Heroin is an opiate that can be highly addictive. It is estimated that about 9% of the United States population has misused heroin in their lifetime. When an individual uses heroin over a long period of time, physical dependence on the drug can develop. The individual begins to rely on the drug in order to eradicate addiction withdrawal symptoms.
Heroin greatly impacts an individual’s serotonin levels in the brain; it also impacts an individual’s ability to experience a pleasure. When an individual withdraws from heroin, they have a difficult time regulating emotions. If an individual was using heroin to eliminate physical pain, the pain might return, making the withdrawal process even more discomforting.
When an individual abruptly stops using heroin, they begin to experience symptoms of heroin withdrawal. These symptoms impact your body and cause major changes to your mental health. Effects of heroin withdrawal can be very uncomfortable.
Symptoms
The severity of symptoms experienced can depend greatly on how much heroin was used and how long the individual had been using heroin. Some of these symptoms include insomnia, muscle aches and pains, sweating, nausea, stomach cramping, dilated pupils, restlessness, chills, and old sweats.
Treatments
Once an individual has admitted that they have an addiction to heroin, the next step is for the individual to check into a rehab clinic and be detoxed. An individual can safely withdraw from heroin while under the care of medical professionals. There are a wide variety of treatments, all of which depend on how long an individual has been using and how much heroin was used.
The four main types of medication involved in heroin withdrawal treatment include:
1: Buprenorphine
This withdrawal drug is used to block the symptoms of heroin, and it occupies the opiate receptors in the brain. Buprenorphine works to decrease cravings for heroin and lower the symptoms of heroin withdrawal.
2: Clonidine
This medication supports withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, high blood pressure, and anxiety.
3: Methadone
This medication is given to a heroin addict as substitution therapy. It is a successful withdrawal drug, as it is a long-acting medication.
4: Naloxone
This withdrawal drug is used to counter the symptoms of heroin. Naloxone is known for being an opioid agonist.
Heroin withdrawal treatment can be done with over-the-counter drugs, which can help with the flu-like symptoms that accompany heroin withdrawal. Immodium is recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms of diarrhea, and NSAIDs are recommended to ease muscle pain. Addiction specialists recommend that heroin addicts see a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists can help heroin addicts if they are experiencing symptoms of depression. Anti-depressants can be prescribed by the Psychiatrist to help ease the depression being felt by the addict. Behavioral therapy is also recommended, as individuals can learn how to avoid relapse and address any underlying issues that may have contributed to their heroin addiction.
Heroin withdrawal treatment can help ease the symptoms of heroin withdrawal. In order to withdraw from this drug successfully, it is recommended that you detox at a professional facility that is equipped to handle your withdrawal symptoms.
Best News Website suprnova
