Detoxing from heroin is never easy. In fact, many people who struggle with heroin addiction continue using the drug simply to avoid going into withdrawal. If you are addicted to heroin, it’s important to know that you don’t have to detox alone–there is help available. A licensed heroin detox center in New Jersey can help you detox in a safe, comfortable, and effective way.
The Importance of Medical Detox for Managing Heroin Withdrawal
Heroin withdrawal is characterized by flu-like symptoms that begin after you stop using the drug. These symptoms are generally not life-threatening, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t difficult to overcome. Many people who attempt to detox from heroin alone end up using heroin again simply to cure their symptoms of withdrawal.[1] Symptoms such as drug cravings, body aches, and muscle pain can become so severe that people become desperate to feel better, so they justify using heroin once again.[2] These failed attempts at detox usually end up resulting in another binge that causes addicted individuals to delay treatment.
The other complication that can occur during heroin withdrawal is dehydration. Heroin withdrawal causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a lack of appetite. If you aren’t drinking enough water–or if you’re unable to keep that water down–you could end up struggling with dehydration.
Medical detox centers in New Jersey can prescribe medications to reduce the severity of your withdrawal symptoms, monitor your vitals to keep you safe, and provide you with emotional support to get through this challenging time. Detoxing from heroin in a medical facility is the safest and most comfortable way to begin your recovery journey.
What is Heroin Detox Like in New Jersey?
Heroin detox programs care about keeping you safe and comfortable during detox and helping you transition to a treatment program. Here is what you can expect during heroin detox in New Jersey:
Intake and Assessment
Intake begins the moment you call a detox or treatment facility and enroll in their program. This is when an admissions coordinator will speak with you about your situation, give you general information about the program, and verify your insurance benefits.
Assessment usually happens in person when you arrive at the treatment facility. You will speak with a doctor, nurses, and a psychiatrist about your medical history, your substance abuse, your mental health, and your current symptoms. This information gives the clinical team an in-depth understanding of your individual needs so they can create a custom-tailored treatment plan for you.
Medically-Assisted Detox
Once you’ve finished the intake and assessment processes, it’s time to start detoxing. If you are having moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, the doctor will prescribe opioid replacement medications like buprenorphine (Subutex), buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone), or methadone. These medications act as opioids and help taper you off of heroin while preventing severe withdrawal symptoms.[3]
Depending on your other symptoms, you may be prescribed additional medications for anxiety, stomach problems, insomnia, and discomfort.
Throughout your time in detox, nurses will monitor your vitals and check in with you regularly. This helps the team stay up-to-date on your situation while providing you with medical care and peace of mind. Many heroin detox centers in New Jersey also provide nutritious meals, games and television, and other activities to keep your mind busy and body healthy.
Counseling and Peer Groups
If you’re having severe withdrawal symptoms, you may not be feeling up to doing anything but relaxing in your bed–and that’s OK. However, you might get bored or you might start struggling with cravings. Many heroin detox programs offer optional counseling sessions or peer support groups to help clients through this difficult time. Participating in a therapy session or speaking with your peers is a great way to get your mind off of the detox process and begin your journey of personal healing.
Treatment Planning
Although you may feel better physically after finishing detox, you still have a lot of work to do. Most people require a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan to stay sober in the long term. That’s why the final phase of detox is known as treatment planning.
Before being discharged, a substance abuse counselor or peer advocate will meet with you to discuss your options for treatment. They will help you choose a heroin rehab program that is in-network with your insurance and qualified to address your specific needs.
Find a Heroin Detox Program in New Jersey Today
Moving Mountains Recovery has close relationships with trusted heroin detox facilities in New Jersey and across the country. When medical detoxification is recommended, we can help you get admitted to the best facility for your needs. After you finish detox, we can also help you make the transition to our outpatient treatment programs where you’ll learn the skills and resources needed to stay sober.
If you or a loved one are struggling with heroin addiction and ready to get sober for once and for all, pick up the phone and contact us today. A dedicated admissions coordinator is standing by to take your call.
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