Heroin Detox and Treatment

Get Proven Heroin Detox and Treatment Programs at Changes

Heroin addiction is a serious and debilitating condition that affects millions of people in the US, with opiate and opioid abuse numbers sharply on the rise in Arizona.

If you or a loved one have been trying to get clean, you may know how difficult early recovery can be on your own. But help is here and waiting for you to reach out, in the form of Changes Healing Center.

Keep reading to learn more about our evidence-based approaches to heroin detox and treatment, and get options for healing from opiate abuse at Changes now!

The Mounting Consequence of Opiate Abuse

With regular use, this highly addictive opioid drug has devastating consequences. Heroin can, and quickly will, affect your physical and mental health, your relationships, your finances, and your overall quality of life.

Whether it is black tar heroin, fentanyl, or other opiate or opioids, the addictive potential is high. And the withdrawals that come with opiate dependence mean that medical detox and/or medication assisted treatment are the best means of getting through early recovery successfully.

Knowing exactly how this drug affects you can help you make safer and better informed decisions, and provide the warning signs to get help if you are struggling with this addiction.

What are the Physical Effects of Heroin Use?

One of the many concerns that come with this form of drug abuse is the serious damage heroin can cause to the body. Heroin use can lead to a number of physical health problems, including:

• Overdose, which is the leading cause of death among heroin users.
• HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C, which is caused by sharing needles or other injection equipment that can transmit blood-borne diseases.
• Bacterial infections, caused by heroin weakening the immune system.
• Heart disease, caused by heroin damaging the heart and increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.
• Lung disease, caused by damage to the lungs and increased risk of respiratory infections.
• Infertility, caused by damage to the reproductive system, making it difficult to conceive.

The presence of even a single one of these physical consequences, such as an overdose that resulted in Narcan being administered, should be a wakeup call that treatment could benefit and even potentially save your life, or the life of a loved one.

What are the Psychological Effects of Heroin Abuse?

Heroin abuse does not just cause physical symptoms. This powerful opiate drug is also capable of causing serious damage to your brain chemistry and mental health. Heroin use often produces symptoms of mental illness, including depression, anhedonia, anxiety, hallucinations and even psychosis.

While these symptoms are not typically life-threatening on their own, in some cases people may experience severe enough psychological problems to develop suicidal thoughts and ideations.

Seeking professional support at Changes Healing Center can give you access to the mental health and dual diagnosis treatment tools you need to overcome heroin and find lasting recovery.

Our offerings include individual therapy, group therapy, and family sessions when desired, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy, DBT skills training, and other evidence-based treatments.

Effective Treatment Methods for Heroin Addiction

Seeking accredited addiction treatment providers such as Changes Healing Center, is vital to support recovery from heroin addiction for a number of reasons. Opiate forms of substance use disorder are a complex disease and heroin changes the brain’s chemistry, making it difficult for people to quit on their own.

Our professional treatment programs will help you understand the nature of addictive behaviors and develop coping skills to stay sober. There is also the issue that heroin withdrawal can be dangerous and uncomfortable. Medically supervised heroin detox at Changes can provide medication to manage withdrawal symptoms and make the process safer and more manageable.

Treatment Options for Dually Diagnosed Clients at Changes

Heroin addiction also often co-occurs with other mental health conditions, particularly depression and anhedonia (the lack of ability to feel pleasure). Dual diagnosis treatment can help you address both the addiction and any underlying mental health conditions, which improves the chances of lasting, successful recovery.

Finally, one of the biggest issues with attempting to overcome a heroin addiction is that this disorder can also often lead to relapse. At Changes Healing Center, our aftercare and ongoing support will provide the resources needed to help you stay sober and prevent relapse.

If chronic relapse is a part of you or your loved one’s story, the difference in our approach and dedication can be a difference-maker, so reach out to get options for support today!

What are Typical Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms Like?

Heroin withdrawal consists of the unpleasant and sometimes dangerous set of symptoms that occur when a person who is physically dependent on heroin decides to quit cold turkey. The heroin withdrawal timeline typically begins within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose and peaks within 2 to 3 days.

Opiate withdrawals can last for up to 10 days, but some people may experience symptoms for up to several months, a condition known as protracted withdrawal (or Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms).

The severity of acute and post-acute withdrawal symptoms will vary depending on individual health conditions and background, the amount of heroin being used, and the overall duration of use.

A Sampling of Common Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

Some people may experience mild symptoms when stopping opiate or opioid use, while others may experience more severe symptoms that can be very uncomfortable and even dangerous.

