The process of heroin addiction detox is reported as a difficult experience for those who begin the rehabilitation program. It is essential for these individuals to enroll into a recovery facility for the duration of the program in order to ensure adequate management of symptoms. The symptoms can range from cramping and sneezing to heightened anxiety and depression and requires professional assistance for health and safety.
Rehab
Once accepted into a particular rehabilitation center, the user will be assisted with the intensity of a detoxification. Due to the nature of the symptoms and the period within which the effects can last, addicts are required to seek medical supervision during this time. It is reported that symptomatic behavior may last for up to a week and is characterized by withdrawal and craving for ingestion of this opioid.
Opiate Addiction
When the addict no longer has access to the opioid and has not consumed the substance, it may take up to 12 hours before symptoms appear. Purification of the system may take a week during which effects will heighten and often leads to many individuals leaving the program. Various symptoms are experienced and can increase over time which requires significant monitoring for the prevention of negative outcomes.
Coping Mechanisms
Many individuals are unable to cope with these experiences and proceed to leave the designated program to seek the particular drug in alleviating discomfort. For this reason, it is almost impossible to successfully recover alone especially when in an environment conducive to engaging in the addictive behavior. Modern medical methods have increased the possibility of improving comfort and managing the effects during heroin detox.
Detoxification Process
The use of anesthetic as a medical option to alleviate pain and discomfort during detoxification has been associated with increased risk. Many individuals desire the implementation of anesthesia as a form of treatment for coping with the intense discomfort. Risks related to this method can be life threatening and requires professional assistance for effective outcomes.
Addiction
A large percentage of addicts avoid enrollment into recovery facilities due to the intensity of the effects from withdrawal. These processes can however be assisted with modern medical options for the safety of the user. Various medications are implemented during detoxification which assist with cravings and the physical effects of not having ingested the substance.
Dependency
The result of this opioid means that individuals are unable to produce the naturally occurring dopamine hormone, which is responsible for improved mood and good sensations. An addiction impacts on the nervous system as well as the normal chemical reactions in the brain and the result is an increased need to consume the substance for achieving a pleasurable sensation. Due to the physical need for the drug and the impact it has on normal functioning, effective recovery and detoxification can only be achieved with professional assistance.