If you have struggled with heroin addiction, you know that quitting can seem nearly impossible. Heroin is highly addictive and is one of the drugs most likely to cause an overdose. Painful withdrawal symptoms and cravings can make it difficult to stop using it. However, with the help of a heroin detox program, you can find hope for the future and a path out of addiction. At Atlanta Detox Center, you can move through withdrawals in a safe, comfortable environment while you begin to work through the causes of addiction.

Signs of Heroin Addiction

If you’re unsure if you or a loved one might require our heroin detox program, it’s crucial to know the signs of heroin addiction. The sooner someone begins a heroin detox program, the sooner they begin to heal from the adverse effects of addiction.

Some of the most common signs of heroin addiction include:

  • Drastic weight loss
  • Mood swings
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Lack of appetite
  • Needle marks if the heroin is being used intravenously
  • Falling asleep constantly or “nodding off”

As soon as you see these signs of heroin addiction, the best course of action is to reach out to an experienced team of addiction specialists, such as our Atlanta Detox Center staff.

How Medical Heroin Detox Can Help You Heal

If you’ve tried to stop using heroin before, you understand why a medically supported drug addiction treatment program is necessary. Because heroin causes dependence, once you stop using it, your body craves the drug. Over time, you need more of the drug to feel the same way, making withdrawal even worse. Your body needs to recover once you stop using, and in a heroin detox center, you’ll be able to go through that recovery away from the stresses and triggers of the outside world.

Typically, heroin withdrawal starts just twelve hours after the last use. This is why a medical detox center is essential because the risk of relapse is high without support and accountability. Withdrawal symptoms during heroin detox include:

  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain and diarrhea
  • Sweating
  • Shaking
  • Nervousness or agitation
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Muscle spasms
  • Cravings for drugs

During heroin detox, certain medications can help relieve withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. A doctor should always administer these medications. In a medical detox center, you’ll have access to the proper medications to help you achieve sobriety and avoid relapse.

How Long Does Heroin Withdrawal Last?

The duration of heroin withdrawal varies greatly based on several factors, including the individual’s physiology, the intensity of their addiction, and the strategies employed to manage withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms from heroin usually start 6 to 12 hours after the last dosage and peak in 2 to 3 days. Intense cravings and physical symptoms, including muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and insomnia, may be experienced by people during this time. Acute withdrawal usually lasts between five and seven days. However, some symptoms could linger longer.

People may experience a subacute withdrawal phase that lasts for several weeks after the acute phase. Although symptoms may gradually lessen during this period, they may still be difficult to control. Psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, irritability, and difficulties concentrating can persist, making it critical for individuals to receive continuing assistance and access options such as therapy and support groups. The psychological effects of heroin withdrawal can last long after the acute physical symptoms go away, underscoring the significance of comprehensive treatment and aftercare programs in promoting long-term recovery.

Can You Die From Heroin Withdrawal?

While heroin withdrawal itself is not typically fatal, the complications that can arise from severe withdrawal symptoms can pose significant risks to an individual’s health, potentially leading to death in extreme cases. Although the physical symptoms of heroin withdrawal can be uncomfortable and distressing, they are usually not directly life-threatening.

However, in cases of severe dehydration or electrolyte imbalances resulting from prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, there is a risk of complications such as cardiac arrhythmias or seizures, which can be fatal if left untreated. Additionally, individuals going through heroin withdrawal may be at an increased risk of self-harm or suicide due to the intense psychological distress and emotional instability often experienced during this period. Therefore, while heroin withdrawal itself may not be lethal, it is essential for individuals undergoing withdrawal to receive appropriate medical care and support to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Our Heroin Detox Center

At our Atlanta facility, we provide safety and security as you do the hard work of recovering from your withdrawals. Every individual’s experience with substance abuse is different, so no two treatment plans are the same. Upon arrival, our team will thoroughly assess your medical history and needs so that your treatment plan will be right for you.

While at our drug detox center, we also want you to feel comfortable. That’s why we have both private and semi-private rooms and bathrooms at our heroin detox center in Atlanta, so you can rest as you recover from the harmful effects of heroin use. Several recreational activities are available on our campus so that you can take your mind off of the stress of addiction. We are here to walk beside you as you move through the journey of recovery. If you are ready to begin the process of detoxing from heroin, our Atlanta rehab is here to help.

Contact Atlanta Detox Center Today for Support for Heroin Addiction

In addition to our heroin detox program, we offer many other programs and treatments, including the following:

Our drug detox centers in Atlanta, GA, provide support for people starting their recovery from heroin addiction. Our team recognizes that heroin addiction is a disease, not a lack of willpower. So, we treat each person in our care with the respect and dignity they deserve. If you or someone you care about might benefit from our center for heroin detox in Atlanta, our team is standing by to help.

Reach out to Atlanta Detox Center today by calling 844-658-0927 or completing our online contact form for more information about our heroin detox program.

Start Your Recovery Today!

If you or someone you care about has been battling addiction issues or having mental health problems, it is worth reaching out to a healthcare professional like the ones at Atlanta Detox.