dr-vorobjev

October 31, 2023

Heroin is an opioid, a dangerous narcotic that causes strong addiction and that, over time, leads to complete deterioration of the body. People who have been abusing heroin find it difficult or almost impossible to quit on their own due to the strong withdrawal symptoms that manifest through a multitude of side effects such as nausea, muscle pain, tremors, anxiety, and depression.

The only way to safely avoid all these symptoms is to remove every trace of this substance from the body using medical heroin detox. Today, we will explain this procedure in detail, going over how long it lasts and why it presents a vital part of heroin addiction treatment.

What heroin is and why it causes addiction

Heroin is a psychoactive substance that has a powerful effect on the central nervous system. Following an intake of heroin, the body undergoes many changes, including decreased heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure, as well as a drop in body temperature.

The feeling of intoxication occurs as heroin binds to the opioid receptors in the brain. Due to the rush of chemicals that ensues in the brain, individuals feel pleasure, described as a sudden wave of relaxation that is mostly felt in the limbs but also throughout the body. Over time, the nervous system develops an addiction to these sensations, and a person becomes unable to feel any joy without substance abuse. This only pushes these individuals toward this destructive habit more, and they start feeling powerless to do anything against it.

octor starting the process of medical detoxification.

After 10-20 minutes following its use, the effects of heroin slowly begin to fade and pleasurable sensations disappear, being replaced by anxiety, fear, and an increased heart rate. Like other narcotics, heroin is also highly addictive, so after every intake, the desire for this substance increases. When left untreated, heroin addiction can lead to many health issues, or in the most serious cases, even overdose. That is why detoxification is an integral part of treatment for heroin dependence.

While every person reacts differently and the withdrawal symptoms may vary, the general rule of thumb goes that the longer the duration of heroin abuse is, the worse the consequences will be. Additionally, the amount of heroin that a person consumes is directly connected to the strength of withdrawal symptoms. Finally, individuals who suffer with existing mental disorders will have an increasingly tough time stopping the substance abuse on their own. In those cases, the help of medical experts plays a vital role on the road to recovery from heroin addiction.

Heroin withdrawal symptoms

When an addict stops taking heroin, withdrawal symptoms occur, resulting in negative reactions that vary from mild to extremely serious. While most of these symptoms usually last up to 7 days, problems such as cravings for the drug may persist for several months or even years.

Heroin withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Intense cravings
  • Abdominal pain
  • Uncontrollable shaking
  • Muscle soreness
  • Sweating
  • Nervousness
  • Depression
  • Unrest

During a clinical heroin detoxification, patients receive medication and other forms of therapy that help ease the negative symptoms or eliminate them entirely. Not only does this make the patients feel more comfortable during recovery, but it also reduces the risks of potential side-effects that might be dangerous.

People who attempt to perform detoxification without the help of medical experts will have to find a way to deal with the withdrawal symptoms on their own. Troubled by the overbearing symptoms, they usually take self-prescribed medications which can put their life at risk. That is why detoxification under the guidance of experts in a medical facility presents the only solution that leads to a heroin-free life.

Get a free online consultation to learn how to manage these symptoms for you or your loved one and start heroin detox >>>

How long does the heroin detox procedure last?

The first effects of heroin are noticed instantly upon consumption. Because of the fast-acting nature of this substance, it also leaves the body in a shorter amount of time compared to some other narcotics.

While heroin withdrawal symptoms are felt the most 48 to 72 hours following the last intake, traces of the drug can be found in the body for 10 days after. During this time, the person suffers through the withdrawal symptoms which is a grueling experience. Because of this, many addicts who attempt to undergo rehab at home usually succumb to the urges and reach for heroin once again.

However, when a medical procedure such as a rapid opioid detox is used, the unwanted symptoms completely subside. This is achieved through the use of medication, which can only be prescribed and used correctly under the guidance of medical experts.

Detoxification in a medical facility.

At our health detox center, we employ different detox procedures depending on the specific case so that we can remove all traces of psychoactive substances from the body in the most efficient way possible. The procedure that sets us apart is ultra-rapid detoxification, or UROD. During this phase of treatment, our patients spend 6-8 hours under anesthesia, all the while receiving opioid antagonists, as well as vitamins and other nutrients that help remove the feelings of discomfort and speed up recuperation.

Immediately upon waking up, patients start feeling a lot better, and all negative symptoms that usually follow the process of heroin detoxification disappear. Most importantly, the UROD procedure is completely painless and highly effective in removing all traces of psychoactive substances. Heroin detox presents just one procedure, but in order to achieve the full physical recovery and eliminate the desire for heroin abuse, we offer complete treatment for heroin addiction.

7-day procedure for addiction to heroin

A complete program for treatment of heroin addiction encompasses diagnosis, detoxification, physiotherapy, pharmacotherapy, treatment of psychological addiction, and outpatient support. All of our patients receive 24/7 care, with a team of medical staff by their side to monitor the implementation of each stage of treatment. Patients also receive a pharmacological implant that prevents them from abusing heroin by blocking the effects of this psychoactive substance on the nervous system.

Upon completion of all procedures and after departure from the clinic, patients remain in contact with our psychologists and receive regular medical checkups during the 12 months following. 

14-day procedure for addiction to heroin

The 14-day heroin addiction treatment plan includes all of the above mentioned procedures, but it also provides the patient with additional methods that lead to a faster recuperation of the entire organism. Additionally, the patients receive more time to get used to their new surroundings and accept life without the need for psychoactive substance abuse.

Psychologist talking to a patient during rehab.

Our goal is to create a repulsiveness toward heroin and all other forms of psychoactive substances. In that way, patients get the best chance to stay on the path that leads to a healthy life and preserve all of the achieved results by creating healthy and sustainable habits.

Why is heroin detoxification the only way to stop addiction?

Even though heroin detox is a completely safe procedure these days, millions of people still dread the moment when they will have to sign up for treatment. Unfortunately, addiction is a progressive state, and the longer people wait, the more damage they are causing to their bodies.

That is why community oftentimes plays an integral part in heroin addiction treatment, as addicts are unable to stop themselves from constant use. If you know someone who is struggling with addiction to heroin, know that the journey to a healthy life begins with complete body detoxification.

At Dr Vorobjev Clinic, we employ only the latest procedures and treatment methods that eliminate the need for heroin while cleansing the body of all traces of psychoactive substances. Call us now to set up a free consultation, and receive the best treatment that you deserve.

We are here to ease your road to recovery from addiction. Book a free online consultation to learn how to start heroin detoxification >>>

Published on October 31, 2023

by Dr Vorobjev Clinic team

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