Heroin Addiction Treatment

Heroin is one of the most deadly and dangerous drugs there is. Addiction can form from the very first or second time taking heroin. Unfortunately, heroin addiction can also be one of the hardest to break, but Neworld Medical Detox offers a safe and proven program to help Toronto and Ontario residents overcome this challenge and reclaim their lives. Our team is here to guide you on the path to lasting recovery. 

What is Heroin Addiction? 

Heroin addiction is a debilitating condition where an individual becomes dependent on heroin, which is a powerful opioid drug made from morphine. Some people start with prescription opioids and then go on to develop heroin addiction after searching for something more powerful. Heroin can be injected, snorted, or smoked—each with devastating consequences on the individual’s well-being. Experiencing this form of drug addiction often leads to lifestyle changes that can have severe physical health, psychological, and social consequences. 

Recognizing opioid use disorder is critical in order to develop an effective treatment plan, ease uncomfortable heroin withdrawal symptoms, and stop drug use to get on the path to recovery. 

Heroin Addiction Symptoms 

Do you believe someone you love is using heroin? Then it’s essential to keep an eye out for the most common symptoms of heroin use. While addiction symptoms may vary from person to person, it generally includes physical and psychological indicators, such as persistent cravings for the drug, withdrawal symptoms, changes in sleeping or eating patterns, poor concentration, and coordination impairments. The individual experiencing opiate addiction may alternate between euphoria followed by signs of depression, anxiety, mood swings, and agitation. 

If you believe a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, make sure to keep an eye out for other physical symptoms of heroin use, such as needle marks on the arms, bruising on the arms or legs, poor personal hygiene, and covering up with long sleeve shirts (even in warm weather). 

Those experiencing addiction may also resort to lying about their heroin use, avoid commitments and loved ones altogether, and become increasingly unable to fulfill responsibilities at work or school. Early detection of these physical, behavioural, and mental health issues is essential to successful recovery. 

Quitting Heroin: Cold Turkey vs. Medical Detoxification 

Those with opioid use disorder (particularly those who choose heroin as their drug of choice) often find that quitting will take multiple approaches with varying levels of success. Quitting cold turkey—aka detoxing oneself—while successful for some users, often fails as the individual experiences severe withdrawal symptoms, making it hard to maintain abstinence and reach long-term recovery. The cold turkey approach can cause severe complications, particularly extreme issues with headaches, insomnia, anxiety, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting and diarrhea often leading to dehydration. After these acute withdrawal symptoms have passed, a period of post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) usually follow. During this time, the individual may experience powerful cravings for the drug, difficulty concentrating, irritability, feelings of anxiety and panic, difficulty coping with stress, and other behavioural issues. 

On the other hand, medical detoxification is a more successful approach that provides medically supervised care and stabilization through detox medication-assisted treatment, counselling services, and support. Medical professionals are there to help patients achieve their desired outcomes safely while lessening the acute withdrawal symptoms that accompany this form of drug abuse. If you or someone you know has been experiencing withdrawal symptoms while attempting to quit the drug, consider heroin detox to help ease the withdrawal symptoms, prevent severe dehydration, and receive ongoing treatment for addiction and mental health issues. 

What Is Heroin Withdrawal? How Long Does it Last? 

All opioids, including heroin, are highly addictive. Since heroin binds to the opioid receptors in the brain very quickly, to experience the same euphoric effects, you need to keep taking more and more of the drug. Unfortunately, this is also what makes heroin use so dangerous—you can become tolerant and then dependent on the drug very quickly. 

People who have developed a dependency are at a high risk of experiencing withdrawal, as their brains have become accustomed to the opiate. The nervous system no longer functions the way it used to before the introduction of the drug because the chemical structure of the brain has been altered. Higher doses of heroin are needed each time. Once that stage has been reached, heroin withdrawal can begin as little as three hours after the last use. Not only are these withdrawal symptoms unpleasant, but they can also be life-threatening. Acute withdrawal symptoms can last anywhere between one to two weeks, depending on the severity of an individual’s addiction. 

Heroin withdrawal symptoms 

Some of the first short-term heroin withdrawal symptoms include excessive sweating, muscle aches, and anxiety. Within 24 hours, other symptoms that resemble a bad flu may appear, including nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and blurred vision. Some people with severe dependency may even experience convulsions and hallucinations, so it’s no wonder so many people continue to use the drug to ease withdrawal symptoms. 

On the other hand, long-term heroin withdrawal symptoms may include mood swings, depression, and fatigue persisting for several weeks after. Treatment for these short- and long-term symptoms is crucial for a successful recovery and should be provided under the supervision of qualified professionals. 

Inpatient Detox Treatment from Heroin in Ontario 

At Neworld Medical Detox, our inpatient detox program offers comprehensive heroin addiction treatment to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety. Our experienced team of professionals provides personalized care through medically supervised assessments, prescription medications, and tailored therapies that are designed to alleviate withdrawal signs and provide a strong foundation for long-term recovery. Our inpatient facility is designed to feel home-like, so your recovery journey can be as comfortable as possible. 

Start Your Recovery with Neworld Medical Detox in Ontario 

Putting a stop to substance use is never easy, particularly when it comes to using heroin. Neworld Medical Detox’s experienced team can help those dealing with  addiction in Ontario to detox safely during withdrawal and start their path to recovery. Our evidence-based therapies, methadone treatment, and supportive care are designed to maximize individual success while minimizing discomfort during the withdrawal process. Contact us today for more information on our comprehensive treatment program.