Heroin Withdrawal and Treatment

 HEROIN WITHDRAWAL

Withdrawal from heroin abuse may cause abrupt withdrawal symptoms to the user causing him/her great discomfort. The first step in heroin addiction is detoxification. However, detox alone cannot completely treat heroin addiction. Sudden withdrawal from this addictive drug can be fatal for heavily dependent users who are in poor health.

WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS

When an addict stops heroin use, this drug will no longer act as an opiod receptor in the central nervous system. The body then tries to normalize brain function. Prolonged heroin use causes the body to become dependent to it and adapts to its presence. When heroin is suddenly reduced, withdrawal symptoms occur. Therefore, the more heroin is taken, worse withdrawal symptoms occur. Detoxification from heroin will make the body think that it is not working properly since it has already adapted to its presence which is why heroin withdrawal is difficult.

After 6-24 hours of not using heroin, withdrawal symptoms occur.These symptoms may include inner restlessness, chills, constipation, fever, malaise, nausea, and vomiting. Latent withdrawal symptoms include abnormal cramps, diarrhea, dilated pupils, disturbed sleep, depression and drug cravings. These symptoms will only subside a week after the last heroin use.

TREATMENT

Pharmaceutical therapy is also one option for treatment. This is done with the use of synthetic drugs such as methadone or buprenorphine which block the effects of heroin. 

Pharmaceutical therapy combined with rehabilitation programs is an effective means of treating a heroin addict. These may include family counseling, group therapy, 12-step program meetings, relapse prevention and aftercare programs. Persistent monitoring of heroin withdrawal and supportive care are important in preventing relapse.