Heroin
Withdrawal Symptoms and Heroin Addiction Treatment Help
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Heroin withdrawals and kicking herion addiction can be extremely hard and painful both mentally, physically and
spiritually. Kicking the heroin addiction through treatment and easing the heroin withdrawal symptoms however
is very possible and many have been able to kick even the strongest of addictions. Below you will find
information on easing the heroin withdrawal symptoms and how to get help and treatment for heroin addiction
abuse.
The first thing to remember is that recovery of heroin addiction is 100 percent possible and yes, you will
eventually get back to being normal and be happy and healthy again. It takes time, patience and the will to get
better. It may take a while, but every day you will feel better than the last.
Those suffering from heroin addiction know how truly painful and how crippling it can be. The
heroin withdrawal symptoms can be so painful that it can scare someone from ever trying to quit again... However,
this will not solve the problem. If you are currently a heroin addict you may feel like you are just buying
yourself time until the next time you get sick. Many have tried to get medical help only to find that help isn't
always easy to find. This article will go in to the "physical" side of heroin addiction and tips and help for
treating heroin withdrawal symptoms. The unfortunate truth behind a heroin addiction that it will
always eventually lead to death if not treated.
It is important to know that even though you may feel like dying when coming off of the drug, people most often
come out unscathed and a full recovery is completely possible. Below are some ideas to consider when treating
heroin withdrawal symptoms and finding the help you need.
1. Give yourself room. It is important to plan out quitting carefully. If you work, try to take some decent time
off. Your employer may provide an employee assistance program or "EAP" which can help you get treatment for little
to no cost and without retaliation. EAP services are usually completely confidential and are a great option for
finding help.
2. If you plan on quitting "cold turkey" there are things you can do to minimize the pain of heroin withdrawls
while quitting:
A. Ask a close trusted friend to stay with you during the duration of withdrawal symptoms. They will have to take
care of you as if you had a really bad case of the flu.
B. Keep plenty of fluids handy and foods you can eat available. Sports drinks, yogurt, oatmeal, bottled water,
popcicles, soups, et. are plain foods that are easy on your tummy and senses while you are sick. It is extremely
easy to get dehydrated so keep this in mind. Also meal replacement shakes may be a great way to deliver nutrient
when full meals aren't easily consumed.
C. You may want to purchase medicine for nausea, diarrhea or for any other symptom you may incur.
D. When possible, and possibly with help, the individual will want to soak in warm water to help calm the nerves.
Showers are also an option but may be too intense however.
E. The most severe of the heroin symptoms tend to only last around three days, however residual affects will slowly
continue to fade over a period of time. Remember to give yourself plenty of time for recover. 3 days are most
likely not enough. For the sake of your health, try to get as much time off as possible to aid in your
recovery.
3. A great option for heroin treatment is through a combination of medication and counseling.
Buprenorphine / naloxone ( a medication called Suboxone ) treatment can almost completely eliminate the herion
withdrawal symptoms once in moderate withdrawl. This particular medication has to be taken at the point of
withdrawal otherwise will cause withdrawal symptoms to someone not yet at the point of full withdrawal. In
addition, this medication can not be used in conjunction with any other opioid such as heroin. If used with heroin,
it is extremely easy to overdose and die as it hides the high feeling of heroin and increases the chance of
overdose. This medication is known to allow the heaviest of addicts to feel normal and function in society. You can
do a search online to find a provider who is licensed and certified to administer this drug as well as research it.
This medication can often be taken in the comfort of your own home as part of your treatment. YOu and your doctor
can discuss the proper treatment for you. In addition, they may require that you take part in an out-patient
program like narcotics anonymous (NA) which is a great program for the mental side of your addiction. Even if you
are drug-free for a week or so, a doctor can still help you in treatment and it may very well still be quite
necessary.
4. Going to a rehabilitation center is a great choice if you can get the time away and have someone to take care of
pets for you. In rehab you will be given medication combined with other forms of therapy which will help you on
your way to recovery. Going to rehab will allow you to get away from things long enough to straighten things out in
your own head, reflect on your addiction and not give you the chance to go out and get more drugs. If you have a
problem with will power, as most heroin addicts do, this may be a great opportunity to get the space you need.
Don't give up on trying to get the help you deserve. Many people do not realize that heroin addiction is a clinical
disease, not a moral or character flaw. If possible, keep the lines of communication open with your family as they
will most likely be willing to help you... even if you don't think they will now. Use the resources available to
you. Many states offer drug-abuse programs and coupons which would allow you to get the help you need free or
little to no charge. The more you know and understand, the more the addiction will feel manageable and your
confidence in your ability to fight the addiction will increase. Just don't give up!
For Opiate / Opioid and Heroin Addiction resources like a suboxone clinic directory,
drug facts, drug treatment websites, financial
help, NA locations and other web resources and directories, please
visit our Opioid / Heroin Addiction Resource Page for a variety of
listings!
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