Are you battling heroin addiction? Is somebody close to you in the grip of heroin, and unable to break free? Heroin is one of the most devastating and dangerous substances a person can take. Even small amounts can lead to a fatal overdose, and the drug quickly creates a physical dependency which leaves the user desperate for more - and taking larger and larger hits in the process.
Beating the cycle of addiction is always going to be tough, but with the right help and support, you can overcome your heroin addiction and start your journey to recovery. A home detox from heroin addiction can be as effective as a residential rehabilitation programme, as long as you are willing to commit to your recovery journey.
Getting Heroin Detox at Home
It is very difficult to recover from heroin addiction. People may have different opinions about this, but for an addict, it is the most difficult experience to undergo this process. The body of the patient has been taking heroin for so long that it becomes difficult and challenging to get rid of it.
The patient needs to fight against his cravings. The addict feels more comfortable and at ease while having the substance. Multiple symptoms appear when you try to stop the drug intake, as the body is addicted to it, and this is the reason the process is difficult. When the patient doesn't take heroin they feel so ill, with nausea, headaches, shaking, fever, and many other symptoms.
The terrible withdrawal, which strikes just hours after the last dose, is what drives heroin addicts to desperate acts such as theft, prostitution and begging. In order to get more drugs, which can be very expensive, they will lie and steal from everyone around them. Heroin ruins lives and cause extreme difficulties for those addicted to it. It also has serious health risks, causing damage to internal organs.
Heroin Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms
When we talk about withdrawal symptoms from heroin, many of our patients consult with doctors or get admitted into residential rehabilitation centres so that they can overcome mild to intense physical and mental withdrawal from heroin abuse. It is always advisable to go for proper checkups from time to time, to check on the symptoms of withdrawal. If a patient is performing home detox, there should also be a therapist to check the progress of treatment. This is important for the patients who are addicted for a long time, and who may have other complex issues.
In the presence of many support groups, clinics, rehabilitation centres, hospitals and home detox heroin treatments, the recovery starts. The patient must be ready to receive help, and open to the home detox methods which will break them free from their addiction. If they are willing to accept this help and stick with it, they have a good chance of making a full recovery.
Physical symptoms affect the body and can include:
- muscle pain
- bone pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- goose pimples
- cold skin
- leg twitches
Psychological symptoms affect the mind, and these could include:
- mood swings
- irritability
- agitation
- anxiety
- depression
Knowing Your Medication and Diet
It is very important to have knowledge about the medicines that the patient should take to supplement their detox process at home. For dealing with gastrointestinal issues, it is recommended to take Imodium during the heroin withdrawal treatment. Imodium will help the patient to ease the toxin out from the body, in case the person is suffering from diarrhea.
Other medicines used during detox are aspirins, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. These medicines provide relief during treatment, as many patient face withdrawal symptoms which are similar to the very worst flu. The best practice is to focus on the treatment, instead of taking another dose of heroin.
For coping with depression during treatment, patients are provided with supplements such as 5-HTP, St. John’s Wort, and Valerian root. There are both mental and emotional symptoms of heroin withdrawal. Medication and diet is very important in dealing with the symptoms of withdrawal. These medications are highly recommended for a successful treatment.
Eating Healthily
For the fast recovery from the heroin addiction it is important to have a healthy lifestyle. For home detox from heroin addiction, it is very valuable to take in a proper diet as it makes the recovery faster. It is advisable to eat more vegetables and fruits. For keeping the body hydrated, drink plenty of water. Caffeinated drinks and food should be avoided. Patient should consult with their doctors for proper guidelines about their food.
Get Professional Support 24/7
The team at the Steps Home Detox programme are former addicts themselves or have the first-hand experience of addiction through a loved one. We know exactly what addiction is really like. The tips and advice we give you come from years of experience, both as trained drug detox advisors and as recovering addicts. We know how to make that withdrawal process easier, how to develop new coping strategies so you don't relapse, and how to live a heroin-free life.
Many heroin addicts find themselves taking drugs in order to cope with some other part of their lives, such as a traumatic experience or a loss. They try it to block out the pain, but they soon find themselves addicted. Once heroin takes hold, loss and trauma are common experiences. It is very hard for a heroin addict to live a normal and functional life, so their home life, employment and relationships tend to fall apart.
Having somebody who understands what you are going through can make all the difference when going through home detox from drugs. You are never alone with the Steps counselling team, who provide telephone support and advice seven days a week. You will have regular appointments during your treatment, including daily appointments during the first days and weeks of withdrawal, and we will do everything we can to keep your recovery on track.
How to Get Started with Heroin Home Detox
Residential rehab doesn't work for everyone. It can be far too expensive, and the waiting lists for a bed at a facility can be very long. Heroin addiction is an urgent problem, as every dose could be fatal. If a patient wishes to get clean, then they need immediate support before they lose motivation and courage. When you engage with a home detox from heroin abuse programme, you can start treatment immediately. From the very first contact, we will offer practical advice so you can start preparing for your drug-free life.
With a home drug detox, you still have access to the same resources, including therapy and counselling, medical supervision, and information on beating addiction. However, you don't have to leave home and disrupt your life: instead, you can stay at home where you feel most comfortable, with your loved ones around you for support.
If you need help with heroin addiction, contact the Steps Home Detox team. We are available across Great Britain and Ireland, with local services in towns and cities throughout the UK. For more information or to request an assessment, call now on 0333 444 0315.
