by Dr. Raymond Zakhari, NP
Let me tell you a story about an unsuspecting patient who found himself in the grips of opioid addiction.
This patient was just taking his prescribed opioid medication, thinking everything was okay. Little did he know that he belonged to a group of people whose bodies responded strongly to opioids, making them more likely to get addicted. As time went on, he needed more and more of the drug to feel the same effects, and the consequences kept piling up.
Then, his doctor cut him off from the medication abruptly. Feeling desperate, he turned to a more dangerous option – heroin. But what he didn’t know was that the heroin he bought was laced with fentanyl, a potent and deadly synthetic opioid. Feeling trapped, he tried using Kratom, thinking it was a safer alternative. But the addiction cycle continued, and he found himself craving more and more, with his life revolving around getting his next fix.
Addiction
Now, I’m going to refer to all these substances – oxycodone, opioids, opiates, fentanyl, and Kratom – as heroin. You see, they all stimulate the same part of the brain called the mu opioid receptor. It’s essential to understand this because society tends to use different terms to “sanitize” the language, but it hasn’t really helped address the problem.
Heroin addiction is spreading more than ever before, partly because of the misuse of prescription opioids. People who were once reliant on legal medications may turn to heroin when their supply runs out. Unfortunately, this illegal opiate has been causing addiction problems for over a century, with heroin epidemics coming and going.
In recent years, the usage and addiction rates of heroin have tripled, and it’s now the leading cause of overdose deaths in America, resulting in nearly 100 fatalities each day. While prescription opioid overdose hospital visits have decreased somewhat, heroin-related overdose admissions have increased.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Now, let’s talk about what happens when someone tries to quit heroin and detox from it. The effects of heroin on the brain and body are severe, and when the drug wears off, the addicted person starts experiencing withdrawal symptoms within hours. These symptoms can be challenging to deal with and include muscle pain, diarrhea, shivering, insomnia, anxiety, and a sense of panic.
The worst part of the withdrawal usually happens about halfway through the process. Physical symptoms intensify, accompanied by nausea, stomach cramps, profuse sweating, and feelings of depression. It’s an incredibly uncomfortable experience that can last for a couple of days.
Without proper support and treatment, the withdrawal process can take about ten days, leaving the individual exhausted and still dealing with cravings. But fortunately, there are detoxification programs available that can significantly reduce the discomfort and duration of withdrawal.
Detox vs. Withdrawal Management
Some detox programs use a rapid detox approach, where patients are anesthetized and receive intravenous medications to speed up the process. However, this method has mixed reviews regarding its effectiveness and safety.
More common detox programs, known as withdrawal management programs, typically last 3-7 days. These programs provide medications that help ease withdrawal symptoms, making the process more manageable. Additionally, these programs offer emotional support, which is essential because heroin withdrawal can also stir up intense emotions.
After detox, the journey doesn’t end there. Studies show that maintaining long-term sobriety can be tough, with many individuals relapsing into addiction. However, those who develop self-determination and healthier coping mechanisms tend to have more success in staying sober. Ongoing psychological treatment and support are crucial to help individuals maintain their sobriety.
Getting Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, seeking professional help is essential. Consider reaching out to Dr. Raymond Zakhari, NP at Addiction Detox Manhattan. Their drug and alcohol addiction treatment in New York is evidence-based and medically supervised, providing a safe and supportive environment for recovery.
I hope this article has shed some light on opioid detox and what to expect during the process. Remember, seeking help and support is the first step towards a healthier and happier life.
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