The signs of heroin withdrawal are clear to this sad man in the darkWhen someone decides to suddenly stop using heroin, they often feel as though the worst is behind them. The reality is there’s a lot of work to do to shake an addiction. The first thing one is likely to encounter is the typical signs of heroin withdrawal.

It’s worth noting that depending on the depth of one’s addiction, these withdrawal symptoms present significant risks. Realistically, people should not take these risks lightly. Let’s take a look at what an addicted heroin user might face when they stop.

The Typical Signs of Heroin Withdrawal

Heroin and other opioids are among the most dangerous drugs being abused. Because of the way these drugs work, the users usually face a substantial addiction in short order. If things continue too long, the addiction can create a bevy of both physical and psychological problems.

One has to be careful when deciding to suddenly stop using. You will encounter some rather significant withdrawal issues. The onset of the signs of heroin withdrawal can begin within hours of missing a regular dose. The early stages of withdrawal include sweating, muscle cramping and perhaps nausea and vomiting. As things progress, the individual might soon realize the worst is yet to come.

When withdrawal is in full flight, the user faces substantial health risks. These health risks include breathing issues, heart problems, convulsions and hallucinations. These heroin withdrawal symptoms may persist for up to 72 hours after the last dose. Even when things seem to be settling down, the user is still not out of the woods. It’s entirely possible that some of the signs of heroin withdrawal can linger for weeks. Given the extent of these potential issues, it’s understandable why some people fear to quit in the first place.

A Safe Way to Deal With the Signs of Heroin Withdrawal

If a person is dealing with a significant addiction, they need to get professional help. To safely deal with heroin withdrawal, most doctors and treatment facilities will prescribe a medically-monitored program to help the patient detox from heroin. At no time should someone try to simply stop “cold turkey.”

At a detox center like our Tides Edge facility, clinicians place much emphasis on keeping patients comfortable. If the patient begins to show signs of distress, doctors can prescribe certain medications to help. We are referring to medicines that target pain and sleeping issues. As long as the patient makes good progress, they can soon expect to be ready for therapy.

The primary goal of detox is to help patients prepare for the rigors of rehab therapy and addiction counseling. When cravings subside and the mind and body release toxins, the patient is better able to focus on treatment. A good start to treatment almost always assures a good start to healthy recovery.

The Help You Need From Beaches Recovery

When a patient needs quality care, Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, rates as one of the nation’s top choices. Much of our success comes from our charter to focus on the individual. With this in mind, our counselors work hard to develop custom plans for each of our patients. From detox at our Tides Edge facility to a diverse number of available treatment modalities, patients can get the care they need. Here’s a short list of our program structures:

To successfully beat a heroin addiction, you have to deal with the signs of heroin withdrawal. We understand it’s difficult to step forward and admit you have an illness. However, it’s incumbent on you to take that all-important first step towards recovery. When you are ready, Beaches Recovery will be prepared to help you get through the process. All you need to do for a chance at a better life is pick up the phone and call 866.605.0532. From there, our staff members will work closely with you to get you squarely on the road to recovery.