Heroin Detox

In Memphis, the challenges posed by heroin addiction are being met with comprehensive solutions, including effective heroin detox programs. Detox programs provide essential medical support and therapies to help individuals safely overcome withdrawal symptoms and start their journey toward recovery. Heroin detox in Memphis is a critical first step in addressing the grip of heroin addiction, offering a foundation for long-term treatment and sobriety. 

Detox West Tennessee is available to help guide you or your loved one through the heroin detox process. Our comfortable inpatient heroin detox helps clients take the necessary first steps toward a new life in recovery. If you or someone you love is looking for heroin addiction treatment in Memphis, we are available to help. 

Where Does Heroin Come From?

Heroin originates from the opium poppy plant, Papaver somniferum, which is predominantly grown in several regions around the world, including Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and Colombia. The process of creating heroin begins with the extraction of raw opium from the poppy plant’s seed pod. Opium is then refined to produce morphine, an effective painkiller used in medicine. 

Once refined, morphine undergoes a chemical process to become diacetylmorphine, known as heroin. This transformation involves acetylating the morphine molecules, resulting in a more potent and rapidly acting substance. Once produced, heroin is usually distributed in various forms, such as white or brown powder or as a black, sticky substance known as black tar heroin. 

Why is Heroin So Addictive?

Heroin is known for its rapid onset of euphoria, which contributes to its high potential for addiction. Upon entering the brain, heroin is converted back into morphine. The drug then binds to opioid receptors responsible for feelings of pain and pleasure and controlling heart rate, sleeping, and breathing. 

Binding triggers a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasurable sensations, reinforcing the act of drug use and leading to addiction. Over time, users develop a tolerance, necessitating higher doses to achieve the same effects. Eventually, this leads to dependence and a cycle of addiction that can be challenging to break without professional help.

What Happens During Heroin Detox?

Detox refers to the body’s elimination process of toxins and chemicals. This process is a crucial first step to recovery, allowing clients to enter treatment after undergoing withdrawal in a safe and supportive setting.

When a client first enters heroin detox in Memphis, they undergo an initial health assessment that will help us determine the severity of the addiction and gain a deeper understanding of personal medical history. We also check for any co-occurring conditions at this time.

Clients are admitted to our detox facility following this assessment. Our compassionate staff provides as much comfort and safety as possible. We offer round-the-clock medical and psychological support throughout the entire length of stay at our center.

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

Once a person has become dependent on heroin, they will experience difficult withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop as their brain and body have become accustomed to the drug. The severity of these symptoms depends on the person, how long they have been using heroin, how frequently they have been using it, and in what amount they have been using it. Heroin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Emotional difficulties (agitation, hopelessness, despair)
• Anxiety and depression 
• Increased heart rate
• Hypertension 
• Chills
• Tremors 
• Restlessness and fatigue 
• Excessive sweating
• Muscle and joint aches/pains
• Lack of appetite 
• Runny nose
• Insomnia
• Intense cravings for heroin

It is highly advised that Memphis heroin detox takes place under professional medical supervision. Trying to withdraw alone can be dangerous and poses a high risk of relapse.

Heroin Withdrawal Timeline During Detox

Detox timelines can vary; however, withdrawal symptoms typically begin around 6 to 12 hours after the last dose. These symptoms peak within 1 to 3 days and generally subside within a week. People are typically in our Memphis heroin detox program for 7 to 14 days. Some symptoms may persist for weeks or even months after detox has been completed. These are called post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). These symptoms are usually mild, though still unpleasant. They include feelings of exhaustion, headaches, and continued cravings. PAWS can often be prevented through proper heroin detox.

It is important to note that detox is only the first step in addiction treatment. Clients should complete a formal rehab program following detox in order to ensure the best recovery outcomes. 

Heroin Detox Medications

The withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin detox can be dangerous as they cause physical, mental, and emotional distress. Our heroin detox in Memphis, Tennessee uses medical interventions to help soothe withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, making the detox and withdrawal stage of recovery more comfortable. We use several medications to manage the symptoms of heroin detox. These include:

Methadone

Methadone is one of the most popular pharmacological interventions used in heroin detox. It acts similarly to heroin as it reduces pain by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. The dose given is gradually reduced over time making methadone safe and effective when prescribed in a supervised, clinical setting. 

Naltrexone 

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist, which means that it blocks opioid receptors in the brain. It is prescribed to those in recovery who have completed the detox process. Naltrexone prevents a person from getting ‘high,’ even if they use opioids. 

Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine is also an opioid antagonist. It reduces the severity of opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Clonidine 

Clonidine helps clients feel more comfortable while going through withdrawal. It blocks chemical signals in the brain that increase activity in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). In doing so, it reduces the uncomfortable and distressing symptoms of heroin withdrawal.

Benefits of Detoxing from Heroin at Detox West Tennessee

At Detox West Tennessee, we strive to make heroin detox as beneficial to recovery as possible. Our programs are compassionately led by a team of addiction specialists, medical professionals, and experienced psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors, all of whom can help clients overcome their addictions. Not only do we offer 24/7 medical support throughout detox, but we provide counseling services as well. We believe in a holistic approach to addiction recovery. 

Additionally, we encourage peer support. Our group counseling services allow clients to support each other and keep one another accountable. Our detox facility located in the Memphis area also offers holistic treatment options such as yoga and meditation to promote mindfulness and facilitate healthy coping mechanisms. 

We offer medication-assisted treatment, which is very helpful for managing heroin cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Lastly, the aftercare programs provided help clients find sober living options and support groups. 

Begin Our Heroin Detox Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, the time to seek help is now. At Detox West Tennessee, we understand the challenges faced by those battling substance abuse issues and want nothing more than to guide you towards a fulfilling life of sobriety. Once you enter our heroin detox in the Memphis area, our experienced staff will monitor you throughout your stay to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible.

We offer wound care for those who have injuries from heroin abuse, along with medications for treatment. When you have completed detox, you will be in a prime position to enter a higher level of clinical care. We also offer service to those near the Jonesboro, Arkansas and Collierville, Tennessee area. Contact us to get started on the road to recovery today.