To recover from heroin addiction, one must first eliminate heroin and its poisonous metabolites from one’s body. Detoxification, or simply “detox,” is the term for the procedure. The painful experience of heroin withdrawal happens as the body clears away the heroin. The fear of heroin withdrawal is a huge roadblock for many people who are addicted. This anxiety prevents some people from seeking treatment for their addiction. Long-term recovery has resulted in the recovery of millions of people.
Thankfully, withdrawal and detox don’t have to be a nightmare. People can safely and comfortably get through the experience by enrolling in an inpatient detox and withdrawal program.
Heroin Withdrawal: Is It Possible to Die?
Deaths are extremely uncommon during heroin withdrawal. When you become hooked to heroin, you develop an extremely high tolerance for it. Any detox and withdrawal period will diminish that tolerance dramatically, so your typical pre-detox dose could be enough to trigger a deadly overdose. Due to cravings and withdrawal agony, many people are inclined to relapse.
Medical Consequences of Heroin Withdrawal
Complications can occur in certain people, albeit they are uncommon. Opioid withdrawal issues should be treated by doctors as soon as possible. Attending a heroin detox clinic can help reduce the risk of consequences and ensure that medical assistance is accessible as soon as possible in the event of an emergency.
Withdrawal from heroin can have a variety of medical consequences, such as:
- Electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. Severe vomiting and diarrhea can contribute to this. Without care, dehydration is a medical emergency that can be fatal.
- Anxiety/agitation. Anxiety disorders such as panic disorder can be exacerbated by withdrawal.
- Health problems. During heroin withdrawal, pre-existing medical disorders like heart disease or chronic pain can get worse.
- Vomiting and inhaling stomach contents, which can induce a lung infection, though this is uncommon.
Relapse and overdosing are two of the most common side effects.
Medications for Heroin Withdrawal
Long-acting opioid medications are used in opioid replacement treatment to reduce drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms while avoiding a high. These medications’ doses can be gradually reduced until the patient is no longer addicted to opioids.
Methadone and buprenorphine are the only two opioids approved by the FDA to treat heroin withdrawal. In comparison to methadone, buprenorphine has a better side-effect profile. Suboxone, a buprenorphine product that also contains naloxone, a substance that blocks opioid receptor sites and prevents misuse, is one type of buprenorphine medicine used during opiate detox.
Other drugs may be used to help with specific symptoms during heroin detox. Sedatives (such as benzodiazepines) and clonidine, a medicine that assists with withdrawal symptoms, are examples of these.
Around 50% of addicts also have mental health issues including despair or anxiety. Recognizing and treating underlying mental health conditions improves recovery rates and is a crucial element of restoring a person’s health and function.
A Word from Taylor Recovery
Heroin withdrawal can be painful, but your specific experience will be determined by factors such as how often, how much, and how long you used the substance. It’s vital to find support at this time for a good recovery, so don’t be afraid to seek out to loved ones and speak with your doctor. Taylor Recovery Center is committed to helping you or your loved one combat heroin addiction.
