If you or someone you know is addicted to heroin, it’s essential to be aware of the dangers of withdrawal. Heroin withdrawal can be a difficult and uncomfortable experience, but treatments are available to help you through it. Red Oak Recovery®’s heroin abuse rehab center offers a variety of evidence-based addiction treatment programs that can help you through heroin withdrawal and on to a life of sobriety. Call 866.457.7590 today and get on the path to a drug-free life.
What Is Heroin Withdrawal?
You may be asking yourself, what is heroin withdrawal? Heroin withdrawal symptoms occur when someone who is physically dependent on a substance suddenly stops using that substance. Heroin withdrawal symptoms are the process of your body physically and mentally adapting to the absence of heroin. When you stop using heroin, your body is no longer getting the drug it’s used to, and it has to readjust. This can lead to a number of uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous symptoms.
These heroin withdrawal symptoms can be challenging to deal with and can make it hard to stay sober. That’s why it’s so important to know and understand what heroin withdrawal is and seek professional help when you’re struggling with heroin addiction.
Causes of Heroin Withdrawal Signs
Heroin withdrawal signs occur because this opioid changes the way your body and brain work. Heroin is a central nervous system depressant, which means it slows down your brain and body functions. Your brain starts to rely on the drug to function normally, and when you stop using it, your brain has to readjust. This can lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms.
There are several factors that can contribute to heroin withdrawal signs, such as:
- The length of time you’ve been using heroin
- The amount of heroin you typically use
- Your method of using heroin (injecting, smoking, snorting)
- Your overall health and mental health
- Whether you’re using any other substances
What Are the Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal?
Heroin withdrawal will not be the same for everyone. The symptoms of heroin withdrawal can vary in intensity and duration, depending on a number of factors, including how long you’ve been using heroin, how much you’ve been using, and your overall health. Heroin withdrawal symptoms can include:
1. Flu-Like Symptoms
Many people who go through heroin withdrawal report feeling like they have the flu. This can include a runny nose, sweating, chills, and fever. This is because the drug affects the way your body regulates temperature.
2. Gastrointestinal Issues
Heroin slows down the digestive system tract’s motility causing constipation and abnormal functioning of the stomach. Withdrawal from heroin can also cause gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
3. Anxiety, Irritability, and Depression
Heroin withdrawal symptoms can also cause anxiety and depression. This is because the drug affects how your brain produces and regulates chemicals that regulate mood. You may feel restless, irritable, and on edge. This can make it difficult to concentrate or sleep.
4. Muscle Aches and Pains
Another common symptom of heroin withdrawal is muscle aches and pains. This is because heroin affects the way your brain perceives pain. When you stop using the drug, your brain is no longer numbing the pain, and you may feel achy and sore.
5. Increased Heart Rate
Heroin withdrawal can also cause an increased heart rate. This is because the drug slows down your heart rate, and when you stop using it, your body has to readjust. This can cause your heart to race and can be dangerous if you have an underlying heart condition.
Get Help with Heroin Withdrawal at Red Oak Recovery®
These are just some of the most common symptoms of heroin withdrawal. It’s important to remember that everyone experiences withdrawal differently. Some people may only experience a few of these heroin withdrawal symptoms, while others may experience all of them. If you or someone you know is struggling with heroin addiction, don’t try to go through it alone. There are a number of treatments available that can help you through withdrawal and on to a life of sobriety. Red Oak Recovery® offers a variety of evidence-based addiction treatment programs that can help you through heroin withdrawal and on to a life of sobriety. Contact us today at 866.457.7590 and get you or your loved one the help they need.
