Is heroin dependence and the associated withdrawal symptoms that come whenever a dose is missed an ongoing problem for someone you love?

If so, know that you are not alone. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that more than four million Americans over the age of 12 reported having tried heroin at least once in a 2011 survey. The NIDA also estimates that about 23 percent of those who try heroin will develop a dependency upon the drug. That means that about one million other Americans are in the same boat as your loved one right now.

The good news is that there is hope. There have been great strides made in opiate addiction treatment over the past decade and every year new studies find evidence to support the use of cutting-edge treatments and therapies to augment traditional care methods (e.g., intensive psychotherapy and medical detox).

Contact us today at 706-914-2327 and learn more about our unique heroin rehab programs.

Signs of Heroin Detox

The withdrawal symptoms that signify heroin detox can begin within a few hours of missing a dose. They are not usually life-threatening unless complications arise, however, they can be extremely difficult to navigate without medical and psychotherapeutic support.

According to Medline Plus, the first withdrawal symptoms to appear usually include:

  • Anxiety
  • Profuse sweating
  • Agitation
  • Runny nose
  • Yawning
  • Muscle aches
  • Headache

Later, symptoms of withdrawal usually worsen and continue to develop and can include:

  • Stomach cramps and diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Chills
  • Extreme bone and muscle aches
  • Insomnia

The Need for Supervised Heroin Detox

Heroin withdrawal symptoms indicate that your loved one is going through heroin detox. This can be either positive or negative depending upon the circumstances. Because the physical withdrawal symptoms can be intensely uncomfortable, many find it impossible to wade through them without medical assistance, relapsing long before they can overcome their body’s dependence on the drug.

There are various issues that can occur when someone goes through detox without medical supervision, including:

  • Medical complications caused by underlying medical issues that may or may not be known to the patient
  • Overdose and death caused by shifting tolerance to the drug
  • The inability to decrease the effect of the withdrawal symptoms through the use of non-addictive medications
  • Lack of professional therapeutic support throughout the process

It is never recommended for someone who experiences withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking heroin to undergo detox without the assistance of substance abuse treatment professionals and access to medical care. The risks of complications and relapse are simply too great. Round-the-clock care is recommended to ensure that the patient has access to medication and medical treatment if necessary, support to help them avoid relapse, and support to help them through the emotional issues and cravings that almost always accompany the physical symptoms.

Intensive Treatment at Black Bear Lodge

Here at Black Bear Lodge, we offer each patient a uniquely designed heroin treatment experience consisting of handpicked evaluations, therapies, and care that will help them address their symptoms and challenges to recovery. You can learn more about how our comprehensive heroin treatment program can help your loved one to heal today when you contact us at 706-914-2327. We’re here to assist you night and day.