Some drugs you can stop taking cold turkey. While you will experience some withdrawal symptoms, there won’t be deadly consequences. Heroin is not one of these drugs. Heroin is becoming the drug of choice, and its usage is up over 250 percent in the pasts few years. The first goal is to break the psychological dependence then the need for the substance. The problem is this drug gives an immediate impact that affects not only the mind but the neurological system. Caution must be taken.
Side Effects from Withdrawing
Is it possible to get off heroin without help from a medical team? Yes, you can pull yourself off heroin, but it’s not recommended. You must understand what this substance does to the brain to understand how to end your drug use successfully. With each use, the brain is rewired, and the perceptions of pleasure and rewards are altered. Due to its impact on the mind and body, it’s imperative to be weaned off slowly or given another medication to help with the transition. If you stop this drug without tapering, you will experience some of the following:
•Nervousness
•Muscle Cramps
•Temperature
•Queasiness and Vomiting
•Cravings for The Drug
•Suicidal Ideation
•Dehydration
•Extensive Sweating
•Seizures
•Death
The Difference in Using A Medical Team
The process of coming off any drug is both delicate and complicated. For severe drug addictions, inpatient therapy is recommended. Having a team of people surrounding you can ensure that you are safe and medically stable. One of the best ways physicians and rehabilitation centers can accomplish this is by using the drug Suboxone. There is a lot of controversy regarding the use of this medication, but it does help many people conquer heroin.
Using Suboxone To Combat Heroin
The controversy with suboxone is that it’s two medications in one, which has opioid properties. One of the medications, buprenorphine, stimulates the brain like heroin. However, it only stimulates half the brain. Unlike the popular drug, it doesn’t cause euphoria or the severe dependence issues. What it does is reduces the withdrawal symptoms. The other medication, naloxone, helps to block the effects caused by the drugs. It can block the receptors and raise the threshold. No wonder this medication is used by so many to help people get off serious drugs.
Prescription medications like suboxone can help people get their life back and reduce the damage caused by opiates. Some say that this is the drug that can combat the heroin addiction issues faced in this country. The goal is to use it for a short period, and eventually, you can wean off this drug also. Because this medication also has a risk of addiction, it should be administered in an inpatient setting to ensure that the doses can be altered.
Why Going It Alone Is Not Advisable?
While inpatient treatment is recommended for opiates, there are also short-term programs that are not as extensive for those who need outpatient services. Outpatient services allow people who have only had their addiction for a short time get help without interrupting their job or family life. However, this is not recommended for someone who has a severe habit, has been addicted for many years, or is wanting to do a medically assisted detox.
During a typical outpatient program, you receive your testing, counseling, and go through all the steps before going home at the end of the day. Whether on an inpatient or outpatient basis, there is a big responsibility when you undertake such a journey. It’s going to be difficult, it will take everything you have, and it will challenge you and your entire family. However, it will all be worth it in the end.
Getting and staying sober is a journey. You take things day-by-day, and you won’t ever arrive at a location. You get better; you slip up, you start all over again. Each time you learn more about conquering and living life to its fullest. You learn the harm the drugs are doing to you, and you vow to yourself that you will never go back again.
Are you tired of living your life wondering where your next high will come from? Do you want to restore your relationships with your family and friends? Do you want to have a job and a normal life once again? We can help you get through this challenging time. Our trained professionals are waiting to help at 844-903-2111. Call anytime day or night.