Heroin is a highly addictive drug that is commonly abused in the United States. According to research, roughly 948,000 Americans reported heroin abuse in 2016.[1] Because of how addictive this substance is, many individuals never attend treatment for their heroin addiction. However, recovery is possible with the help of a heroin detox program.
When an individual is addicted to heroin, their body becomes accustomed to the presence of this substance. As a result, if the person suddenly stops using the drug, they will experience symptoms of withdrawal. Symptoms of heroin withdrawal can become unbearable, often causing individuals to relapse to end their symptoms. Fortunately, heroin detox programs in West Palm Beach utilize evidence-based therapies and FDA-approved medications to lessen the effects of withdrawal. This allows individuals to move on to the next phases of their recovery. Here is what patients can expect during heroin detox in West Palm Beach.
What is Heroin Detox Like in West Palm Beach?
Heroin detox programs are described as inpatient treatment facilities for individuals who are transitioning to sobriety from heroin. Typically, these programs provide patients with medically-assisted detox techniques after completing an extensive intake and evaluation process. This allows patients to receive personalized care during the withdrawal phase of their recovery from heroin addiction.
Intake and Evaluation
When an individual arrives at a heroin detox facility, they will go through an intake and evaluation process. This process is made up of several steps, including the initial contact between the patient and the professional as well as a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s emotional, medical, and social needs.
In doing so, patients will be assessed to determine whether heroin detox is the best option for them. Additionally, the intake process allows the detox program’s staff members to create an individualized and comprehensive treatment plan for each patient
Medically-Assisted Heroin Treatment
Medically-assisted treatment (MAT) is a vital step in the detox process. This phase of heroin detox utilizes FDA-approved medications to alleviate drug cravings and lessen the patient’s withdrawal symptoms.
There are several medications used during detox, including buprenorphine, methadone, and Suboxone. These medications are extremely beneficial in the treatment of heroin addiction, as they prevent patients from feeling the full intensity of their withdrawal symptoms and cravings. As a result, patients have a greater chance of success during detox, allowing them to move on to the next phases of their recovery.
According to research, after buprenorphine became available in Baltimore, heroin deaths decreased by 37%. Other benefits include increased social functioning, increased retention in treatment, decreased opioid abuse, and a decrease in opioid-related crimes.[2]
Rehab Planning
After an individual begins to experience relief in withdrawal symptoms, addiction treatment professionals will begin planning for the patient’s next steps. The patient, therapist, psychiatrist, and medical staff will assess whether the individual needs inpatient or outpatient rehab, decipher if they need dual-diagnosis services, and decide how long they should attend treatment.
Because detox is only the first step in recovery from addiction, the rehab planning phase is of the utmost importance. Heroin detox programs in West Palm Beach always provide patients with a comprehensive treatment plan that extends past the end date of their detox program.
Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal
Heroin withdrawal will differ from person to person, depending on a variety of factors. For example, the longer someone uses heroin, how they abused heroin, and how much they took each time will play a role in the intensity of heroin withdrawal symptoms.
Mild symptoms of heroin withdrawal:[3]
- Nausea and abdominal cramps
- Runny nose
- Sweating
- Body chills
- Frequent yawning
- Body aches
Moderate symptoms of heroin withdrawal:[3]
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Tremors or shaking
- Difficulty concentrating
- Goosebumps
- Fatigue
Severe symptoms of heroin withdrawal:[3]
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Hypertension and rapid heart rate
- Muscle spasms
- Respiration issues
- Inability to feel pleasure
- Cravings
While the symptoms of heroin withdrawal aren’t typically life-threatening, the mental and physical health symptoms may cause complications. Complications could include heart issues, organ failure, and even suicide due to severe depression. Because of this, attending a medically assisted heroin detox in West Palm Beach is necessary.
How Long Does Heroin Detox Last?
Heroin detox programs are intended to help patients navigate the complications of weaning off of heroin. Because of this, medical detox will last long enough to medically stabilize the patient after the individual has completed the withdrawal process.
The length of withdrawal will vary from person to person. Factors that contribute to the length of heroin withdrawal:
- The length of heroin abuse
- How much heroin was used
- The method of use (smoking, snorting, or injecting)
- Whether the use was chronic or not
However, heroin withdrawal typically lasts anywhere from 7-10 days. Withdrawal symptoms usually start within the first 24 hours following an individual’s last dose. Then, withdrawal symptoms will peak between 36-72 hours, gradually reducing in severity and frequency over the next few days. Individuals who abused heroin chronically may experience symptoms of withdrawal for up to 3 weeks.
Start Heroin Detox in West Palm Beach Today!
Recovering from heroin addiction is difficult to do without professional help. Individuals struggling with an addiction to heroin should consider attending a heroin detox facility in West Palm Beach. Mandala Healing Center is home to one of the leading heroin detox programs in the area, providing patients with the assurance that they are in good hands. Contact us today for more information on our comprehensive and individualized approach to detox and recovery.
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