Heroin is an illicit opioid drug that can lead to addiction after only a few uses. Because of its potent, drowsy, and euphoric high, many people continue abusing it despite facing physical and mental health consequences.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 1.1 million people reported abusing heroin in 2021.[1]
Heroin addiction causes the brain and body to become dependent, leading to painful withdrawal symptoms when you suddenly stop using it. While many people describe heroin withdrawal as feeling like a bad case of the flu, the dehydration it causes can become life-threatening. Rather than trying to detox on your own, you should always seek professional help from a detox program.
If you or a loved one are considering attending a heroin detox center in Pompano Beach, FL, you might be wondering what to expect. During these programs, you will undergo an initial assessment, receive treatment to stabilize you, be prescribed medications to limit your withdrawal symptoms, have access to 24/7 care and support, and participate in treatment planning before your treatment ends.
What are the Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal?
When you are addicted to heroin, your brain adjusts to the presence of it. Heroin is a depressant that slows down activity in the central nervous system (CNS). In order to sustain bodily functions, the body must work overtime to compensate for the extra chemicals in your system. The body adapts to functioning in this manner, and then if you suddenly stop using heroin, the absence of the drug can lead to a range of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms arise as a result of the body’s attempt to readjust to the absence of the depressant and restore a more balanced state.
The common symptoms of heroin withdrawal include:[2]
- Agitation, anxiety, and irritability
- Muscle aches and pains
- Teary eyes and runny nose
- Insomnia
- Excessive sweating
- Frequent yawning
- Abdominal pains
- Feelings of depression
- Diarrhea
- Shivering and goosebumps
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dilated pupils
While many people believe that heroin withdrawal is not life-threatening, this is not always the case. Without treatment, heroin withdrawal can lead to severe dehydration that could quickly become dangerous. As a result, you should always seek support from a detox center in Pompano Beach, FL rather than attempting to withdraw at home.
What to Expect During Heroin Detox in Pompano Beach, FL
Heroin detox centers in Pompano Beach, FL offer medications to help you overcome withdrawal safely and comfortably. At First Step Behavioral Health, we pride ourselves on making the detox process easier for our patients to overcome.
During a heroin detox program, you can expect the following:
Intake and Assessment
Upon arrival at a heroin detox center in Pompano Beach, you will begin the intake process. This usually involves signing medical release forms and giving the admissions team your insurance or payment information.
Once all of the important documents are collected, you will begin an initial assessment. You will be asked questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of heroin abuse. The information gathered will then be used to create an individualized detox plan that includes things like how long you will require treatment, what medications will work best for you, and more.
Medical Stabilization
After the intake and assessment process, you will begin medical stabilization. The medical staff will check your vital signs to determine whether you need treatment like blood pressure medication, IV fluids, or other interventions necessary to stabilize you.
It is important to note that nurses will check your vitals routinely throughout detox to ensure you remain stable during every step of your journey.
Medication Management
Once you are considered to be stable, you will begin taking a medication that lessens your withdrawal symptoms and prevents cravings. Typically, heroin withdrawal is treated using either Suboxone, methadone, clonidine, or Lucemyra. The specific medication you are given will be dependent on your needs, the symptoms you are experiencing, and more.
Most heroin detox centers in Pompano Beach, FL offer these medications on a tapering basis. This means your dose will be slowly lowered over time until you no longer require the medication.
Individual Therapy and Group Counseling
While you will have 24/7 access to support, you will also participate in scheduled individual therapy and group counseling sessions once you are feeling up to it. Both one-on-one therapy and group counseling will help you identify the root cause of your addiction, cope with psychological withdrawal symptoms, and adjust to your newfound sobriety.
Treatment Planning
Once you have overcome your withdrawal symptoms, you will work with your counselor to create a treatment plan. At First Step Behavioral Health, we offer a wide range of treatment programs that our detox clients can transition into after they complete detox. Whether you need inpatient rehab or intensive outpatient programming, our comprehensive treatment center can offer that to you.
Get Connected to a Top-Rated Heroin Detox Center in Pompano Beach, FL
If you or a loved one struggles with heroin addiction, First Step Behavioral Health is here to help. Our trusted heroin detox center can provide you with the support you need to overcome withdrawal safely and comfortably.
Guided by our medical experts, we customize detox treatments following comprehensive patient assessments. This tailored approach, including consideration of drug history and psychiatric evaluations, ensures the most effective detox plan. Our chosen treatments and medications offer vital emotional, physical, and psychiatric support, overall enhancing comfort and aiding sobriety.
To learn more about our heroin detox center in Pompano Beach, FL, contact us today.
References:
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is the scope of heroin use in the United States, Retrieved January 2024 From https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/scope-heroin-use-in-united-states
- Medline Plus: Opiate and opioid withdrawal, Retrieved January 2024 From https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000949.htm
