What to Expect at a Heroin Detox Center in Lantana, FL
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Heroin is an illicit opioid that can cause a potent, drowsy, and euphoric high. Unfortunately, many people become addicted to it after only a few uses, increasing their risks of experiencing dangerous side effects like life-threatening overdoses.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 1.1 million people reported using heroin in 2021.[1]
If you or a loved one are addicted to heroin, that means your brain and body have begun to rely on it to function properly. As a result, suddenly stopping the use of heroin will cause withdrawal symptoms. While heroin withdrawal symptoms are not usually life-threatening, they can be incredibly difficult to cope with without medical treatment.
The best way to quit heroin is to seek professional help. When you get help from a heroin detox center in Lantana, FL, you will receive a variety of services including an assessment to determine your needs, 24/7 medical supervision, medications to limit your withdrawal symptoms, and treatment planning for the rest of your recovery journey.
What are the Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal?
Heroin withdrawal can cause a wide range of symptoms, from psychological effects like depression and anxiety to physical ailments like vomiting and diarrhea. Many people describe heroin withdrawal as feeling like a really bad flu.
The common symptoms of heroin withdrawal include:[2]
- Agitation and anxiety
- Muscle aches and pains
- Teary eyes and runny nose
- Insomnia
- Excessive sweating
- Frequent yawning
- Abdominal cramping
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Goosebumps and shivering
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dilated pupils
While heroin withdrawal is usually not life-threatening, symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating can lead to severe dehydration if left untreated.[3] This can quickly become dangerous, making it important that you seek help from a heroin detox program in Lantana, FL.
What to Expect at a Heroin Detox Center in Lantana, FL
It’s crucial to seek medical guidance when detoxing from heroin. A healthcare professional can assess your situation, create an individualized withdrawal plan based on your situation, and monitor your progress throughout detox. The goal of medical detox is to help you overcome your withdrawal symptoms safely and comfortably. These programs will prescribe FDA-approved medications that limit the symptoms of withdrawal. prevent cravings, and help you start your journey toward long-term sobriety.
Assessment
When you arrive at a heroin detox center in Lantana, FL, you will receive an initial assessment. These assessments gather information about your physical and mental health as well as your heroin abuse history to determine your needs during treatment. For example, doctors will ask you the dose and frequency at which you use heroin to figure out what type of medications best suit your needs.
Medical Stabilization
Once your detox treatment plan is created, you will begin the medical stabilization process. The medical team will take a look at your vital signs to make sure you do not require any blood pressure medications, IV fluids, or other common treatments before you begin your withdrawal medications. Medications might be prescribed to manage specific withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, or seizures. However, this should be done under medical guidance to prevent complications.
Medication Management
After you are deemed medically stable, you will be provided with FDA-approved medications like Suboxone or methadone. These medications target opioid receptors in your brain to trick it into thinking it’s received the heroin it craves. As a result, your withdrawal symptoms and cravings will be dramatically reduced.
As time goes on and your withdrawal symptoms become less severe, the dose of these medications will be lowered. This is known as tapering, which is a process that ensures you are not taking medications longer than you need to.
24/7 Support
Emotional support, counseling, and therapy can be essential during heroin withdrawal. Support groups or therapy sessions can help individuals cope with the psychological aspects of withdrawal. In addition to monitoring your physical health, heroin detox centers in Lantana, FL offer 24/7 psychological support. Getting sober can be incredibly taxing, often causing people to deal with feelings of anxiety, depression, or even loneliness. By having constant access to mental health professionals, heroin detox centers ensure that you receive support when you need it.
Treatment Planning
Lastly, once your withdrawal symptoms have subsided and your detox program is coming to an end, you will begin treatment planning with your doctors and therapist. Heroin detox is only the first step in recovery from heroin addiction. Oftentimes, people transition from heroin detox into either inpatient or outpatient rehab programs.
Depending on your needs, your treatment plan will include inpatient rehab, outpatient treatment, or a combination of both.
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Heroin Detox Program in Lantana, FL
If you or a loved one suffers from heroin addiction, it’s time to seek professional help. Heroin detox centers in Lantana, FL can provide you with the tools and support you need to overcome withdrawal safely and comfortably.
To learn more about our heroin detox program in Lantana, FL, contact Archstone Behavioral Health today.
References:
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is the scope of heroin use in the United States, Retrieved December 2023 From https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/scope-heroin-use-in-united-states
- Medline Plus: Opiate and opioid withdrawal, Retrieved December 2023 From https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000949.htm
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC): Yes, people can die from opiate withdrawal, Retrieved December 2023 From https://ndarc.med.unsw.edu.au/blog/yes-people-can-die-opiate-withdrawal