For people with heroin addiction, it can be difficult to stop or slow down substance use. Heroin detox centers exist because, after a certain point in the development of heroin addiction, it becomes almost impossible to quit the substance and go through heroin withdrawal cold turkey. The body becomes chemically dependent on heroin, and detox will eventually lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings. If you’re suffering from heroin addiction, contact Midwest Detox Center by reaching out to our heroin detox center online or calling 833.647.0392.
What Are the Signs of Heroin Addiction?
Heroin use comes with several short-term physical effects:
- A quick euphoric rush
- Drowsiness
- Flushed skin
- Heaviness of limbs
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe itching
- Slowed heart rate
- Trouble concentrating
Over a short period, these symptoms may not be so challenging. However, in the long run, they can worsen and become debilitating.
Long-Term Effects of Heroin Use
Further effects will arise when heroin use develops into an addiction. There are bound to be observable changes in the person’s life, typically involving relationships and responsibilities. At this point, certain noticeable behavioral and psychological withdrawal symptoms will arise, such as:
- Aggressive and erratic behavior
- Anxiety and depression
- Change in friend groups, with new friends that may show physical signs of heroin use
- Financial trouble, such as missing valuables or money
- Legal troubles, such as getting caught stealing
- Lying and secretiveness
- Mood swings
- Presence of drug paraphernalia in places they frequent
- Withdrawal from social life
How Is Heroin Withdrawal Affected by Quitting Cold Turkey?
What does cold turkey heroin withdrawal even look like? Quitting cold turkey means that someone suddenly stops using heroin. When someone detoxes cold turkey, they can’t benefit from tapering doses that will slowly but safely do the job.
People addicted to heroin know that the uncomfortable effects of withdrawal can be too much to handle without professional help. Before going to heroin detox centers, many people in recovery may have tried unsuccessfully detoxing on their own. At-home detox may not have been successful because of a lack of medical support or lack of motivation. However, getting professional help is usually enough to push patients to the finish line when it comes to the detoxification process.
During the withdrawal period, those in recovery can experience emotional instability, leading to self-destructive acts, including self-harm and suicide. Almost half of the people with untreated substance use disorders commit suicide. Quitting cold turkey will also result in a lower heroin tolerance, which means that a smaller dose than usual can get a person high. When the person in heroin detox gives in to their cravings and relapses, they could overdose because they’re not used to their lowered tolerance.
Without professional support, people in heroin detox are less likely to succeed in addiction recovery.
What Can Patients Expect From Medical Detox Programs?
Medical detox programs can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on a patient’s overall health, addiction details, any co-occurring disorders. For many patients with heroin addiction, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) will be required for effective detoxification and addiction treatment. Most medical detox programs are also residential ones.
However, some facilities offer outpatient heroin detox programs. Outpatient care can be a viable option for some patients, but it’s generally not ideal for those with severe addictions or other health complications.
In residential medical detox programs, MAT can reduce the effects of otherwise dangerous withdrawal symptoms and ensure the comfort and safety of patients. Patients will also gain access to 24-hour health care, medical support, and overall supervision. After patients have reached a medically stable state, they can transition into further addiction treatments.
Learn More About Midwest Detox Center’s Programs and Services
If you’re looking for a heroin detox center in Ohio, contact Midwest Detox Center. To ask about our programs and services, call 833.647.0392 or reach out to our team online.
