How to Get Through Heroin Withdrawal as Safely and Comfortably as Possible

Heroin remains one of the most addictive substances globally, exerting a physical hold that can be extremely difficult to break. Anyone who has ever tried to quit heroin on their own understands how painful the withdrawal symptoms can be and why so many well-meaning addicts fall back into addiction following a failed attempt at DIY detox.

The severity of heroin withdrawal symptoms makes quitting complicated, which means finding professional detox is vitally important. While quitting heroin will never be a completely comfortable process, there are methods professional detox facilities can utilize to greatly reduce the discomfort, provide medical support and keep addicts safe as their bodies begin to heal.

What Is Withdrawal?

No matter what substance they have been abusing, addicts face many challenges on the road to recovery, but some drugs provide more significant difficulties than others. Heroin is known as one of the most addictive substances to abuse, and that reputation is well deserved, as those who have found themselves addicted to the drug can attest.

Unlike some other substances, heroin creates a physical hold on users, and after only a short time, that bodily dependence makes quitting nearly impossible without professional help.

The fact that heroin addiction is physical means quitting is accompanied by withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal is what happens when the drug is no longer available, either by choice or circumstance, and as time passes, the severity of the symptoms will worsen before they improve.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

Anyone who has ever tried to quit using heroin on their own understands just how difficult the task can be. The severity of heroin withdrawal symptoms can make even the most dedicated individuals think twice. Once in the throes of those symptoms, many addicts simply give up on their recovery and return to daily use.

If you want to get clean finally, you need to understand what those withdrawal symptoms are, what you can expect when they begin, and more importantly, how you can avoid the most severe symptoms and remain as comfortable as possible throughout your detox journey. Here is a quick rundown of the most common symptoms of heroin withdrawal:

Mild Symptoms

• Nausea
• Sweating
• Abdominal pain
• Nervousness

Moderate Symptoms

• Agitation
• Depression
• Shaking
• Sweating

Severe Symptoms

• Muscle spasms
• Cravings for drugs
• Severe chills
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Death

Heroin Withdrawal Timeline: What to Expect

The symptoms associated with heroin withdrawal can be intense, but they are relatively short-lived, especially if you have medical support throughout your detox journey. The use of specialized pharmaceutical medications, a protocol is known as medication-assisted treatment, or MAT, can significantly reduce the pain associated with detox, making it easier for addicts to regain their sobriety and their lives.

The main symptoms of heroin withdrawal will typically begin between six and 12 hours after last use. They will generally peak from two to three days after the last dose of the drug, and after the third day has passed, the symptoms will slowly diminish. However, the medical protocols used at professional detox centers like WhiteSands Drug Detox in Tampa and Fort Myers can make that timeline faster, easing addicts into recovery and keeping them as comfortable and safe as possible.

Medically Assisted Detox

Quitting heroin is not for the faint of heart, and it is not something you should ever attempt on your own. If you want your efforts to be successful, you need to avoid the DIY approach and seek professional help as soon as possible. By far, the most effective way to get off heroin for good involves the use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), a unique form of therapy that reduces the discomfort of withdrawal while providing you with the support you need to carry forward.

Not only is medically managed detox safer and more comfortable, but it’s also far more effective than any other form of detox. At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we follow the science, using the latest advances in the field of addiction treatment to build a safer, more comfortable, and more effective detox protocol for all the clients we serve. Whether you seek help for yourself or someone you care about, we urge you to reach out to WhiteSands today. We have numerous locations for drug rehab throughout Florida to serve every resident.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.