by admin
on 09. Oct, 2010
in Heroin Addiction
Heroin Addiction Recovery
Heroin addiction recovery is an everyday battle that is misunderstood by those who have never experienced what a heroin addict has gone through, to get to where they are at that very moment. Whether they have been four weeks clean or four years clean a heroin addict must stay focused in their recovery or risk dying in their addiction because they didn’t take the time to change. Understanding this is a key fundamental in the recovery process.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms from heroin are the nastiest symptoms that an addict can go through. The symptoms of heroin withdrawal will start anywhere between 6-8 hours after the last dose taken and major withdrawals peak anywhere between 48-72 hours after the last dose taken. The symptoms of heroin withdrawal are similar to having the flu.
The following are symptoms that an addict may experience when trying to detox from heroin:
-shaking
-sweating profusely or chills
-watery eyes
-runny nose
-excessive yawning
-excessive sneezing
-loss of appetite
-dilated pupils
-muscle cramps
-extreme anxiety
-panic attacks
-insomnia
-stomach cramps
-diarrhea
-vomiting
-irritable
Recovery from Heroin Addiction for Heroin Addicts
Heroin addiction recovery is not any different from other addictions, however, withdrawal symptoms may last for several weeks or sometimes months. When a heroin addict chooses to stop or detox, it is extremely important that they seek professional medical assistance. It is not only dangerous to try to detox alone but it can be deadly. The risks of detoxing from heroin are extreme emotional and physical trauma to the brain and body which has become accustomed to having the drug. This trauma may cause a heart attack, a stroke, or even death. A common treatment for heroin addiction is methadone. However, sometimes this only transfers the addiction from heroin to other possible addictions, as well as an addiction to methadone itself. Yet initially the first step of recovery is detoxification. The next step requires the addict to participate in a rehabilitation program.
The Heroin Rehab Program
The addict needs to be willing to participate by exerting themselves daily into the program. Success rate of heroin recovery is up to the addict themselves and the longer they are willing to stay in a rehabilitation program, such as 3 to 6 months, then the better chance they have to kick the habit and not relapse. The rehabilitation program will give the addict support and structure which is extremely important for long term recovery.
Tags: addiction recovery, heroin, heroin addiction, Heroin Addiction Recovery
