The process of recovering from heroin addiction is a difficult one, but with support, anyone can overcome even a serious substance abuse disorder. It’s never wise to undergo initial heroin detox in Jefferson County AL without adequate medical supervision, though. Read on to find out why.
Safety Concerns
Detoxifying the body is rewarding in the long-term, but it can be quite unpleasant during the initial withdrawal phase of addiction recovery and in severe cases, it can even be life-threatening. Going through medically-supervised detox gives those who are struggling to get their lives back on track access to the care they need to alleviate the worst of their symptoms and ensure their safety. Medication-assisted withdrawal can also help to reduce cravings.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Since heroin is a short-acting drug, those who are abusing it tend to begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms within 24 hours of their last use. Initial symptoms are typically relatively mild and often include sweating and anxiety. However, these symptoms typically worsen over time to reach a peak severity somewhere between 48 and 72 hours after the last time the drug was used.
Moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, insomnia, muscle aches, hot and cold flashes, and agitation. These primary symptoms typically begin to subside within four to ten days.
Factors Influencing Detox
The process of heroin detox in Jefferson County AL varies substantially in severity from person to person based on factors like age, weight, medical history, mental health, use of alcohol or other drugs, and even genetic profile. Since there is no way for a person to predict how severe his or her initial withdrawal symptoms will be, it’s a good idea for anyone with a heroin abuse problem to seek professional help.
Learn More Today
Know it’s time to stop using heroin or other drugs and not sure where to turn for help? Click here to learn about one facility Alabama residents can trust to treat them with respect and offer the highest possible level of care. The first step down the road to recovery is often the most difficult but with adequate support and medical supervision, detoxing from heroin can be done safely and successfully.
