Harmony Junction Recovery Makes Heroin Detox Easier
Heroin addiction is a dangerous, life-threatening substance use disorder that can wreak havoc on a person’s life. Whether you have a heroin addiction yourself or a family member of yours does, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Located in Southern California, Harmony Junction Recovery’s medical detox program provides treatment for heroin addiction that’s safe and effective. Our physicians specialize in addiction and can guide you through a safer, less painful detox so you can start your recovery off on the right foot. Keep reading to learn more about drug detox and how we can help you. Or, call us at (855) 906-4088 if you’re ready to start now.
What is Drug Detox?
Detox is short for detoxification. It refers to the body’s process of removing harmful substances from its systems. The phrase is commonly used in reference to drug dependency, but can also be utilized in a variety of scenarios. Drug detox is typically a recovering addict’s first step on the road to long-lasting sobriety. It’s when your body will purge itself of the chemical traces of the drug you’ve been abusing.
When a person uses addictive drugs regularly, their body changes the way it operates. In many cases, it becomes physically dependent upon the drug to function. That’s why the detox period is typically associated with withdrawal symptoms. The specific traits of your withdrawal process will be based on your body, the drug you used, and how long you used it.
Withdrawals are incredibly difficult to manage on your own. They’re often unpleasant, uncomfortable, and even downright painful. That’s why a medical detox can be so valuable. With it, you’ll get access to a physician’s guidance as you go through this challenging phase of your recovery. This is what we offer at our detox center in Southern California.
What Happens During Heroin Detox?
Heroin detox is challenging. When used, heroin binds to opioid receptors in the brain to release a rush of pleasure. The detoxification process is essentially the opposite of this. Instead of the euphoria, reduced heart rate, and sedation you felt while abusing heroin, your detox may involve feelings of depression, a rapid heart rate, and anxiety. These symptoms are major factors in heroin withdrawal.
What is Heroin Withdrawal?
The heroin detox process will trigger withdrawal symptoms as your body flushes out the heroin from its system. Symptoms of heroin withdrawal are challenging to navigate alone and may even require medication-assisted treatment.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
The specific withdrawals you experience during your heroin detox will vary. That being said, some of the common symptoms include:
- Chills and sweats
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Strong cravings for heroin
- And more
Heroin Detox Timeline
First 12 Hours
Within the first 12 hours after the last dose, you may begin to experience mild to moderate symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, nausea, and abdominal cramps. These are all expected during the initial detox phase.Next 24-72 Hours
At 24 to 72 hours, your withdrawal symptoms will peak. During this time, more severe symptoms may occur, like diarrhea, vomiting, and deep depression. Your medical professionals will monitor your physical and mental well-being to ensure you’re safe and don’t need any immediate medical care.After First Week
Once you’ve made it through the first week of detox, your symptoms should begin to subside; some anxiety, mild depression, and stomach aches may be present during this period. Likewise, this is a sensitive time when cravings may become more intense. Thankfully, your team will ensure you have all the necessary tools to overcome these cravings.
What is Post Acute Withdrawal?
Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms
- Foggy thinking
- Cravings
- Insomnia or vivid dreams
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Problems with fine motor skills
Getting Through The Heroin Detox Process with Harmony Junction Recovery
Evaluation
First, our doctors will evaluate you to identify any unique issues you may encounter during your medical detox. We’ll check your physical and mental health along with your history of drug usage to ensure we provide you with the best care possible.Stabilization
Next, we’ll prepare you for detox with a stabilization process. This typically involves both psychological and medical therapy to prepare both your mind and body. Through this process, Harmony Junction Recovery can help to reduce the withdrawal symptoms you experience once your detox begins.Treatment Preparation
Finally, we’ll provide you with in-depth information and targeted guidance on what to expect during detox. This is also when you’ll get to choose between our in-patient and out-patient heroin detox services. Each offers different benefits, which we’ll explain to you clearly so you can make an informed decision about your care.Medications used for Heroin Withdrawal
Medications are often prescribed to patients who are detoxing from heroin and other opioids. Our medical professionals can evaluate your detox to determine which medication and type is best for you.
Suboxone
At Harmony Junction Recovery, we’ve found that a Suboxone taper provides the best results for our patients. Suboxone works to reduce your withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings, which can make the detox process much easier for you.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone inhibits opioid receptors in the brain, preventing the release of pleasure-inducing chemicals during heroin use. The absence of this reward can reduce the risk of relapse.
How Can I Make Heroin Detox Easier?
By its nature, heroin detox isn’t easy. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the pain and suffering you go through while kicking the substance. Most importantly, you should rely on the experience and support trained addiction specialists provide. Doing so will guide you through the most challenging parts of your detox and help you start your recovery on the right foot.
At Harmony Junction Recovery, we provide everything you need for a safer and more comfortable detox. Our medical detox service is informed by the latest scientific discoveries and led by doctors who have spent a lifetime studying addiction. It can provide you with the support you need to complete your detox.
Harmony Junction Recovery offers individualized detox plans that include medication, counseling, drug education, group-based and behavioral therapies, supervised withdrawals, and more. We also accept various insurance plans to ensure our services are affordable enough for everyone.
Why put off your recovery for another day? Get in touch with Harmony Junction Recovery, and we’ll provide you with the information and support you need to get started with your heroin addiction treatment program. You can reach us anytime at (855) 906-4088.
We look forward to providing you with the support you need to find long-term recovery.
