Heroin Detox, Treatment & Rehab
Overview
Heroin is an opioid substance that is produced from the Asian poppy plant, and other poppy plants in Mexico and Colombia. Heroin can be a brown or white powder, and also a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin. Heroin can be snorted, injected intravenously, and smoked. In 2021, approximately 1.1 million individuals, over the age of 11, reportedly engaged in heroin use. Heroin is extremely addictive, with approximately 1 million individuals being diagnosed with heroin use disorder within a 12 month period in 2021.
If you suspect that you or a loved one are experiencing heroin use disorder, Guardian Recovery can provide you with comprehensive treatment. With heroin specific detoxification services, we offer a safe environment for sobriety to begin.
What Is the Addiction Treatment & Recovery Process for Heroin Addiction?
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There are multiple steps involved in treatment and recovery for heroin use. Detoxing, or the removal of heroin from the body is generally the first step. Therapeutic interventions or medication-assisted treatment often follows. The recovery process is usually catered to an individual and their specific treatment needs.
Detoxing From Heroin Use
Detoxing from heroin can be difficult. Because of the negative symptoms associated with detox, many individuals return to heroin use within 24 hours of quitting. Attending a medically supervised detox program can help alleviate symptoms and make this process as safe as possible.
Can You Detox From Heroin on Your Own?
Typically, it is not recommended for an individual to detox from heroin on their own. Stopping heroin use cold turkey brings on unwanted symptoms that can be dangerous, due to how heroin impacts the brain.
How Long Does It Take To Completely Detox Your Body From Heroin?
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The time that it takes to completely detox the body from heroin varies for each individual. Timeframe is determined by the length of time that an individual engaged in heroin use and the dosage amounts they often used. Typically, detox can last anywhere between a few days to a few weeks after last use.
Heroin’s Withdrawal Timeline
Typically acute withdrawal symptoms will last a week, sometimes more. These symptoms usually begin 6 to 12 hours after last use. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms, or long-term withdrawal symptoms, can last for up to a year, depending on the severity of use. An exact timeline varies depending on an individual’s frequency of use, average dosage used, duration of full use, physical and mental health, and genetic factors.
Medications Used in Medication-Assisted Treatment for Heroin Detoxification
Methadone
Methadone (brand name Dolophine and Methadose) is an opioid agonist. It is taken orally and is slow acting. It works by reducing withdrawal symptoms. Methadone has been used since the 1960s to help treat heroin use disorder.
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Naltrexone
Naltrexone (brand name Vivitrol) is an opioid antagonist. It works by blocking the effects of heroin, while not being addictive. Naltrexone received FDA approval in 2010.
Suboxone
Suboxone is the combination of Naloxone and Buprenorphine. It is taken orally. It works by blocking the receptors in the brain that crave heroin. Suboxone was approved by the FDA in 2013.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine (brand name Subutex) is a partial opioid agonist. It works by reducing cravings for heroin without producing a high. Buprenorphine was approved by the FDA in 2002.
Treatment Programs for Heroin Addiction
In addition to medication-assisted treatment, different psychotherapy options can be used:
– Inpatient rehabilitation programs allow individuals to receive around the clock care. Individuals reside 24/7 at treatment facilities, following structured schedules.
– Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) offer intensive daily treatment while individuals live at home or in sober living.
– Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) allow individuals to maintain some of their daily responsibilities while receiving treatment.
– Standard outpatient treatment involves regular therapy sessions at a treatment facility.
– Dual diagnosis treatment for those experiencing both heroin use disorder and mental health diagnoses which occur simultaneously.
