MenuClose

What Are the Signs of Heroin Withdrawal?

a woman suffers from heroin withdrawal

Heroin is a highly addictive and dangerous substance. Unfortunately, many in America struggle with heroin addiction. Heroin affects the pleasure and pain centers in the brain, increasing feelings of euphoria. When a person continues to use heroin over time, it alters their brain chemistry. The chemicals that signal pleasure stop producing, and the brain becomes dependent on heroin to supply pleasure feelings. When a person stops using heroin after becoming dependent on the drug, they will experience intense and painful withdrawal symptoms.

If you or someone you know is addicted to heroin, it is vital to receive professional treatment. Contact Northpoint Nebraska today at 888.351.3834 to learn more about our heroin addiction treatment program.

Signs of Heroin Withdrawal

It is important to recognize signs of heroin withdrawal because withdrawal symptoms can be painful and even dangerous if a person does not receive medical attention. The symptoms of heroin withdrawal can vary in length and severity. It is estimated that heroin withdrawal symptoms will begin 6-12 hours after the last dose, peak in 2-3 days, and last for 5-10 days. Experiencing the symptoms of heroin withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable for people and is one of the reasons people hesitate to go through detox. However, going through detox and withdrawal is a crucial step in heroin addiction treatment. Completing detox and withdrawal in a medical detox program can help treat and manage heroin withdrawal symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of heroin withdrawal include:

  • Stomach pain
  • Body pain
  • Chills
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Tremors
  • Restlessness
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
  • Muscle spasms
  • Respiratory problems
  • Cravings

Withdrawal symptoms from heroin can be extremely uncomfortable. A medical detox program can provide medical attention to get patients through the process safely. In addition, certain medications can be administered to help manage withdrawal symptoms. It is strongly recommended that a person struggling with heroin addiction seek professional treatment and not attempt detox and withdrawal at home. Heroin detox and withdrawal are not easy, but it is one of the crucial first steps in healing and recovery.

What Are the Signs of Heroin Detox?

Heroin detox is the process of completely flushing the drug out of your body. After using it for some time, your body becomes accustomed to having heroin in your system. When you stop using heroin, it has an extreme effect on your body and nervous system. It is essential to go through detox at a professional addiction facility that provides drug detox or a medical detox program. Trying to quit cold turkey or detox on your own at home is extremely dangerous and is very often ineffective. At Northpoint Nebraska, we provide patients with a safe environment and medical supervision to go through heroin detox.

If you believe someone you know is attempting heroin detox on their own, they must seek professional medical attention. Recognizing the signs of heroin detox can alert you if someone you know needs help.

The signs of a heroin detox include:

  • Depress or anxiety
  • Muscle aches
  • Negative mood
  • Runny nose
  • Body weakness
  • Extreme sweating
  • Chills
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures

Learn More About Heroin Addiction Treatment at Northpoint Nebraska

At Northpoint Nebraska, we take an integrated approach to addiction recovery and mental health treatment. We aim to help our patients heal fully from the physical, mental, and emotional side effects of heroin addiction. We provide our patients with evidence-based programs and therapies they can tailor to their individualized treatment plans. Some of our other programs and services include:

  • Co-occurring disorders treatment
  • Relapse prevention program
  • Anxiety treatment program
  • Bipolar treatment program
  • Depression treatment program
  • Family therapy program
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Group therapy

If you or someone you know is struggling with heroin addiction, our team can provide you with the support and care you need. Contact Northpoint Nebraska at 888.351.3834 to learn more about our heroin addiction treatment program.