Heroin Detox Center in Houston
Heroin Detox
Heroin is a highly addictive and dangerous illicit opioid. This potent substance can severely impact a person’s health, state of mind, and overall quality of life. Our heroin detox center in Houston combines vital support, medication management, and various therapeutic strategies to help individuals build a strong foundation for recovery.
Contact us today to get started.
What is Heroin Detox Like?
When an individual stops heroin use, they are likely to experience unpleasant—potentially dangerous—side effects. Our heroin detox center allows individuals to undergo the symptoms of heroin withdrawal in a safe, medically monitored environment. When under the care of our compassionate staff, our clients live on-site and are given 24/7 supervision. During this time, we administer specific medications, monitor for complications, and make every effort to keep our clients comfortable throughout the withdrawal process.
Furthermore, we offer a variety of evidence-based modalities and holistic interventions to help address the underlying cause of an individual’s addiction. These include:
Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Detox
The severity of heroin withdrawal symptoms depends on several factors, including how long an individual has been using heroin, how frequently they use heroin, and how much heroin they use at a time. A person detoxing from heroin typically encounters acute, also known as short-term, withdrawal symptoms as well as post-acute, also known as long-term, side effects. Acute symptoms a person is likely to experience during heroin detox include:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Racing pulse
- Sleep disturbances
- Profuse sweating
- Nausea, vomiting, & diarrhea
- Increased blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
- High body temperature
- Goosebumps
- Muscle spasms, pain, and cramps
- Watery discharge from nose or eyes
- Heightened reflexes
Post-acute withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin detox include the following:
- Cravings
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Dysphoria
- Short-term memory problems
- Trouble concentrating
- Poor attention span
- Irritability
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
Stages of Heroin Detox
The exact heroin withdrawal timeline an individual experiences can be influenced by the severity of their addiction as well as their physical and mental health. Generally, individuals undergoing heroin detox experience the following stages of withdrawal:
- Initial Withdrawal: Heroin withdrawal symptoms typically surface within the first 6 to 12 hours after last use. These may include anxiety, muscle aches, excessive sweating, and nausea.
- Acute Withdrawal: Withdrawal symptoms typically intensify and peak within 24-72 hours. Commonly, these include vomiting, insomnia, diarrhea, and intense cravings. This is considered to be the most challenging stage of detox. These symptoms persist for several days, usually subsiding within a week.
- Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS): It is common for some individuals to experience continued symptoms following acute withdrawal. These can persist for a couple of weeks or even a few months. Those with PAWS may experience symptoms like mood swings, sleep disturbances, mental health challenges, and cravings.
How Do I Know I Need Heroin Detox?
Virtually any individual using heroin can benefit from effective detox services. Whether this is a person’s first time seeking treatment for heroin or they have attempted to get sober in the past, Kemah Palms can help. According to the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse, heroin-related deaths have surged by 600% in the last fifteen years. This statistic highlights the dangers of heroin use and how important it is to seek professional treatment as soon as possible.
It is also important to highlight that it is never recommended to detox at home, as it can lead to dangerous complications. Furthermore, detoxing without proper support and medication can increase an individual’s likelihood of relapse.
Medications to Manage The Heroin Detox Process
Several medications can be used to prevent relapse and overall make the heroin detox process go smoother by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications are only administered in specific, monitored doses. Typical medications used in opioid detox include:
- Methadone: Methadone works by binding to the same receptors in the brain as heroin. It minimizes withdrawal symptoms and cravings, however it does not produce the high associated with heroin use. Overall, this allows individuals to taper off of heroin in a stable, effective way.
- Buprenorphine: Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that reduces the euphoria associated with heroin use. Furthermore, it aids in lessening cravings and easing withdrawal symptoms.
- Naltrexone: This medication is used in detox as it blocks the euphoric effects of heroin. It is very effective in preventing relapse and making the detox process more manageable.
- Suboxone: Suboxone is a mixture of buprenorphine and naloxone. It relieves cravings as well as halts the effects of heroin.
What Happens Once Heroin Detox is Complete?
Following heroin detox, it is essential that individuals seek further addiction treatment in order to solidify a strong position in sobriety. Kemah Palms offers a variety of treatment programming to assist our clients throughout every step of the recovery process. Additional programs we provide in the South Houston area are highlighted below.
Residential Treatment
Also referred to as inpatient rehab, residential treatment allows individuals to heal away from the triggers of the outside world. Participants in this type of programming live at our treatment facility, where they receive round-the-clock monitoring and support. We provide a secure and nurturing environment in which our clients can focus on what really matters: recovery.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Those in a PHP typically attend treatment five days a week for several hours at a time. This type of programming still provides an intensive level of structure yet integrates a limited amount of flexibility into treatment. Those in a PHP have the opportunity to live at home, if their home environment is stable. If not, it is highly recommended that they reside at a sober living facility.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Intensive outpatient programming provides more freedom than a PHP while offering more support than a traditional outpatient program. IOP participants typically attend treatment three to five days a week for a few hours at a time. This allows individuals to still uphold some personal and professional responsibilities while in addiction treatment.
Outpatient Program (OP)
Our outpatient program helps individuals integrate back into society without jeopardizing their position in recovery. Clients in an OP attend weekly treatment sessions as well peer support groups. While in this type of programming, participants are able to work, attend school, and spend time with supportive family and friends.
Find Heroin Detox in Houston, TX
Heroin use can have devastating, even lethal consequences. If you or a loved one is battling addiction to heroin it is vital to seek professional help. At Kemah Palms, we want nothing more than to help you safely achieve a drug-free life. Our heroin detox center in Houston provides comprehensive services in an environment that promotes rest and instills structure. Let us help you take the first step to a healthier, happier future. Get started today by giving us a call or visiting our admissions page.