What You Need To Know About Recovering From A Heroin Addiction

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Heroin is a strong drug that can quickly take control of your life. In fact, if you're addicted to heroin, you might feel like you're fighting a constant battle against the drug that you might not ever win. However, it's important to know that you're not alone, and with drug addiction help, you can overcome your addiction. Learn more about your recovery options and what to expect during the recovery process.

Rehab Options

Heroin rehabilitation can be completed through an inpatient facility or an outpatient treatment center. You can even choose to complete a combination of programs during your recovery. However, it's important to choose the option that you feel will give you the best chance at success.

A lot of patients benefit from inpatient treatment because inpatient centers provide a controlled, drug-free environment. Remember, heroin use causes a very strong chemical dependency that affects your body and your mind. So, it might be easier to beat your addiction if you choose to recover in a facility because you won't have a way to obtain drugs.

If you have professional or family obligations that you can't leave unattended for an extended period of time, an outpatient program may be a better option for you. Outpatient programs require participants to report to a drug counselor on a regular basis for drug testing. Some programs may also require you to attend group or individual counseling sessions.

Detoxification

The first part of a drug rehabilitation program is called the detoxification process. Detoxing is the process that your body goes through as the heroin leaves your system completely. You'll likely experience withdrawal symptoms during the detoxification process. However, there is no way to tell how severe your symptoms will be until you begin detoxing. Some of the symptoms you might experience include the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Increased agitation
  • Nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping
  • Sweating
  • Muscle aches
  • Insomnia
  • Depression

Because heroin detox symptoms can be severe, you should consider completing the detoxification process in a medical setting where your health can be monitored by professionals. If you won't be completing an inpatient treatment program, you can call the hospitals in your area to see what type of detox care they offer. You might begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms between six and 12 hours after your last dose of heroin. The symptoms normally peak between the 36- and 72-hour mark, and begin to decline within five to seven days. However, protracted withdrawal symptoms can persist for up to six months. The symptoms that take the longest time to subside are the symptoms that affect your behavior and emotions. So, while you won't feel physically ill for six months, you might still have trouble sleeping, experience mood swings, feel depressed, or have anxiety.

After Care

After you've completed your recovery program, it's important that you have a plan that keeps you focused on staying sober. Patients who have completed an inpatient program sometimes choose to complete an outpatient program to help them adjust to their day-to-day lives. If you've completed an outpatient program, you can continue that recovery process by regularly attending local drug addiction support groups or going to counseling.

Recovering from a heroin addiction is a long process. However, with drug addiction help, you can win your battle with heroin and learn how to live a happy, sober life again. 

For more information, contact a professional in your area or visit a website like http://www.olalla.org

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