How to Taper Off Heroin

How to Gently and Safely Taper Off Heroin

In a world filled with dangerous substances, heroin represents a unique danger, and its risks do not end when addicts try to go clean. The physical dependency that develops among heroin addicts can make even quitting a scary experience. The severity of the resulting withdrawal symptoms can be enough to derail even the most earnest attempts at recovery.

The DIY approach to heroin detox is rarely effective. It is often counterproductive, driving addicts deeper into their dependency and stopping their attempts at getting clean in their tracks. For people with a heroin addiction who are ready to get clean, the slow taper method is by far the most effective, and WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab is proud to be one of the pioneers in this approach to heroin detox.

Heroin Withdrawal

Going through heroin withdrawal can be uncomfortable, and some of the withdrawal symptoms can even be dangerous or life-threatening. Some of the most common heroin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Shaking and chills
• Hot and cold flashes
• Intense sweating

Going through these withdrawal symptoms alone can be an overwhelming challenge, even for the most dedicated recovering addict. Even if you have someone by your side, they may not know how to support you through this challenging process, and that is why it is so important to take a concerted and medically guided approach.

When you detox with WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, the slow tapering off heroin process is a much more effective approach than going cold turkey, which is the hallmark of the DIY approach. By slowly tapering you off heroin, we can give your body the time it needs to heal, reducing the intensity of additional withdrawal symptoms while maintaining your comfort, safety, and dignity.

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.

What Does it Mean to Slowly “Taper Off”
Heroin and Other Opioids

When it comes to stopping the use of any drug, heroin included, there are two approaches: the cold turkey method and the slow taper method. Cold turkey means stopping the use altogether and all at once, while the slow taper method means carefully reducing the dose over time.

For heroin addicts, the slow taper approach is often the best, primarily when it is fully supported by an expert medical team and continuously monitored. When you choose to detox with WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we will provide that ongoing medical monitoring, giving you the support you need as your body begins to heal. This gradual process can be incredibly effective, and we encourage you to reach out to us today to start your journey to recovery.

How Does Tapering Off Heroin Work?

When you choose to taper off heroin slowly, it is essential to have expert guidance and support before you begin. The taper method can be incredibly effective at helping heroin addicts heal, but it is not a DIY process.

Several factors can impact the design of your individual taper program, including:

• How long you have been using heroin
• The amount you have been using
• Whether or not you have been using other drugs
• Your health status
• Your weight and body type
• Your gender

Depending on these factors and the result of our thorough medical examination, we will design a slow taper detox program for you, one that will give your body time to heal. Over time the dose you receive will continue to decrease until you are finally free of heroin and its toxic side effects.

How Long Does it Take to Taper Off Heroin?

If you are ready to begin your recovery journey, you probably have many questions, including how long it will take to taper off heroin and start to get your life back.

The amount of time it takes to taper off of heroin will depend on several different factors, from the severity of your addiction to the existence of other addictions and dependencies. That is why it is vital to develop a customized strategy for your tapering, something our expert staff will be happy to help with.

Slow Taper Method and Other Benefits
of Medical Detox at WhiteSands

Tapering off heroin can be a complicated process and a dangerous one if you choose the DIY approach. If you are ready to put your heroin addiction in the rearview mirror, we encourage you to abandon your DIY efforts and choose the medically supervised and scientifically approved slow taper method instead. If you or someone you care about has been using heroin and wants to stop, we encourage you to reach out to us today. We will explain the slow taper method, from what it is and how it works to how you can get started.

At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we are experts at the slow taper method, so you can begin your process of healing right away at any of our Florida locations.

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.