Struggling with a heroin addiction can increase your risk of contracting an infectious disease, like hepatitis, or experiencing an early death. When you become addicted to heroin, the heroin detox timeline can make it hard to remain clean without treatment, as withdrawal symptoms can last for several days. For this reason, individuals in search of recovery need to find a high-quality opiate detox center in South Florida.
Each year, 19.7 million Americans ages 12 and older struggle with a substance abuse disorder, with 2 million suffering from an opiate addiction alone. Since 2010, the number of fatal heroin overdoses has more than quadrupled, as fentanyl-laced heroin has led to a drastic rise in overdoses. Heroin is an illegal opiate that is more powerful than prescription medications like Vicodin and OxyCodone.
What is Heroin?
Heroin is an opiate that comes from the opium plant. Dealers sell heroin in a powder or tar form, allowing users to inhale, smoke, or inject the drug. Injecting is by far the most dangerous route of administration, as it can significantly increase your risk of overdosing. When you use heroin, your brain releases a powerful wave of dopamine. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter responsible for inducing the pleasurable effects associated with heroin intoxication.
Heroin can lead to serious physical dependency. During addiction, your brain may become unable to release neurotransmitters without heroin. Your body may also need heroin to feel normal. Once you develop a physical dependency, withdrawal symptoms can begin within hours of your last use.
Withdrawal symptoms can make it extremely difficult to recover without help. Some of the most common heroin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Restless legs and leg cramps
- Vomiting and nausea
- Aches and pains
- Sweats and chills
- Tremors, shakes, and seizures
- Depression, anxiety, and insomnia
The Heroin Detox Timeline
The heroin detox timeline can begin within hours of your last use. Since heroin intoxication only last several hours, you can begin to deal with mild withdrawal symptoms within six hours of abstinence. Symptoms will continue to get worse for several days. However, the heroin detox timeline at a South Florida detox center typically lasts one week.
Many withdrawal symptoms can be greatly alleviated with help from a heroin detox center. Medications can make your heroin detox timeline far more comfortable, which can make it easier for you to begin your recovery journey. The severity of your withdrawal symptoms depends on how much you are using and the length of your addiction. Sometimes, you can continue to experience mild withdrawal symptoms for weeks or months after your last use. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms can also cause you to experience intense cravings.
Finding Help Today
Heroin addiction can cause your life to spiral out of control. During a heroin addiction, you can experience legal problems, employment issues, and financial insolvency. The longer you wait to get help, the worse your addiction will become. The heroin detox timeline can make early recovery the hardest part of your journey, but Summit Detox Center offers you the support, guidance, and tools you need to beat addiction. Contact Summit Detox today at (888) 995-5265 and we can help you verify your detox insurance coverage.