healthcare professional think you have an opioid use disorder, voluntary groups such as Narcotics Anonymous are structured support groups. They are led by other people who have been dependent on addictive substances. These groups can be a powerful support network for those who find that they aren’t able to quit using opioids despite their best efforts.

  1. Detoxification is the first and most painful step of heroin addiction treatment.
  2. It’s important that your family members know how to use naloxone.
  3. The drug itself may come in aluminum foil packages (called foils) or in tiny balloons.
  4. We strive to create content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand.
  5. While heroin withdrawal can be intense and uncomfortable, the worst of the symptoms usually pass within a week.

You may want to consider contacting an addiction therapist or rehab facility ahead of time in case you’re unable to get through withdrawal on your own. This way, if you find you need help, you can attend rehab instead of returning to regular heroin use. Withdrawal from heroin is one of the biggest obstacles to recovery from heroin addiction. People who are addicted to heroin often have no greater fear than dope sickness — the street name for heroin withdrawal. If you or your loved one is suffering from heroin addiction, finding the right detox facility is substance abuse games for groups critical.

But there are risks linked to opioid use — including severe constipation, nausea, dependence, misuse, opioid use disorder and accidental overdose. For example, opioid medicines may help when the pain level is very high and short term. A number of treatment centers simultaneously treat addiction and co-occurring mental na vs aa health disorders such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Heroin is grouped with other Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. Someone who’s overdosing may need more than one dose of naloxone or further medical care. After you give them a dose of naloxone, call 911 or get them to the ER right away. Like the name suggests, black tar heroin is dark and sticky. Black tar heroin is sold most often in areas of the U.S. west of the Mississippi River.

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