For those overcoming heroin addiction, a medical detox program is the first step in treatment. During this initial phase, the individual receives medically tailored support and supervision as they begin their recovery journey. At FHE Health, we recognize the courage and dedication it takes to break the cycle of addiction, and our team of experts is here to help every step of the way.
The Detox Process Explained
Detox is a necessary first step toward recovery from heroin addiction. Heroin affects brain chemistry and physical and cognitive functioning, and abruptly stopping use without medical support and monitoring isn’t just uncomfortable – it can be dangerous.
Understanding Heroin and Its Effects
Heroin is a highly addictive, short-acting opioid that’s processed from morphine. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration classifies it as a Schedule I drug, meaning that it has a very high potential for abuse and no medical use.
Heroin’s chemical structure lets it quickly pass the blood/brain barrier. Once it’s in the brain, it’s broken down into morphine and binds to opioid receptors. One of the most common heroin effects is a surge of dopamine, which brings on intense feelings of euphoria. This surge is what makes individuals want to use heroin repeatedly and become susceptible to developing an addiction.
Repeated heroin use rewires the brain’s reward system. This change makes the brain more sensitive to drug-related cues, such as specific people, places, and emotions. At the same time, it reduces the pleasure the individual gets from everyday activities such as eating or talking to friends and family. Eventually, the only time the individual feels joy is when they’re using heroin.
Considering the complexity of heroin addiction, it makes sense that individuals who attempt to self-quit rarely succeed. Heroin detox does more than provide accountability; it incorporates tailored medical care to address and help heal the damage caused by heroin use.
Initiation of Detoxification
Before an individual enters into detox, a physician conducts a thorough medical assessment to identify underlying health issues and determine the best treatment plan. This evaluation is essential for recognizing issues that could complicate treatment and ensures the detox process is tailored to the individual’s needs.
Common Withdrawal Symptoms
Understanding the opioid withdrawal timeline is essential for knowing what to expect during the early weeks of recovery. Withdrawal symptoms typically set in within 8-24 hours after the last dose, and they usually peak around 24-48 hours.
Physical Symptoms
As the body adjusts to a lack of heroin, the individual may experience a range of symptoms. While these symptoms are often uncomfortable, they’re rarely life-threatening, and they can be managed in medical detox.
Physical heroin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches
- Sweating
- Chills
Psychological Symptoms
Additionally, many individuals experience psychological symptoms that make it difficult to navigate recovery. Because of heroin’s effects on the brain, it’s important to address mental health during detox.
Some symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Intense cravings
Duration and Severity Factors
Every person’s heroin detox experience is unique, depending on factors such as how long they’ve used heroin, how much they use, and their overall health status. Because withdrawal symptoms could potentially become severe, supervised detox is highly recommended. During this first phase of treatment, medical professionals can provide medications and support to manage complications throughout the opioid withdrawal timeline, ensuring a safer and more comfortable process.
Medical Support During Detox
During detox, individuals receive ongoing medical monitoring and support that helps them get through one of the most challenging stages of addiction treatment. Depending on their needs, their health care team may incorporate medication-assisted treatment and other supportive care measures.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medication-assisted treatment is a critical component of heroin detox at FHE. This treatment combines FDA-approved medications such as Vivitrol and Suboxone® to ease heroin withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. All medications are given by a medical team, and individuals are monitored before, during and after administration. This approach helps individuals manage the physical and mental challenges of detox more safely and comfortably.
Supportive Care Measures
Along with using prescription medications to reduce cravings and drug-seeking urges, rehab centers may use certain over-the-counter medications to target specific symptoms. For example, anti-nausea medications, sleep aids, and non-opioid pain relievers can decrease the severity of symptoms.
Supportive care in rehab also includes ensuring plenty of rest, proper nutrition, and hydration. Heroin takes a toll on the body, and many individuals who come to rehab haven’t prioritized their general health and wellness. In a supportive environment, patients maintain a predictable sleep schedule, hydrate throughout the day, and enjoy nourishing, balanced meals.
Monitoring and Safety
Ongoing monitoring during heroin detox is vital to recognize and address potential complications promptly. At FHE Health, for example, a medical team keeps a close eye on individuals’ vital signs, hydration levels, and mental health status. In an emergency, the center has established protocols to ensure immediate medical care, promoting patients’ safety.
Emotional and Psychological Challenges
As the brain adjusts to the absence of heroin, individuals often experience significant emotional and mental challenges. During detox, counseling and therapy help them navigate heroin effects and manage their mental health.
Mental Health Considerations
According to one meta-analysis that looked at over 340 studies, over a third of individuals addicted to opioids such as heroin also met the criteria for clinical depression and antisocial personality disorder. About 3 in 10 people had an anxiety disorder, and roughly 2 in 10 people had borderline personality disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and/or post-traumatic stress disorder.
These statistics provide interesting insight into how mental health affects the individual’s likelihood of developing an addiction, and vice versa. Withdrawal can exacerbate underlying mental health issues, especially if someone is using heroin to cope. Fortunately, medical detox involves integrated treatment approaches that not only help with managing withdrawal symptoms but also treating underlying mental illnesses.
Coping with Cravings and Triggers
During and after detox, individuals often encounter triggers, from stress due to work or homelife to certain environments and social situations. These triggers can lead to cravings and potential relapse, and they’re often intensified by heroin withdrawal symptoms.
During detox and rehab, mental health care professionals work with the individual to develop techniques and coping strategies for managing these triggers and cravings. This may include cognitive behavioral therapy, an evidence-based treatment that helps the individuals identify and change the thought patterns that lead to drug use.
Support Systems and Therapy
Counseling and therapy are vital for addressing the psychological challenges of heroin recovery. They help the individual to understand the underlying issues that contribute to their drug use, as well as develop healthier coping strategies for dealing with triggers, stress, and cravings. Group counseling provides a space for sharing experiences and gaining accountability, while involving trusted family members and friends in the recovery process help the individual achieve long-term recovery.
Moving from Detox to Long-Term Recovery
Completing a professional detox program is an important first step that lays the groundwork for long-term recovery. After finishing the program, it’s important to keep the momentum by entering directly into a comprehensive treatment program.
Transitioning to Treatment Programs
For many people, residential treatment is a practical next step to take after completing rehab. This type of treatment provides 24-hour monitoring and support in a comfortable, homelike environment. Residents follow carefully planned daily routines and spend several hours each day participating in one-on-one and group therapy sessions, wellness activities and recreation. This structure ensures plenty of rest, nutrition, and social support.
When residential treatment isn’t practical, intensive outpatient treatment may be a viable alternative. While individuals spend several hours each day focusing on therapy and healing, they continue living in their home environment. This is best suited for those who live in sober, supportive environments.
In both treatment formats, individuals receive ongoing medical and psychological support.
Developing a Relapse Prevention Plan
Creating a personalized relapse prevention plan is essential for managing triggers and staying on the path to recovery. This often includes attending therapy regularly, participating in support groups, and adopting healthy lifestyle changes. Additionally, individuals learn to set realistic goals for themselves and work with a mental health care provider to monitor progress and maintain their focus.
At FHE, we specialize in heroin detox and treatment, giving individuals the tools and support they need to stop the cycle of drug use and regain control of their lives. Learn more about our program by contacting us today.
