Managing Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms at Banyan Delaware

Heroin is a highly addictive and illegal drug, but that doesn’t stop people from misusing it. The United States has found itself in the midst of an opioid crisis. People are becoming addicted to prescription opioids and eventually turning to heroin because it is cheaper and more accessible. Unfortunately, heroin abuse quickly transforms into addiction, and with it comes a general downward spiral in the person’s life. Often the only way to get back on track is with professional heroin detox services and treatment, like those offered at our Delaware drug rehab.

Heroin Detox Process

While heroin detoxification is often a necessary first step of the recovery process, it does come with its own set of challenges. Heroin withdrawal symptoms are inevitable and can range from mild discomfort to a serious threat to someone’s health. How severe these symptoms are, as well as how long they last, will depend on a variety of factors. The gravity of the addiction, polysubstance abuse, and the person’s medical history will all play a role.

While a detox from heroin is different for everyone, common heroin withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Shaking or tremors
  • Sweating
  • Muscle aches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Insomnia
  • Mood Swings
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Cravings

While these heroin withdrawal symptoms are mostly manageable with help, they are some cases of more serious issues arising during a heroin detox. Especially if someone has underlying physical or mental health problems, a medically monitored detox is recommended.

How Long Do Heroin Withdrawals Last?

Individual differences contribute to the heroin withdrawal timeline. The acute phase of withdrawal, which is characterized by the most severe symptoms, often lasts 5 to 10 days. As the body adjusts to the lack of heroin, people may experience a variety of physical and psychological symptoms throughout this period. It's crucial to keep in mind that some symptoms, such as cravings and mood swings, may last for a longer time.

Individuals often go into the post-acute withdrawal phase, also known as PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome), after the acute phase. Individuals may continue to have occasional symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, weariness, and difficulties concentrating during the duration of PAWS, which can extend for several weeks to months. Some people experience lesser symptoms that progressively get better over time, while others may find the symptoms of PAWS to be more persistent and disruptive to everyday life. Both the duration and intensity of PAWS can vary greatly. It is crucial to have support networks in place at this time to help people manage and overcome these obstacles.

Can You Die From Heroin Withdrawal?

Yes, complications brought on by heroin withdrawal can result in death. Although the act of quitting heroin itself can not directly result in death, the process can be physically and mentally taxing, leaving people open to a number of health hazards. Severe withdrawal symptoms can put a strain on the body's organs, cause electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. The probability of succumbing to consequences, including respiratory distress, cardiac issues, seizures, and infections, can also rise with prolonged or unsupervised withdrawal.

Heroin withdrawal should be approached cautiously and with the help of a medical professional to establish a secure and encouraging environment. Medical personnel are able to give the right advice, keep an eye on vital signs, manage symptoms, and deal with potential problems. The risk of potentially fatal results is greatly decreased when seeking expert assistance during withdrawal, protecting the person's safety and well-being.

Milford Heroin Detox Center

At Banyan Delaware, we want to help people complete the heroin detox process as safely and as comfortably as possible. Our heroin detox facility in Milford, Delaware, provides a secure and supportive environment for patients to take this first step.

Our heroin detox in Delaware includes 24-hour care and support from a team of medical and addiction experts. They are there to monitor and mitigate symptoms to the best of their ability. While physical withdrawal symptoms from heroin can be uncomfortable, most people who try to detox from heroin at home ultimately fail because of the psychological withdrawal symptoms. Along with providing physical care, our addiction professionals in Milford are also there to provide moral support so that the heroin detox program can be a success. This support creates a solid foundation for the rest of the recovery journey that can translate into long-term sobriety.

After the Heroin Detox Program

Detox is just the beginning. Many people who turn to heroin and become addicted to this drug do so because of underlying mental health problems that they may not even be fully aware of. It is also not uncommon for heroin users to develop these mental health problems over time because of their abuse. Our Delaware rehab center also offers residential addiction treatment so that these patients can receive the care, attention, and support they need to continue moving forward in their recovery journey and address these secondary issues. Not only will they be able to learn to deal with common problems among those in recovery from heroin, but also, they will receive the individualized attention necessary to address their unique needs.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with heroin, stop waiting to get help. Care at Banyan Treatment Centers Delaware could be the first step to a happier and drug-free life. Contact us to learn more information.

Related Reading

Does Heroin Make You Itch?

How Many People Die From Heroin Abuse?


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At Banyan Treatment Centers, our goal is to make sure that anyone who needs treatment from drug and alcohol addiction are able to get the help needed to assist them on the road to recovery. If you don't have insurance contact us to inquire about alternate methods regarding treatment for yourself or a loved one.

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