Heroin is a synthetic drug that’s part of the opioid drug class. It is derived from morphine, which is a natural substance taken from the seeds of opium poppy plants native to various parts of Asia, Mexico, and Colombia. Heroin can come in the form of a white powder or a brown tar-like substance, otherwise known as black tar heroin, and is cut with various other chemicals and drugs. It can be injected, snorted, or smoked, and all methods of use are dangerous. Heroin is illegal because of its high potential for abuse and lack of medical purpose. We offer a heroin detox at Banyan Texas because we understand that this substance is extremely potent and addictive. Detox is the safest way to quit heroin and begin the recovery process. 

What Is Heroin Detox Like? 

Heroin and opioids are highly addictive substances that can lead to physiological changes in the brain, including changes in chemical structure and behavior. Heroin works by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system and body, activating neurotransmitters like dopamine and endorphins. These chemicals are linked to mood, pleasure, and an overall sense of well-being. When they are activated or heightened by a stimulus such as heroin, they can contribute to a euphoric high.  

Due to regular and heavy use of heroin, users often develop a tolerance and physical dependence on the substance. Tolerance occurs when the body adapts to heroin’s effects, requiring the user to take higher doses of the drug to achieve the desired high. When a person is physically dependent on heroin, they will experience withdrawal symptoms when they abruptly reduce or quit using the drug.  

Withdrawal symptoms across all opioids are comparable, as drugs of this class tend to work similarly. However, there is a wide set of times of onset, the severity of symptoms, and how long symptoms last. These factors depend on the type of opioid someone used, the dosage they used, and how long they have been using it.  

Although most heroin withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting can lead to an electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and potentially life-threatening symptoms. Therefore, it is advised that individuals looking to quit seek out a professional heroin detox center, such as our rehab in Texas.  

Heroin Detox Symptoms  

As with other opioids and addictive substances, physical and psychological dependence on heroin can be difficult to break. Heroin works by attaching itself to the opioid receptors of the brain, disrupting the balance of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.   

Heroin specifically affects chemicals like dopamine, which plays a role in the brain’s reward system. Along with serotonin, dopamine contributes to feelings of happiness and pleasure and is naturally released by the brain when we do something we enjoy. When people use heroin, dopamine is activated, boosting levels, and causing users to experience an artificial high that was forced by the drug.  

Over time, this continuous disruption in dopamine levels is part of how addiction happens. The body and mind become accustomed to the drug’s effects, causing the person to both physically and emotionally rely on it to feel “normal.” When the drug is suddenly stopped, or doses are cut down, the person is no longer receiving the same jolt of dopamine, which can lead to a resurfacing of functions that were being depressed as well as a crash in their mood.  

The team at Banyan Treatment Centers Texas has experience treating individuals with addiction and knows how to help someone detox from heroin. We understand that the effects of heroin on the central nervous system are what makes them so addictive and difficult to stop using. It is normal for individuals who are detoxing from heroin to experience a series of physical and mental symptoms when they cut down on their heroin use. The heroin detox timeline can vary depending on the person’s current health condition and how long they have been addicted to the drug. 

Some common signs and symptoms of heroin withdrawal include: 

• Abdominal pain 
• Agitation and irritability 
• Anxiety 
• Cravings for heroin 
• Dehydration 
• Depression 
• Excessive sweating 
• Fear 
• Fever and chills 
• Headache 
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure 
• Leg cramping 
• Leg spasms 
• Moodiness 
• Muscle spasms and pain 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Shakes 
• Stomach cramps 
• Sweating, runny nose, watery eyes  

Due to the discomfort of heroin withdrawal, many users tend to relapse when they do not have additional support. For this reason, it is crucial to seek out a medical detox center that will provide you with the necessary care to complete withdrawal treatment and move forward in recovery. 

Our Heroin Detox Center In Texas 

Individuals attempting this process at home usually need help with heroin withdrawal symptoms. Attempting an at-home, cold-turkey heroin detox is extremely dangerous. Health complications can occur if the individual who is detoxing from heroin does not do so under medical care and supervision. The best way to detox from heroin and prevent any extreme complications from occurring is to undergo a medically monitored detox. We are one of the heroin detox centers that are medically led and administered. We offer round-the-clock care and administer medication treatment as needed.  

But it does not end there. Our Texas heroin detox is usually followed by inpatient care. Our residential treatment program in Waelder is one of the levels of addiction care at our facility that offers onsite assistance. Patients in our inpatient program live at our rehab, where they can be comfortable, safe, and cared for. Temptations and addiction triggers are often present in patients’ home environments, so we like to separate them to make recovery smoother. 

Individuals who receive heroin detox help and additional therapy programs at our facility will also be provided with aftercare services and guidance after their programs are completed. Through our alumni program, our “graduated” patients will have access to our 12-step meetings, allowing them the opportunity to meet with others in the recovery community and even find sponsors.  

If you or someone you love is battling heroin use disorder or any other form of drug or alcohol addiction, do not wait to get help. Contact Banyan today to learn more about our Texas drug and alcohol treatment and how we can make long-term sobriety possible for you. 

Related Reading:  

Fentanyl Compared to Heroin 

Recognizing Heroin Paraphernalia