Heroin Detox
A large number of people are addicted to heroin at it is one of the most highly addictive illegal drugs available. Unfortunately, heroin is like all drugs in that it has no prejudice and will happily addict people from all classes and ethnicities. Luckily, one can detox from heroin and actually live a life free from the drug, though it will take some effort as well as support from the people around the addict. Heroin is a very addictive drug, but with help and support people can detox and live a happy, drug free life.
Where Heroin Comes From
Heroin can be found in just about every area, no matter how big or small. The drug is highly addictive, illegal, and is processed from the pain killer morphine. Heroin is generally a powdery white or brown substance. The Heroin is generally heated and then injected into the veins of the addict. Users become addicted to the short-term effects of the drug, which are usually a euphoric surge, wakefulness, and then drowsy states that help the addict feel very relaxed. The heroin will also cause cloudy mental functioning short term, but the addict may not realize this. Long-term heroin addicts may develop serious side effects such as collapsed veins, liver disease, lung complications, as well as infections from the use of dirty needles and a variety of other diseases and infections that are a result of a poor immune system.
Heroin use doesn't just affect the mind and body; it also affects how the addict interacts with other people. Heroin addicts are generally very reclusive, avoiding their family and friends even if they once had a very close relationship. Heroin addicts often start out with very lucrative careers, but over time they give more time and attention to the addiction and they'll lose everything they have. Heroin tends to be a costly addiction, turning once very trustworthy people into thieves as they look for a means to support their addiction.
When It's Time For Detox
Family members and friends will probably be ready for the addict to go through detox and begin treatment long before the addict will. An intervention is often necessary to get the addict to see that he or she needs to get help now. Eventually the addict will be tired of living a life that is based around their drug or drugs of choice that they will be somewhat ready to go to detox and confront their addiction head on. This isn't an easy decision, and this is where the support from family and friends will be really important. Sometimes being given ultimatums that will affect the addicts ability to live the life they are accustomed to do will be the final thing that gives them that push that allows them to get into detox voluntarily.
Detox
A detox from heroin generally requires a medically monitored detoxification process. Heroin causes a very strong physical dependence, which will make the withdrawal somewhat difficult with serious complications. Heroin detox withdrawal can include seizures, heart irregularities, vomiting, insomnia, and the sweats. Withdrawal can begin just a few hours after the last administration of heroin for regular and heavy users. Even cutting back just a bit on heroin use can cause the symptoms listed above as well as drug craving, bone and muscle pain, diarrhea, cold flashes, goose bumps, jerking limb movements, as well as many physical symptoms. While the withdrawal symptoms will start within just a few hours of the last administration, the symptoms usually peak sometime between 48 and 72 hours. The reason that heroin detox should be medically supervised is because a sudden detox from heroin can actually result in death if one is not carefully monitored. Doctors use several methods to help heroin addicts get through the withdrawal period as comfortably as possible. It's best to let the methadone levels taper in the body by administering buprenex and other drugs that generally help the physical side effects of the detox. Doctors all agree that anyone detoxing from heroin should have their vital signs carefully monitored, especially the blood pressured and heart rate. The heroin detoxification usually takes anywhere from four to seven days, though some people get through it faster and some need a bit more time.
After Detox
Detox is just the beginning and should be looked at as a first step toward a heroin free life. Because heroin has so many physical and psychological effects, many people need inpatient rehabilitation after they are released from a medical detox program. The days and weeks following the detox are often the most difficult because there seems to be temptation everywhere and as the pain of the detox begins to fade, the temptation of the drug looks better and better all the time.
Inpatient and outpatient programs exist for those recovering from a heroin addiction. Many find that the inpatient programs allow them to get the help they need away from all of the temptation that is available to them outside of such a treatment program. Other addicts find that an outpatient program is more beneficial to them as there is no second guessing their decision to detox, they'll either stay clean, or they won't. An outpatient program is a true test of one's will to stay off of the heroin and start living a truly drug free life. Because there is often a honeymoon period after detox this is easier than many people would imagine for a period of time, but sooner or later temptation will return.
Detox and recovery is hard work, and many people will relapse, but they are never out of chances to get clean and stay clean. Heroin is highly addictive and every day that someone stays free of the drug is a true victory. A positive attitude about the detoxification and following treatment, as well as the love and support of friends and family won't get the job done, but it will definitely help to get the addict through this difficult period of time.
Because of new treatment options and detox medications, patients who have failed treatment for drug or alcohol addiction in the past now have renewed hope for a successful recovery.