The most common physical symptoms of heroin withdrawal include:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sweating
• Chills
• Dilated pupils
• Goosebumps
• Muscle aches and pains
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Increased blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Increased breathing rate
• Fever
• Shaking and muscle spasms
• Watery discharge
• Sleep disturbances

During the withdrawal period, it is also common to develop emotional symptoms along with the physical effects. These may include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Cravings for heroin

In some cases, heroin withdrawal can lead to more serious complications, such as seizures, heart problems, or psychosis. If you are experiencing heroin withdrawal symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.

There are medications that can help to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and make the process more manageable.

Residential Treatment for Heroin Addiction

RTC stands for a residential treatment center, at Changes we offer an inpatient rehab option for opioids that provides individuals with a safe and supportive environment to focus on their recovery. This type of treatment is recommended for those who require 24/7 supervision and support to overcome their addiction.

Our RTC programs at Changes Healing Center are designed to provide each client with a comprehensive treatment plan that includes individual and group therapy sessions, behavioral therapies, and other supportive services such as relapse prevention training, aftercare planning, and more.

The residential approach to addiction treatment gives clients a structured environment where to focus solely on their recovery without distractions or triggers.

Intensive Outpatient Programs for Heroin Treatment

IOP is a treatment approach that allows individuals to receive treatment while continuing to live at home and maintain their daily routine. This type of level of care for substance abuse treatment is typically recommended for those who have completed an inpatient program or for those who do not require around-the-clock support and accountability.

At Changes Healing Center, our IOP programs are designed to provide a structured treatment plan that includes individual and group therapy sessions, behavioral therapies, and custom support services based on client needs.

IOP is highly effective for opiate addiction, as it allows for ongoing monitoring and assistance during the challenges of early recovery.

Combining IOP and RTC for Heroin Addiction Treatment

While IOP and RTC are effective treatment options on their own, combining these approaches can provide individuals with a more comprehensive and effective treatment plan. This approach is known as a step-down model, where individuals start with RTC and then transition to IOP as they progress in their recovery journey.

The step-down model is an particularly helpful in addressing heroin addiction because it provides individuals with the intensive treatment and support they need in the early stages of recovery and then transitions to less intensive treatment options as clients become more stable and confident in their sobriety.

At Changes, we work with clients to ensure they have the right level of care for their needs, as well as making sure treatment is as cost-effective as possible.

The Importance of Heroin Detox During Treatment

As mentioned previously, heroin detox is the process of removing heroin from the body. It is an important part of treatment for heroin addiction, as it can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Medically-supervised detox can handle both the physical and psychological symptoms associated with the withdrawal period, but it is important to find the right treatment facility to undergo this process.

Heroin detox can be done in a variety of settings, but it is safest to undergo the withdrawal process under medical supervision at our residential treatment center.

If you quit heroin cold turkey, it can be difficult to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms without professional help. Our detox program provides 24/7 medical care and emotional support during this difficult time. Our residential treatment center offers a more comprehensive approach to treatment, including detox, counseling, and other therapies.

The length of time needed for heroin detox varies from person to person. It typically takes about 7-10 days to fully withdraw from heroin. Whether you are experiencing short-term symptoms or need more extensive care, Changes Healing Center is here to support you every step of the way.

Choosing the Right Heroin Detox Center

The first few days of your recovery are crucial, and it is important to find the right treatment center. At Changes Healing Center, our heroin detox program can give you the best support possible to safely overcome your substance abuse.

We can help manage both initial withdrawal symptoms and those that continue to occur after the initial detox period. We will monitor your more intense symptoms and provide medication-assisted treatment and nutritional counseling throughout your detox treatment.

Whether you are experiencing moderate or severe withdrawal symptoms, our medical detox program will provide the care and support you need to establish a solid foundation for long-term recovery.

Once you have successfully completed medical treatment for your withdrawal symptoms, we will help you move forward with ongoing treatment. As discussed, this can include IOP and RTC, both of which can be essential for our clients during the recovery process.

Start Your Recovery at Changes Healing Center!

Heroin addiction is a serious condition that requires comprehensive treatment and support to overcome. Detox, IOP and RTC are effective treatment options that can help you overcome your addiction to heroin or any other substances and maintain sobriety long-term.

Combining these approaches in a step-down model can provide you with the intensive treatment and support you need in the early stages of recovery and then transition you to a less intensive treatment option as you become more stable and confident in your sobriety.

If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin and ready to start a life freed from the chains of opiate abuse, reach out to our treatment center for a confidential assessment today.

Get options for support and lasting recovery at Changes Healing Center, call us now!