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How to Withdraw from Heroin

March 17, 2017 8:41 PM Leave a Comment

Detox from heroin can be uncomfortable but rarely dangerous. The first signs of heroin withdrawal may require further use if a person wants to avoid the negative effects. Getting off heroin permanently requires addressing withdrawal symptoms to increases chances of staying clean. Learn how to withdraw from heroin safely and for the long haul.

When Withdrawal Begins

Heroin withdrawal begins minutes to hours after last dose. Highly addictive, the body may develop dependence on heroin within a few minutes to a couple weeks of use. Symptoms of heroin withdrawal begin shortly after it leaves the body. A high tolerance to heroin can make the effects last not as long in the body.

Length of Time

How long it takes to withdraw from heroin varies by the individual but every person will experience withdrawal on different time frames. Generally speaking, heroin withdrawal peaks 42-72 hours after last dose. It can last with extreme severity for up to a week. Within a few weeks, symptoms begin to even out. Heroin alters and even damages opiate receptors in the brain to the extent many people who come off heroin are challenged in feeling pleasure. The body can take a lot of time to heal and it may be several months, possibly years before the body can fully repair itself. Protracted withdrawal syndrome may show up during treatment for heroin addiction.

Withdrawal at Home

Heroin withdrawal at home should be medically supervised. This will help prevent complications and increased chances of quitting for good. Withdrawal from heroin is risky because withdrawal symptoms can tempt a person to seek relief. Many heroin users just want to get rid of withdrawal symptoms and try to reduce the level of heroin in the body to keep symptoms at bay. A clinical setting is actually the best way to withdraw successfully and with long term result.

Heroin Withdrawal

Depression and anxiety can make a person feel jittery and unable to relax. Relapse can occur because a person will feel uncomfortable and painful withdrawal from heroin can be problematic. Symptoms may be experienced and can be lengthy including:

Constipation
Fever
Malaise
Nausea
Sweating
Tearing
Vomiting

Easing Symptoms

Pharmacological medications are available to help with withdrawal from heroin which include buprenorphine, clonidine, naloxone and methadone. Each medication, when used in a clinical setting, can help the process of withdrawal and manage symptoms. Remedies lying around the house can be used to help treat aches and pains of withdrawal. NSAIDs, hot water baths/showers/bottles and massage can address acute symptoms. It is helpful to seek a counselor os support to help boost the psyche when withdrawing. Seeking out a detox clinic or rehab facility can support the process.

Research into whether or not acupuncture is helpful in easing heroin withdrawal symptoms exists. Acupuncture supports the meridians of the body with needs and helps repair damaged neural pathways. It helps with symptoms of craving, stress and anxiety. It is not as effective in the first three days of withdrawal but are found to be more effective than some opiate medications in 4-10 days of acute heroin withdrawal.

Medical monitoring is the best way to support safe withdrawal from heroin at an inpatient detox clinic. Detox clinics typically recommend treatment follow up to address the underlying psycho-emotional issues behind heroin use.

Sustain Recovery has a unique approach to adolescent care. A typical residential treatment program supports a stay of 30-90 days but may be longer to help an individual find longer-term solutions to addiction. Call us to find out how we can help you get on the road to recovery.

Can Acupuncture be helpful for Substance Abuse Recovery?

November 2, 2016 12:38 PM Leave a Comment

What is Acupuncture?

In traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture is often used to prevent diseases and illnesses. It involves stimulating specific points on the body by inserting metal needles through the skin. Movies and television have made acupuncture out to be a goofy experience, and it’s rarely portrayed within a formal treatment setting. However, when combined with behavioral intervention and therapy programs, appears to be an effective addiction treatment tool.

The idea behind acupuncture is that that bodily issues are caused by disruptions in one’s life force—in blood, nutrients, etc—and that stimulating select pathways can even out the flow.

The science isn’t far off. Studies have shown that acupuncture promotes healing by creating superficial wounds throughout the body. The body then rushes to heal those superficial wounds by boosting collagen production, blood flow, and numerous other healing functions.

Does It Really work

A 1989 study found that recovering alcoholics who included acupuncture in their treatment regime were twice as likely to stay sober than those only received counseling. The National Institute on Drug Abuse even recommends a certain way to do it. Practitioners in the substance abuse field are instructed to concentrate needles in spots correlated with the lungs, kidneys, and sympathetic nervous system. Many people report feeling a strong sense of relaxation while undergoing acupuncture, the same kind you get from yoga or meditation.

Will It Help My Appearance, Too?

As well as helping patients feel better, it can also improve self-confidence by improving the appearance of the skin by promoting collagen production. For this reason, acupuncture is popular as a cosmetic procedure, especially for wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks. It’s particularly popular among athletes and women who just went through childbirth. Many people are hesitant toward acupuncture, or fear repeating it, because it can be tough on the skin. Blood droplets on the skin can be jarring, even if they don’t mean much. Rest assured, licensed practitioners know exactly what they’re doing.

For the best innovate treatment tools, start your recovery journey at Sustain: 949-637-5499

Sustain Recovery changed my life in a way I never considered remotely possible. I arrived in a place where I knew nobody. Sustain Recovery gave me tools so that I never had to be alone again. I learned how to live like an adult and have genuine relationships with other human beings. I gained a sense of self respect, love, and pride from the challenges I was given by staff. I was able to work through the recent loss of my father and I achieved my goal of not taking any psychiatric medication.
I learned that life is an endless balancing act. I have to continually work on myself and my relationships with the people in my life. The staff at Sustain Recovery are all incredibly experienced and spiritual. They were available to me whether I wanted their help or not. Through their efforts and experience, I experienced the inner workings of having an intimate, loving relationship with a loving creator.
Sustain Recovery is “home” for me. I discovered a loving, caring family that helped launch me to a place I would have never dreamed and, if I would have dreamed it, I would never have believed I would be able to accomplish it.

K.C.