Physical Effects: Heroin Withdrawal

There is no disputing that Heroin addiction is on the rise. Open a newspaper or turn on the television and you will likely learn of another life that has been impacted by this dangerous drug. In fact, statistics reveal that there are more than a half million lives damaged by Heroin each year and thousands of fatalities.

An illicit opiate, Heroin comes from opium and may be sniffed, snorted or injected. Heroin is often diluted with a variety of ingredients including antihistamines, other opiates, household cleaners and strychnine, a highly toxic chemical. Medical professionals state that there is no way to know for certain the long-term effects of using drugs cut with these chemicals, but they all agree that there is a certain amount of internal damage that comes from using Heroin.

Long-Term Health Issues

Heroin abuse or addiction can lead to severe health consequences such as organ damage especially with the heart, brain, kidney and liver. Many users also suffer from pulmonary and respiratory issues as well as Hepatitis, HIV and Aids. These health problems can be present in persons who used the drug only once.

Quitting Heroin: What to Expect

Individuals who wish to stop using Heroin should seek professional detox. The risks from trying to quit the drug “cold turkey” can be fatal, so quitting at home alone is not recommended.

A medical detox will eliminate the drug toxins from the body and at the same time help to ease the withdrawal symptoms that most people experience when going through the detoxification process. Understanding withdrawal symptoms and what you may expect during the process can help to keep anxiety at a minimum.

Physical withdrawal symptoms may include:
• Flu like symptoms
• Body aches and pains
• Cravings
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Hypertension
• Constipation/diarrhea and stomach cramps
• Restless legs and arms
• Insomnia

In addition to painful physical withdrawal, Heroin detox can also present certain psychological effects may occur including:
• Intense mood swings
• Depression
• Anxiety and irritability
• Paranoia

In most cases, these feelings usually subside after the detox is over. If you continue to experience psychological symptoms after detox you should consult with your doctor.

Choosing a Medical Detox

There are many different types of medical detox available including outpatient and residential. While the benefit of an outpatient detox is the ability to continue your daily routine and responsibilities, the overall benefits of a residential program are overwhelming.

A residential program will not only offer you the chance to get away of the pressure and stress of your life which contributed to your drug abuse or addiction, but it will also give you the round the clock care that you will need while you are detoxing from Heroin.