Heroin is a big problem in America right now. It is affecting people from all backgrounds and young and old. This drug resurgence has a lot to do with the prescription opioid abuse epidemic. Read on to find out how medical detox can help with overcoming heroin addiction.
Understand The Effects
Heroin is derived from morphine and is known as an opiate narcotic. It is part of the same family of drugs as vicodin, fentanyl and oxycodone. This drug affects your central nervous system by blocking your opioid receptors. These receptors are essential for creating a feeling of contentment and blocking your pain. If you use heroin, then you are at risk for over dosing. Blocking your opioid receptors allows for developing a tolerance, which results in increasing the amount you need to get high.
The point of detoxing is to get rid of the toxic chemicals left behind from heroin use. This drug can cause you to experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. If you go through detox, then you may feel irritated, cravings, agitation, jerking movements of the legs and arms, insomnia, diarrhea and bone and muscle pain. Some addicts refuse to get treatment because of not wanting to go through withdrawals.
Consider Safety When Quitting The Drug
Medical detox gives you the most effective and safe method to get off of heroin. This method is used along with intravenous (IV) therapy. Medications are administered to you through an IV while closely monitoring your heart and vitals. The IV allows your doctor to make immediate changes to the medication to treat the withdrawal symptom occurring at that moment during the procedure.
You are receiving a high quality of care. This medical detox puts you under the care of a medical doctor and nurses.
Consider Outpatient Medical Detox
Outpatient medical detox is another option. This treatment is carried out in the doctor's office or clinic. You have to self-report to the facility to receive care. The treatment center administers suboxone, methadone and other medications to people trying to get off heroin. This medication replaces your heroin use, which prevents the drug from taking place.
However, you have to be committed to going to get treatment. If not, inpatient detox may be the best choice.
You cannot abuse heroin forever. This drug is destructive. It destroys families financially, mentally and emotionally. Long-term use of heroin can severely damage your health and cause brain damage. Withdrawal symptoms from the drugs are very severe. This reason is why you should not get off the drug cold turkey. After completing detox, you can focus on your addiction recovery program to rebuild your life. Contact a center, like The Lakes Treatment Center, for more help.
