A lot of people who struggle with heroin addiction want to get help but are intimidated by the idea of the heroin detox process. Knowing what to expect and what treatment can look like may make one less afraid to get help.

Heroin is an extremely dangerous and highly addictive opioid drug. It is made from morphine, a drug that is used to treat pain. Heroin is not a legal drug, but it is often used for recreational purposes. This practice is extremely unsafe and can lead to many significant health problems, addiction, overdose, and even death.

Many people who use heroin start out thinking they are in control of their substance use and that they can quit whenever they want to. But, as is often the case, they can eventually build up a tolerance and find they need more and more of the drug to experience the same effects. At this point, their use can get totally out of control and reach a really scary and dangerous place.

What Are the Effects of Heroin Use?

There are a lot of dangerous side effects that come with heroin use. How long the individual has been engaging in this practice and whether or not they are using heroin with other drugs can impact these side effects. The method by which they are using heroin can also contribute to some of the side effects.

Heroin can be injected, snorted, smoked, or inhaled. It may also be combined with other substances and taken together. If an individual typically injects the drug, they are more at risk for collapsed veins and potential infection from the needle. Meanwhile, if they inhale, snort, or smoke it, they may experience damaged tissue inside of their nose. There is no safe way to use heroin.

Short-Term Side Effects

Some general side effects to expect from short-term heroin use include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Uncontrollable itching
• Dry mouth
• Flushing of the skin
• Trouble focusing
• Going in and out of consciousness unexpectedly

Long-Term Side Effects

Some general side effects to expect from long-term heroin use include:

• Liver and kidney problems
• Changes in menstruation (for women)
• Trouble sleeping
• Constipation
• Lung problems
• Heart infection
• Anxiety and depression

What Happens When Someone Tries to Quit Heroin Abruptly?

When someone who is struggling with heroin addiction, especially for an extended period of time, tries to quit using the drug, they will experience what is known as withdrawal symptoms. This is the body’s response to the drug being removed after being dependent on it for a certain amount of time.

Some common side effects to expect involving heroin withdrawal may include:

• Trouble sleeping
• Cravings for the drug
• Muscle pain and tension
• Restlessness
• Lack of control of limbs
• Cold flashes
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Withdrawal symptoms can be quite unpleasant for someone trying to discontinue their heroin use. The good news is that these symptoms can all be managed through proper treatment, i.e., heroin detox. It is not only safe and more effective, but it’s more comfortable for someone to go through professional heroin detox than to try to do so on their own from home.

What Can I Expect From the Heroin Detox Process?

The heroin detox process is one of the first parts of the recovery journey as one heals from using the drug. During this process, an individual will completely discontinue their use of not only this drug but any other drugs or substances that they may be dependent on. This process is best done while under medical supervision.

Heroin Detox at The Kimberly Center

Medical supervision is important so that help will be available immediately should a health emergency arise at any time. This will also help play an important role in ensuring the individual is kept as comfortable as possible and that their withdrawal symptoms are managed. Nobody should be left alone while they are adjusting to life without drugs or alcohol. While detox might not be an easy process, at The Kimberly Center, we aim to make it as comfortable as possible for our clients.

At our facility, our clients are given the support they need to help them through the detox process. Professional medical staff will monitor their vitals and provide any necessary care they may need. Each of our clients will be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve as they go through this difficult but life-changing process.

Because detox is just the first step in recovery, it is important to consider what comes afterward. This will involve some form of continued treatment. What this may look like depends on each individual’s specific needs. At The Kimberly Center, we offer several different treatment options because we understand that each person’s situation is unique.

Our programs include outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient treatment, residential recovery, and continuing care. Someone going through outpatient treatment will not stay here at our facility but will continue living at home and will check in with the facility regularly. Meanwhile, with residential treatment, the client will live at our facility until their continuing care is complete.

So many people want to stop using heroin or other substances but don’t know how to do so on their own. They may fear that if they seek the professional treatment they need, they will be judged or ridiculed. Others may be afraid of how tough the detox process will be. The truth is, no matter how long you have been engaging in heroin use, your withdrawal symptoms can be effectively managed through the proper care. If you’re struggling with substance use disorder, our team at The Kimberly Center can help. Call (855) 452-3683 today to learn more about the different types of services that we provide. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.