Heroin is one of the most commonly abused substances in the United States. In 2012 alone, nearly 700,000 people over the age of 12 reported using heroin that year. Due to the increasing use of heroin in the United States over the last decade, many people refer to the issue as the heroin epidemic. Although many people suffer from heroin addiction, many don’t seek out treatment because they fear heroin withdrawal symptoms.
Heroin hits users fast and fades just as quickly. Because of this, many users take multiple hits at once which quickly builds their tolerances. Heroin withdrawal symptoms can be severe depending on the person and due to the short half-life of heroin and will begin quickly after the effects of its high fade.
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What Are the Signs of Heroin Abuse?
Heroin is a depressant, so it has calming, euphoric effects on users. Many people seek out heroin for these effects as a way to manage stress and quell anxiety. The best way to prevent suffering from heroin withdrawal is to recognize heroin abuse before it reaches that stage. The most common signs of heroin abuse are:
- Small eyes
- Disorientation
- Flushed skin
- Slow breathing and heart rate
- Neglecting personal hygiene
- Changing sleep patterns
A person abusing heroin may also become increasingly apathetic and uninterested in previously important activities. If you notice these symptoms combined with evidence of used syringes, burned spoons, pipes, and burnt aluminum foil, then it’s time to talk to your loved one about their heroin use.
Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal
Symptoms of heroin withdrawal will appear when a person stops using the substance suddenly after consistent or heavy usage. Since the body adjusts to the presence of heroin in a person’s system, the body will start experiencing adverse symptoms during its absence.
Withdrawal symptoms are most common when a person is either unable to attain the substance or attempts to self-detox. Some symptoms of heroin withdrawal are particularly taxing, so any kind of self-detox is never recommended. Many of these symptoms can lead to long-term medical complications if left untreated by a medical professional. Some symptoms include:
- Joint and muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cold flashes
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
Going through withdrawal may also reveal underlying mental health disorders. Without a trained medical professional supervising the detox, a person will have no way of coping with the pain or stress of withdrawal. Because of this, many people relapse after experiencing these symptoms. Relapse after withdrawal is particularly dangerous and can lead to a lethal overdose.
The only way to successfully overcome a heroin addiction is through detox with a professional facility followed by treatment with a drug rehab center such as Serenity Lodge. Heroin withdrawal treatment will make recovery from heroin addiction the safest and most successful it can be.
Heroin Addiction Recovery at Serenity Lodge
At Serenity Lodge in California, we focus on recovery from drug addiction as a full-body experience. After undergoing a supervised detox at our partner facility, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art amenities and caring staff members that will work with you to help you during your road to recovery.
We offer a number of therapy options to help men overcome their addictions and address any underlying mental health disorders. Maintaining mental health is a key part of maintaining sobriety, so learning healthy techniques for managing stress and adverse situations is key. Some of our therapy programs include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Experiential Therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Trauma Informed counseling
- Relapse prevention
Our professional counselors and health professionals will work with you to address your mental health and teach you life-long strategies for managing stress. With these techniques in your pocket, you’ll be prepared to face your addiction head on and stave off any risk of relapse.
Every day of your stay at Serenity Lodge will bring you one step closer to recovery. If you’re ready to face your addiction and begin your path to sobriety, call us today at (855) 932-4045.
