Heroin Detox Protocols and Procedures

When anyone has been using heroin, medical detox is necessary. Heroin is the hardest drug to recover from and it’s often due to the intensity of withdrawals. Unlike some other substances, withdrawal symptoms can start in as little as six hours. Heroin withdrawal is also dangerous and can be fatal. Medical detox is the safest for any person who is struggling with an addiction to heroin.

Heroin Detox Duration

The first signs of withdrawal appear 6-12 hours after the last time the drug was used. This is often the time when people will quickly find more and use it. Sometimes, this is when a person will seek out medical assistance to avoid using it again. Once in our detox center, we do our best to lessen the withdrawal symptoms. The first 3 days are the peak of withdrawal and the most uncomfortable. Medication is administered to minimize the effects and medical staff monitor the health of the individual. 

 

Medication-Assisted Detox

Some medications are necessary to help wean the person off of heroin but must be monitored. These medications include.

  • Methadone
  • Buprenorphine
  • Naltrexone
  • Aspirin or Ibuprofen for pain
  • Librium, Clonazepam and other long lasting benzodiazepines may also be used to help patients calm down during detox

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Can You Detox From Heroin At Home?

Do not attempt to detox from heroin at home. Many people hear of others who have done so but heroin comes with a lot of health issues. Factors that affect detox include how long one has been using it, how much they have been using, age of the individual, and their health status.

Heroin withdrawals are so intense that they can be fatal. Withdrawals are also highly uncomfortable, making a relapse inevitable. A medical detox is the safest way and sets people up for a successful recovery.

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Heroin Detox: Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the difference between detox and withdrawal?

    Withdrawal refers to the symptoms that occur when you suddenly stop using heroin after chronic abuse which is different from detox which is a medical program that treats the symptoms associated with withdrawal. Detox is a necessary first step in the recovery process and many heroin users find recovery nearly impossible without it because of how severe the withdrawal symptoms are without a supportive medical and clinical environment. 

  • How do I know if I need detox?

    If you are using heroin regularly, chances are that you need to detox. Withdrawl symptoms come on as soon as 3 to 6 hours from the time of last use for many heroin addicts and without a proper detox center, it can be very difficult to make it entirely through the withdrawal process without receiving medication assistance and clinical assistance in a treatment center.

Therapy After Detox

Therapy after detox is important to keep people from relapsing. This can look like residential or partial-hospitalization care. Individual psychotherapy, group therapies, and support groups are often the most successful for anyone truly wanting to be free of addiction. We encourage everyone to start with residential care and gradually move to outpatient care. Going through the entire continuum of addiction treatment and rehab yields the most favorable success rates.

Find Help Through Our Heroin Detox

We can guide you every step of the way to a healthy life. Our detox centers are the best place to start your new life. We will make you as comfortable as possible and provide therapies that will help you rebuild. Call us today to learn more about your options.

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New Vista Health Team

New Vista Health is a comprehensive healthcare provider specializing in mental health and addiction treatment. New Vista offers personalized, evidence-based care to support individuals in achieving long-term recovery and overall wellness with a robust team of addictionologists and clinicians.

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Our detox centers will allow you to safely and comfortably go through the detox process. We will make you as comfortable as possible and provide therapies that will help you rebuild. Call us today to start a new life free from addiction.