Heroin Withdrawal

Heroin is a powerful opioid drug that can cause severe withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using it. Withdrawal from heroin is difficult and uncomfortable, but the right treatment plan and support system can help make it easier to manage and make it possible for recovery.

What is Heroin?

Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine, a natural substance taken from the seed of certain varieties of poppy plants. It's typically sold as a white or brownish powder or as a black sticky substance, known as “black tar heroin.” Heroin is highly addictive and can have serious life-threatening consequences for users.

Effects of Heroin Use

The most common symptoms of heroin drug use are changes in behavior, such as increased energy and alertness, a false sense of well-being, or euphoria. Other signs of heroin use include dry mouth, itchiness, nausea and vomiting, constricted pupils, slurred speech, and impaired coordination or balance.

Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal

Heroin withdrawal is a set of physical and psychological symptoms experienced by individuals who are dependent on the opiate when they stop taking it suddenly. Symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, muscle aches and pain, extreme sweating, chills and tremors, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, depression, irritability, increased blood pressure, and mood swings. Withdrawal can also cause cravings for the drug and lead to relapse.

Heroin Use Recovery Options

The goal of treatment for heroin addiction, an opioid use disorder, is to stop using over a length of time and prevent relapse. Treatment options at Caron include medications such as buprenorphine which can help reduce cravings for the drug and reduce withdrawal symptoms. There are some centers that may use methadone and trazodone. To give yourself the best outcomes in recovery, it is critical to incorporate behavioral therapy as an integral part of MAT. It can help individuals maintain their mental health to cope with issues like stress management as well as utilize support groups to provide peer support during recovery. Additionally, to stay connected to one’s recovery, individuals can seek help through aftercare resources of their rehab facility and/or seek mental health professionals to provide additional support for their life after treatment.

Visit Caron Treatment Centers for Heroin Detoxification

If you or someone you love is struggling with an opioid use disorder, Caron Treatment Centers can help. Our comprehensive treatment programs provide treatment plans that are tailored to each individual’s needs and provide a safe, supportive environment for heroin detox, recovery, and long-term success.