Across the country, people struggle with heroin addiction. It can seem overwhelming and impossible to quit on their own, and in most cases, can be extremely dangerous. Detoxing from heroin at home often means quitting heroin cold turkey. Quitting any addictive substance suddenly can have physical and psychological risks and an increased risk of relapse and other drug use. Luckily, professional support and the structure of medically assisted heroin detox programs can ease symptoms and future health risks, even for those attempting heroin detox at home.
If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction or quitting heroin cold turkey, help is available at Baltimore Detox Center today. Our heroin detox program allows people to overcome symptoms of heroin withdrawal and begin their recovery journey.
Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal
Heroin is a short-acting opioid, meaning it takes effect quickly and leaves the bloodstream quickly. This means detox symptoms come on quickly and are highly intense. Heroin and other opiate withdrawal symptoms may only last a week or two, but their severity can cause relapse, drug cravings, and other health complications.
As the drug leaves the body, some detox symptoms may include:
- Nausea and changes in appetite
- Drug cravings
- Muscle spasms
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Tremors
Like any addictive substance, the longer heroin has been used, the more severe detox symptoms. These symptoms may sound manageable, but at the moment, they can overwhelm the brain and body, often leading to further drug use to ease effects. Heroin detox symptoms often peak a few days after the last dose, making cold turkey detox especially difficult. While detox symptoms are usually not life-threatening, their psychological effects often lead to further drug use or suicidal ideation and an increased risk of self-harm.
Why Choose Medical Heroin Detox?
Medical detox can start before heroin has left the bloodstream and lasts anywhere from five to ten days. With medical support, detox often incorporates medications like methadone to reduce cravings and help the brain recover as the opioid leaves the system. Facilities with inpatient programs monitor a person’s vitals to make sure temperature, oxygen levels, heart rate, and blood pressure stay within safe ranges. Most programs also include various types of therapy to address the root causes of heroin use to reduce the risk of relapse.
Attempting to end an addiction to any addictive substance can be overwhelming and often feels impossible. The truth is that quitting heroin cold turkey can not only be dangerous but greatly increases the risk of relapse, overdose, and future drug use. Professional help in medically-assisted programs can reduce the risk of detox-related health complications, assess any damage heroin has done to the body and brain, all while providing psychological support for holistic wellness. While some may think it’s brave to quick cold turkey, the risks outweigh the benefits of asking for professional help, such as the programs available at Baltimore Detox Center.
Embrace Recovery with Heroin Detox at Baltimore Detox Center
Heroin detox may take only a few days, but no one should have to go through it alone. If you or someone you love is looking for heroin detox support in the greater Baltimore area, choose Baltimore Detox Center. Our intimate live-in facility is one of the first free-standing detox centers in the city. We treat an array of drug and alcohol addictions with a range of medically assisted therapies as well as counseling services.
With detox programs for both men and women, we center our clinic on holistic treatment to help people struggling with addiction and their families return to healthy, drug-free lives. Learn more about our heroin detox and other programs by calling us at [Direct] or completing our online form today.
