At The Retreat of Broward, we provide Pompano Beach residents with compassionate and effective heroin detox services. Understanding the challenges and complexities of heroin addiction, we offer a safe and nurturing environment for detoxification. Our expert team, equipped with the latest medical treatments and holistic approaches, is dedicated to guiding you through every step of this crucial phase. With personalized care and unwavering support, we are committed to helping you regain control of your life, setting the foundation for a successful and lasting recovery.
What is Heroin?
Heroin is a powerful and highly addictive opioid. Opioids are a category of drug that includes morphine, fentanyl, opium, and various prescription painkillers. Heroin usually appears as either a powder or a sticky, tar-like substance. It can be smoked, snorted, or used intravenously.
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), heroin is classified as a Schedule I drug in the U.S. This means it poses a high risk for abuse and addiction with no legitimate medical use. It works by interacting with parts of the central nervous system associated with pleasure and pain. Heroin disrupts areas of the brain that control automatic functions like body temperature, heart rate, and breathing.
When a person uses heroin, they usually experience an intense, euphoric “rush.” Often, this is accompanied by a decrease in physical pain. Together, these effects make heroin attractive to those seeking a recreational high. However, the rush of heroin lasts for only a few minutes, leading them to use more.
Because it also affects how the brain regulates the operations of the heart and lungs, an overdose of heroin can be fatal. Symptoms of a heroin overdose include loss of consciousness, shallow breathing, faint pulse, and a significant drop in body temperature. Anyone exhibiting these signs of heroin overdose requires immediate medical care.
Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Use
The signs and symptoms of heroin use tend to vary from person to person. Some of the factors that affect the severity and frequency of symptoms are how long the person has been using heroin, the amount of heroin they typically use, and whether the person is using other substances in addition to heroin. Age and physical makeup can also factor into the severity and frequency of symptoms.
Some of the physical signs and symptoms of heroin use include:
- Dry mouth
- Runny nose
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
- “Track marks” or sites of injection on the arms and legs
- Scabbing or bruising
Whereas, the behavioral signs and symptoms of heroin use may include:
- Increased need for sleep
- Slurred speech
- Inability to fulfill responsibilities
- Skin-picking
- Risky behaviors
- Bursts of hyperactivity
While the above symptoms are more obvious, cognitive and psychosocial symptoms of heroin use include poor decision-making, paranoia, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, lack of self-control, isolation, and bouts of depression or anxiety.
Dangers of Heroin Addiction
Every addictive substance has its dangers, but the dangers of heroin use and addiction must be taken extremely seriously. After all, there are risks associated with even a single use. However, long-term heroin use has profound effects on the life and well-being of the user. As well as their family and friends.
Like other opioids, heroin affects the body’s respiratory system—that network of organs that helps the body receive oxygen. A slowed respiratory system puts a person at risk of coma, giving them brain damage due to the lack of oxygen. This is a condition called hypoxia. With every use, heroin carries a substantial risk of overdose. Also, it comes with a risk of contracting infectious diseases, collapsed veins, heart infections, liver and kidney disease, and many other risk factors.
The most common dangers of heroin use include:
- Addiction
- Accidental overdose
- Cellulitis
- Pericarditis
- Infection of heart valves
- Liver disease
- Lung damage
- Pneumonia
- Abscesses at injection sites
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Seizures
Meanwhile, abruptly ending heroin use—or going “cold turkey”—also has its share of dangers. As a matter of fact, without proper medical supervision and intervention, withdrawal from heroin can be dangerous leading to hospitalization. This makes detoxing from heroin a serious process that should only be undertaken with the supervision of medical professionals.
Heroin Withdrawal Timeline
How long does it take to detox from heroin? The withdrawal symptoms during heroin detox tend to be the most intense in the first few days after the last use. Most inpatient detox programs last between 7 to 10 days. Afterward, the person continues treatment for lingering symptoms or co-occurring mental health disorders. Of course, no one is “finished” with treatment after detox. After all, they need aftercare treatment for a successful recovery.
Heroin withdrawal and detox follow this timeline, with some variations for each person:
6 to 12 Hours
Withdrawal symptoms should appear about six to 12 hours after the individual stops using heroin. These symptoms tend to be mild. However, symptoms and cravings will get worse as detox continues.
