Heroin is a highly addictive drug that comes in the form of a white powder with a bitter taste. It exhibits euphoric effects, primarily the reason for ingestion. This drug is way more potent than morphine and is derived from the morphine alkaloid that belongs to the opium poppy plant. Some snort it, while some choose to smoke or inject it. It also carries pain-relieving and anti-anxiety characteristics.

As a person takes in heroin, he or she experiences a euphoric rush that is accompanied by a dry mouth, reddening of the face, and heavy extremities. The initial phase is often followed by an alternating state of drowsiness and wakefulness, and the mental functioning gets clouded.

Regular ingestion of heroin makes the person an addict where his life fails to function in the absence of regular doses of heroin.

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

Heroin is an opioid drug that acts for a very short period, and its withdrawal profile looks quite similar to that of the majority of prescription painkillers. The symptoms of heroin withdrawal can be quite traumatizing and painful. For most, the withdrawal symptoms are gone in a week of taking the final dose, but for some, the timeline might stretch. Some users can also go through Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome that can last up to months since the final intake of the substance.

The Symptoms Of Heroin Detox Would Include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tremors or seizures
• Respiratory conditions
• Cravings
• Hypertension and other cardiovascular issues
• Insomnia and nightmares
• Anxiety and agitation
• Loss of focus and concentration
• Muscle spasms
• Muscle and bone aches
• Tiredness
• Sweats and chills
• Runny nose, watery eyes and other symptoms of cold and flu

The conditions mentioned above are the most common symptoms. However, it differs from person to person depending upon factors like body weight, metabolism, purity of the drug abused, the way the drug was used, and the period of abuse.

Options Available For Heroin Detox And Treatment

The Lighthouse Treatment center offers both medically supported heroin detox as well as social model detox. You can choose either of the two:

• Medical Detox: This is a very safe and sound method to help relieve the addicts of substance or heroin abuse. What is done is, a few medicines are prescribed that will effectively counter the symptoms of withdrawal and craving, thus saving you from becoming sick during the detoxification process. The Lighthouse Treatment Centre will prescribe some safer opioid options. Those are like suboxone or buprenorphine that have lighter withdrawal symptoms. The reason being, these drugs will help you develop coping mechanisms, thus preventing your body from endorsing drastic changes.
• Social Model Detox: In this kind, you are administered by a medical team, and you are allowed to detox more naturally. This is a quicker way of detoxification as you are monitored closely by medical experts all 24 hours of the day to look out for withdrawal complications. You are provided with a comfortable and homely environment.

A Final Thought

The lighthouse treatment center takes great care of its patients. Therefore, if your loved one is a victim of heroin abuse, you know where to come. We will help the patient live a safe and drug-free life.