As one of the most addictive drugs on the planet, heroin addiction is difficult to break. When individuals decide to quit, they’ll go through the heroin withdrawal process. While this is a difficult phase, it’s necessary for lasting recovery. Discover how being in a medically supervised detox program can help patients during heroin withdrawal.
Nutritional Supplements
Many individuals who seek heroin addiction treatment suffer from malnutrition. During active addiction, a healthy diet is probably not a priority. One of the ways to improve health and speed up the withdrawal process is through nutritional supplements.
Although an emphasis on a healthy, nutritious diet might be the logical choice, the reality is that many individuals don’t have an appetite during withdrawal. Since heroin causes constipation, they can experience diarrhea, cramping, and nausea. While a full plate of nutritious vegetables might not be appealing in the slightest, most clients are happy to take key nutritional supplements. Vitamin B and magnesium, for example, can improve mood, outlook, and quality of sleep during withdrawal.
Prescription Medications During Heroin Withdrawal
One of the benefits of a medical detox is having access to prescription medications. Anyone attempting to detox from heroin at home or alone can technically use over the counter medications, but there are plenty of risks involved. While in withdrawal, your mind won’t always be working rationally. Finding the right medication and the right dose can be challenging.
Medical professionals in a detox facility know which medications are safe to use during detox. They are also acutely aware of what medications might cause problems in the future. The right medications can improve sleep, reduce pain, and help individuals feel more comfortable throughout the process of withdrawal.
During a heroin withdrawal, some patients might experience muscle cramping or spasms. This can be uncomfortable, and it can make relaxation and sleep feel impossible. Under medical supervision, patients will be able to relax and feel more physically comfortable in detox.
Advice, Support, and Peace of Mind
During early recovery, clients are often uncomfortable. While part of this will be due to withdrawal symptoms, there’s also uncertainty about what the future holds.
Counselors and staff can walk clients through the withdrawal and recovery timeline. Learning more about a facility’s substance abuse programs can provide peace of mind.
The best addiction treatment facilities will offer:
- Fitness and nutrition support
- Individual and group therapy
- Trauma therapy
- Residential and IOP options
- Holistic approaches to recovery
Heroin withdrawal is necessary, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be uncomfortable. At Ashley Addiction Treatment in Havre de Grace, Maryland, our Primary Program can help you detox from heroin with less pain and more comfort. Call 866-313-6307 to learn more about our substance abuse programs.