In the U.S. in recent years, opiate abuse has become a public health crisis. Fatalities from overdosing on heroin, an opiate made from morphine, have quadrupled in less than a decade. Withdrawal symptoms occur when an individual is detoxing from a substance. Because of its highly addictive nature, heroin withdrawal is especially difficult to face without a dedicated facility for heroin addiction treatment and a professional support team.
No matter what stage of addiction an individual is in, if someone you know is currently in need of heroin addiction treatment, you can reach out immediately by calling Soledad House at 866.314.3222. Lasting, sustainable sobriety is possible—take the first step today.
Identifying Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
The signs of heroin withdrawal will vary from person to person. After a final dose, symptoms can begin up to a few hours later and peak between twenty-four and forty-eight hours later, typically lasting up to a week. These symptoms can include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Sweating
- Shaking of body and limbs
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Depression
- Muscle pain
- Cravings for the drug
In some cases, repeated heroin use and relapse can result in heroin use disorder. This disorder is a recurring disease that goes beyond the individual being physically dependent on the drug to an individual’s life revolving around securing and using the drug.
What to Expect in Heroin Addiction Treatment
Heroin is an opioid made from morphine, in the form of tar or powder that can be injected, sniffed, snorted, or smoked. Heroin has similar effects to prescription pain medication. Because of these similarities, many individuals addicted to pain medication become addicted to heroin instead when their access to a prescription ends. Heroin binds to opioid receptors on cells located in areas that include those involved in feelings of pain and pleasure and in controlling heart rate, sleeping, and breathing. People who regularly use heroin often develop a tolerance, which means that they need higher or more frequent doses of the drug to get the same effects.
Addiction is a complex condition that affects the reward system in the brain. It can entail an inability to control behaviors, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can be particularly challenging if the person has developed a dependence on a substance, which is why rehabilitation at a dedicated facility is vital for recovering from heroin addiction.
Heroin Rehabilitation at Soledad House
At Soledad House, we specialize in women’s addiction treatment, tailoring all of our programs specifically to meet the needs of women in recovery. We use a unique holistic approach that honors each woman’s body, mind, and spirit. We provide access to many in-depth tools that promote healing from addiction, including sober living, life skills training, and extended care. And, being a treatment center on the beautiful California coast, we’re also able to provide a sunny and healthy atmosphere to nourish our clients in body and spirit.
Signs of withdrawal point to the immediate need for an addiction treatment center. Detox, or detoxification, treatment is needed to help individuals move safely through the risks of the withdrawal period of recovery. We offer clients complete support in our dedicated detox facility. Medical supervision can ensure that individuals in our care don’t experience complications from withdrawal symptoms. Once clients have safely completed the detox process, they are ready to advance to our addiction recovery programs that focus on the psychological, emotional, and spiritual elements of leading a sober life.
Find Help at Soledad House
Signs of heroin withdrawal point to the need for a substance abuse treatment center. Soledad House will help those who are experiencing withdrawal and struggling with all phases of addiction make steps towards recovery under the guidance of a team of professionals. If you or your loved one is suffering from heroin addiction, call us via 866.314.3222.
