Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug that affects the brain’s reward system, leading to physical and psychological dependence. When someone stops using heroin or reduces their dosage, they may experience signs of heroin withdrawal, which can be challenging to manage without professional help. At Northpoint Washington, we offer a heroin detox center in Edmonds, Washington, that provides comprehensive care to help patients overcome heroin addiction and withdrawal.
What Is Heroin Abuse?
Heroin abuse refers to the use of heroin. Most of the time, this is done in a way that is harmful to one’s physical or mental health or results in negative consequences for their personal or professional life. Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive opioid drug that is made from morphine, a natural substance found in opium poppy plants.
Heroin abuse can take many forms, including injecting, snorting, or smoking the drug. It can also involve using larger amounts of heroin than prescribed, using it more frequently than prescribed, or using it without a prescription at all.
Abusing heroin can have serious consequences, including physical dependence, overdose, and death. The drug can cause respiratory depression, a slowing of breathing that can lead to oxygen deprivation and brain damage. It can also cause infections, collapsed veins, and other health problems. Additionally, heroin abuse can have negative effects on one’s relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life.
Signs of Heroin Withdrawal
Heroin withdrawal symptoms can vary in intensity and duration depending on the individual’s level of dependence, the amount of heroin used, and the length of use. Common signs of heroin withdrawal include:
Physical Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps and diarrhea
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Sweating and chills
- Rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure
- Dilated pupils and blurry vision
Psychological Symptoms
- Anxiety and agitation
- Depression and mood swings
- Insomnia and restlessness
- Cravings for heroin
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Behavioral Symptoms
- Social isolation and withdrawal
- Lack of interest in usual activities
- Irritability and hostility
- Poor hygiene and self-care
- Risk-taking behaviors, such as stealing or prostitution, to obtain heroin
Recognizing these signs of heroin withdrawal can allow you or a loved one to avoid relapse and find professional help.
Managing Heroin Withdrawal
Heroin withdrawal can be a painful and uncomfortable experience, but it is a necessary step toward recovery. At Northpoint Washington, we provide medically supervised detox programs that help patients manage their withdrawal symptoms safely and comfortably. Our team of medical professionals and addiction specialists work together to develop personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s unique needs and goals.
- Holistic therapies – In addition to medication-assisted treatment, we offer a range of holistic therapies that help patients manage their withdrawal symptoms and promote overall wellness. These therapies include massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga and meditation, art therapy, and music therapy.
- One-on-one counseling and group therapy – Individual counseling and group therapy are essential components of our heroin addiction treatment programs. Our licensed therapists work with patients to address underlying issues that contribute to their addiction, such as trauma, mental health conditions, and relationship problems. Group therapy provides a supportive environment where patients can connect with others who are going through similar experiences and learn from each other’s successes and challenges.
- Strengths-based therapy – We also offer strengths-based therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help patients develop coping skills and strategies for managing their addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Strengths-based therapy focuses on identifying and building on patients’ strengths and positive qualities, while CBT helps patients recognize and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to addiction.
Every patient we help receives a personalized treatment plan that utilizes a unique mix of these therapies and more.
Treating Heroin Abuse at Northpoint Washington
Heroin addiction is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires professional treatment and support. At Northpoint Washington, we offer high-quality, evidence-based addiction treatment programs that help patients overcome heroin addiction and withdrawal. Our inpatient rehab and detox programs provide a safe, supportive environment where patients can focus on their recovery and build the skills and strategies they need to achieve long-term sobriety. If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, contact us today at 888.450.2153 to learn more about our treatment options.