Addiction is unfortunately far more common than most people think. In order to overcome an addiction, one has to take the proper steps to get clean. Each different drug and the addiction that goes with it varies, but there are certain steps that must be taken in order to get clean no matter what drug a person is addicted to. The first step to getting sober is almost always detox. Before a person can truly begin the journey of recovery, they must first get the drug they are using out of their system.
At Ocean Coast Recovery we believe in giving our clients the best chance possible to recover from drug addiction without relapsing and using drugs again. In this post we will discuss the drug heroin, the signs of heroin addiction, how long heroin detox lasts, and why you should go to heroin detox at a proper treatment facility.
What Are the Signs of Heroin Addiction?
Heroin is a powerful opioid that produces tremendous pain relief as well as a euphoric effect that can make the drug incredibly addictive. Because of its potency and the ease at which a person can become addicted to the drug, heroin is illegal. Despite it being illegal, it is still one of the most widely used drugs in America.
The reason heroin is so addictive is because of both the effects of the drug and the way that it interacts with the body. The pain relief and euphoria typically make using heroin an enjoyable experience, which promotes continued use even if a person suffers harm as a result. Secondly, the drug alters the body chemistry by acting on the opioid receptors in the body’s central nervous system. Over time the body becomes accustomed to the drug and needs more to feel the same effects.
A person addicted to heroin will exhibit symptoms related to opioid use including a feeling of happiness. They may also experience increased heart rate, sweating uncontrollably, paranoia, restlessness, and even seizures in some cases.
Besides the physical effects of using the drug, a person will typically become socially withdrawn, neglect work and life responsibilities and even continue using heroin even when their life has suffered harm as a result. They will typically result in them using any means necessary to acquire the drug as well which can endanger their health and safety as well as cause legal problems.
How Long Does Heroin Detox Last?
Each individual case may vary, but a typical detox from heroin can last up to 7 days. While it is possible for withdrawal and symptoms from detoxing to persist for many months after the process is completed, under a properly medically supervised environment, it is possible to complete the process in a few days.
Symptoms of withdrawal, the sign that the effects of the drug are wearing off and the drug is leaving the body can begin as early as a few hours after a person stops using heroin. This also means that the effects of withdrawal can begin that soon as well. That is why detox is an important part of the recovery process.
Why You Should Go to Heroin Detox at a Professional Facility
Detox is one of the most important parts of the recovery process. However, it is never a good idea to go through detox at home and without medical supervision. Detoxing without supervision can be a life-threatening experience, especially with a drug like heroin.
That’s why going to a treatment facility like Ocean Coast Recovery is the right choice. Our medically trained staff will supervise the entire detox process and make sure to help manage any medical complications so that the client is able to enter treatment once detox is complete.
After detox, the client gets a custom-built treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs, centered around our luxurious inpatient rehab center. We provide a variety of services to treat a range of addictions and disorders relating to addiction so that the person has all the tools they need to get and stay sober.
If you or someone you know is suffering from heroin addiction, don’t be afraid to call Ocean Coast Recovery today to get the help you need.