Heroin addiction negatively affects an individual’s overall health, interpersonal relationships, career, and society as a whole. It is a public health concern not only in the UK but worldwide as well. Going through heroin withdrawal symptoms is another challenge on its own. These symptoms may not be life-threatening but can be extremely uncomfortable and even painful. However, remember that evidence-based treatments are available, and with the right support, long-term recovery is possible.
What Causes Heroin Withdrawal?
Heroin is an illegal opioid that is made from morphine. It is a highly addictive drug that exerts its effects on the body through binding to specific receptors in the brain. These receptors are also present throughout the body and help regulate pain perception and release certain hormones. In addition to these effects, when the same receptors are activated in the reward centre of the brain, it causes the release of dopamine, the feel-good hormone, powerfully reinforcing the user to take the drug repeatedly to achieve euphoria and other pleasant effects.
When somebody has been using heroin for a long time, the body is used to the effects of heroin and has rewired the brain, causing a chemical imbalance in the brain; this imbalance can be chaotic such that abruptly stopping heroin can cause the body to readjust to functioning without it which then leads to heroin withdrawal symptoms.
Heroin Withdrawal Timeline of Symptoms
With the repeated use of heroin over time, the brain chemistry is changed such that the substances within the brain, like natural chemicals and hormones affecting the nervous system and other parts of the body, cannot return to their optimal functioning that easily. Physical dependence on heroin ensues, and the body adapts to the changes brought about by the drug. When the use is reduced or when the drug is suddenly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur.
Early Symptoms
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), withdrawal symptoms may occur within a few hours (6 to 12 hours) after the last dose of heroin. The first signs of withdrawal may feel like a bad case of flu. Depending on the severity of the withdrawal, users may show signs and symptoms, which usually include restlessness, muscle aches, bone pain, sleeping difficulties, runny nose, teary eyes, diarrhoea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose bumps, also called “cold turkey,” and leg movements.
Peak Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms usually peak in 48 to 72 hours after the most recent use of heroin and subside after about a week. The most common withdrawal symptoms that can be experienced include elevated blood pressure, rapid heart rate, increased rate of breathing, fever, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and extreme fatigue. Psychological effects may also be manifested, such as depression, suicide ideation, panic, anxiety, and cravings for the drug.
Late Symptoms
In about 5 to 7 days after the last dose of heroin, physical symptoms begin to subside. However, psychological symptoms may persist. These include the following: decreased appetite, reduced energy levels, lethargy, body malaise, mild anxiety, sleep problems, and depression; these may persist for up to several months. Moreover, cravings usually subside gradually but may recur after a few months.
Understanding the Potential Dangers of Heroin Withdrawal
Heroin withdrawal is not inherently dangerous. However, certain complications may arise that need immediate medical intervention. Severe dehydration and weakness can result from vomiting and diarrhoea due to loss of fluids and essential electrolytes. Some at-risk populations may also be at risk of choking from vomiting. In addition to this, elevated blood pressure could put a strain on the heart and overall circulation, leading to stroke or heart attack in individuals with underlying heart conditions, high blood pressure, or previous history of stroke. Lastly, the previously mentioned psychological symptoms can be extremely distressing, which may lead to self-harm.
The Importance of Medical Supervision
Going through the heroin withdrawal process at home is not recommended. Attempting to detox on your own can be dangerous and can lead to serious health consequences. Medical supervision is crucial, and it provides numerous benefits. Your doctor and other allied medical professionals make sure you can safely withdraw from heroin through constant monitoring of your symptoms and response to treatment.
Medications are given to manage symptoms of withdrawal and reduce feelings of discomfort. Treatment improvement protocol is possible through medical supervision, depending on how your body reacts to the medications or therapy. Most importantly, potential complications are prevented, and a higher likelihood of successful completion can be expected.
Available Treatment Modalities for Heroin Withdrawal
There are several evidence-based treatments available to help manage symptoms of heroin withdrawal, and these include medications, supportive care, counselling, and group therapy.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Medications are utilised to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and control cravings for heroin. They are an integral part of acute heroin withdrawal; without them, people struggling with heroin use may relapse while in the withdrawal phase. These are some of the medications used:
- Buprenorphine: According to the National Library of Medicine, Buprenorphine is the best drug for the management of moderate to severe opioid withdrawal. It helps curb cravings and ease discomfort from a variety of withdrawal symptoms.
- Methadone: Methadone is utilised in the management of moderate to severe withdrawal and is used for maintenance treatment. It is an opioid like heroin, which lessens the painful symptoms of heroin withdrawal.
- Clonidine: Clonidine is another medication that addresses blood pressure and heart rate changes. It can also provide relief from other symptoms such as sweating, diarrhoea, vomiting, anxiety, insomnia, and tremors.
Supportive Treatment
Supportive treatment is targeted at addressing the symptoms experienced during withdrawal. For instance, medication can be given for diarrhoea, body pains, and nausea/vomiting. Sleep aids may also be given to address sleep disturbances. Your doctor may also administer IV fluids to replace the body’s loss of fluids and electrolytes due to diarrhoea, vomiting, and excessive sweating. Emphasis is also given to nutritional support for optimum recovery.
Long-Term Recovery Support
Treatment continues after the acute withdrawal phase. Ongoing support is important for long-lasting recovery. This may come in the form of regular counselling sessions, lifestyle changes, and adopting healthier coping mechanisms and habits. Participation in support groups, family therapy, and other group therapies is also essential. The goal of this phase is to maintain sobriety and help you get back to living your normal life as much as possible.
Seeking Help for Heroin Withdrawal: What to Expect?
When you’re considering withdrawal, the first step should be consulting your doctor or an addiction specialist. These medical professionals are experts in their field and can help you safely start withdrawal. They will assess you thoroughly, considering the presence of any underlying health condition or psychiatric disorder. Afterwards, they can develop a personalised treatment plan based on your needs and goals. Based on this treatment plan, they can help you decide on the proper medical interventions and forms of therapy that are best suited for you.
Support is Always Available
Withdrawal from heroin may be challenging. However, you can go through this with proper medical intervention and reliable support. At Liberty Home, we welcome you to begin your recovery journey with us. We believe that with the right support and intervention, you can safely and successfully overcome heroin use.
Our dedicated staff is here to help you with every step of the way. We will ensure that your symptoms will be managed effectively throughout your treatment programme, and your comfort will be our priority. Talk to us if you have concerns or any questions; you don’t have to go through this alone.
