Heroin Detox in Memphis, Tennessee

It is incredibly difficult to stop using heroin once you have become dependent as prolonged use of this substance creates chemical changes in the brain. These changes hijack your behavior, making you prioritize this drug over all areas of your life. Here at Detox West Tennessee, we aim to help both men and women who struggle with all forms of addiction. Our heroin detox program in Memphis, Tennessee provides comprehensive treatment that helps our clients get through the difficult withdrawal stage of recovery as smoothly as possible. 

What is Heroin Addiction?

Heroin is one of the most widely used illicit opioids in the entire nation. People take this drug because it gives them a sense of euphoria. The briefness of this sensation drives people to use this substance frequently. Repeated use of heroin significantly increases the risk of dependence. When a person becomes dependent on heroin, their body has adapted to its presence and requires it to function normally. Dependence results in addiction, which can cause fatal conditions such as heart complications and overdose. 

When those addicted to heroin stop using, they typically experience debilitating physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Detox West Tennessee offers a medically-supervised detox program that provides relief to individuals in the throes of heroin addiction.

What Happens During Heroin Detox in Memphis, Tennessee?

Detox refers to the process in which the body eliminates all toxins and chemicals. This process is a crucial first step on the path to recovery as it allows you to enter treatment with a strengthened body and clear mind.  

When you first enter our heroin detox program, you will take an initial health assessment that will help us determine the severity of your addiction and gain a deeper understanding of your medical history. We also check for any co-occurring conditions at this time. You will officially be admitted to our detox facility following this assessment. Our compassionate staff provides as much comfort and safety as possible as your body undergoes the detox process. We offer round-the-clock medical and psychological support throughout the entire length of your 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 heroin detox takes place under professional medical supervision. Trying to withdraw alone can be dangerous and poses a high risk of relapse. 

Heroin Detox and Withdrawal Timeline

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 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. You 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 center 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

Here at Detox West Tennessee, we strive to make our heroin detox program as beneficial to your 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 you overcome your addiction. Not only do we offer 24/7 medical support throughout detox, but we provide counseling services as well. Our detox programs are based on the latest addiction science, so you can rest assured that you will receive expert care.

Additionally, we encourage peer bonding and holistic healing. Our support groups and group counseling services allow clients to become close, so that they may support each other and keep one another accountable. Our detox facility in Memphis, Tennessee 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, our aftercare programs offer sober living options and support groups helpful for recovery.

Begin Our Heroin Detox in Memphis, Tennessee

Stop waiting. If you or a loved one are struggling with heroin addiction, the time to seek help is now. Here 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 program in Memphis, Tennessee, 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. Then, when your detox program has been completed, you will be in a prime position to enter addiction rehabilitation and restore your life to one of quality and health. We also offer service to those near the Jonesboro, Arkansas and Collierville, Tennessee area. Give us a call or visit our admissions page to get started on the road to recovery today.