Heroin use changes the way your brain and body function. Just as your body continues to adapt to having a toxic drug like heroin in its system, it must also adapt when it stops receiving the drug. This period of readjustment is known as detox or withdrawal, and it can be challenging to get through it, both physically and mentally. The comprehensive heroin detox center at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida can help. Call us at 866.294.5306 if you or a loved one needs help detoxing from heroin.
What to Expect from Heroin Withdrawal
Physical symptoms, cravings for the drug, and mental and emotional discomfort are common as you get through heroin detox. The longer a person has been using the drug and the larger the dosage, the more intense withdrawal symptoms will be.
The symptoms of heroin detox vary from person to person but may include the following:
- Abdominal cramps or body cramps
- Insomnia
- Feelings of depression or anxiety
- Lack of appetite
- Strong cravings to use the drug
- Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- Seizure, heart attack, or stroke
Some symptoms can continue for several months after detox is complete. These symptoms include cognitive difficulty, which some people may describe as having a foggy brain. They may have memory problems, trouble focusing or managing stress, or fluctuating mood swings.
Because some of the psychological and cognitive symptoms of heroin withdrawal may continue for many months, it is vital to continue with addiction treatment and support after leaving a treatment facility.
Help for Getting Through Heroin Detox
One crucial tip for coping with heroin detox is never to attempt it alone. Some symptoms can be life-threatening. At best, the experience is extremely uncomfortable. Entering a heroin detox center that knows how to manage your symptoms and protect your health will help you build a more positive foundation for long-term recovery.
Encourage Yourself During Detox
Write a letter to yourself when you enter detox. Outline the reasons you want to stop using heroin. What goals and dreams have heroin addiction put on the back burner? Now is the time to remember them. When the detox process gets difficult, reread the letter as a reminder of why you want to break your heroin addiction.
Distract Yourself
Find healthy distractions. Read, take a walk, participate in therapy and support groups. Wallowing will only make you feel worse. Find ways to take your mind off of withdrawal symptoms, even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time.
Remember the Temporary Nature of Withdrawal
Remember that the detox experience is temporary. The worst symptoms of heroin withdrawal are typically over within the first ten days or so. Although it might be tough, it won’t last forever.
Mind Your Diet
Eat nutritious food. You may not feel much like eating the first few days but focus on eating fresh, healthy food as your appetite increases. Your body needs the extra boost of good nutrition to help heal itself at this time.
Ask for Help
Ask for help when you need it. Being at a heroin detox center doesn’t mean you have to feel miserable. In fact, you may look back on it as one of the best experiences of your life. Be honest with your medical and mental health team about how you are feeling. They have the tools, therapies, and medications that can help.
Learn More at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
Don’t risk your health or suffer needlessly from heroin withdrawal. Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida at 866.294.5306 and learn how our comprehensive heroin detox center can help you today. You can also reach us using our convenient online form. With the right services and support, you can overcome heroin addiction and begin living the life you were meant to have.