Days 1 to 3
Withdrawal symptoms peak in intensity sometime during the first 3 days of detox. During the peak phase, a person could have severe withdrawal symptoms and need medical interventions. This phase of detox is often the most intense in terms of physical symptoms.
Symptoms Subside
After symptoms peak, they continue to subside over the rest of the week. Some acute symptoms could linger. Nevertheless, most of the intense symptoms should subside. After about 7 to 10 days of detox, a person transitions to the next phase of their treatment.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) During Our Heroin Detox in Pompano Beach
Medications help ease the severity of withdrawal symptoms, curb cravings, and even prevent overdose in case of a relapse. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved specific medications for heroin detox in a form of therapy called medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
MAT specifically combines medications with other evidence-based treatment services. At Retreat of Broward, our FDA-approved medications for heroin detox include Naltrexone, Buprenorphine, and Methadone. A medically supervised detox program helps each person decide which medication, if any, is best for their situation.
Benefits of Detoxing from Heroin at Retreat of Broward
Detoxing from heroin is a critical first step towards recovery from opioid addiction. Also, undergoing this process at a reputable detox facility like Retreat of Broward offers several benefits. Read further to learn about the advantages of our heroin detox in Pompano Beach.
Medical Supervision
Retreat of Broward provides medical supervision during the detox process. Therefore, ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals detoxing from heroin. Medical professionals manage withdrawal symptoms, administer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and respond promptly to any complications that arise.
Safe and Comfortable Environment
Our facility offers a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment for individuals during the challenging detoxification period. This helps reduce stress and anxiety, making the process more manageable.
Customized Treatment Plans
Retreat of Broward tailors detox treatment plans to meet the specific needs of each individual. Thereby, our clinicians assess the severity of addiction, physical health, and any co-occurring mental health disorders to create a personalized detox strategy.
24/7 Monitoring
Retreat of Broward offers round-the-clock monitoring by medical professionals. Thus, ensuring immediate attention if any complications or emergencies occur during detox.
Counseling and Support
In addition to medical care, individuals also receive counseling and support from our team of professionals to address the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction. This holistic approach helps prepare individuals for ongoing treatment and a successful recovery.
Transition to Treatment
After completing our heroin detox in Pompano Beach, The Retreat of Broward helps individuals seamlessly transition to a longer-term addiction treatment program. Our heroin detox in Pompano Beach ensures continuity of care and a comprehensive approach to recovery.
Reduced Risk of Relapse
Medically supervised detox significantly reduces the risk of relapse during the vulnerable early stages of recovery. Additionally, the facility’s supportive environment and treatment interventions help individuals stay on the path to sobriety.
Education and Coping Skills
During detox, individuals learn about addiction, triggers, and coping strategies to manage cravings and stress. As a result, it sets a strong foundation for ongoing recovery.
Family Involvement
Retreat of Broward recognizes the importance of involving families in the recovery process. Therefore, we offer support and education for family members to enhance the overall support system for the individual in treatment.
Aftercare Planning
Our addiction professionals help individuals develop a comprehensive aftercare plan. Which may include outpatient treatment, therapy, support groups, and ongoing medical care to sustain long-term recovery.
Safe and Supervised Detox
Attempting to detox from heroin alone can be dangerous due to severe withdrawal symptoms and the risk of relapse. Detoxing from heroin at a professional facility like Retreat of Broward provides a safe and supervised environment for the detox process.
In summary, detoxing from heroin at Retreat of Broward offers individuals a structured and supportive start to their journey to recovery. It combines medical care, psychological support, and a personalized approach to increase the likelihood of successful detoxification and ongoing sobriety.
Begin Recovery With Safe and Effective Heroin Detox in Pompano Beach
Heroin addiction can be one of the most challenging addictions to treat. Unfortunately, due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms, many people do not get through the detox phase when they attempt to quit on their own. However, our heroin detox center in Pompano Beach, Florida can help you or your loved one detox from heroin safely and comfortably.
Contact us today to learn more about our approach to detox and addiction.
