Yes, it is possible. However, it comes with multiple risks. As a potent substance, heroin withdrawal could be tough and challenging. In considering detoxing at home, it is important to ensure the following:
- Detox is medically supervised.
- Someone at home can assist the patient during detox.
- The level of a person’s heroin addiction falls from mild to moderate.
- The patient is free from pre-existing ailments, particularly heart problems or diabetes.
When these conditions are not met, withdrawal at home can be dangerous for someone’s health. Serious complications may arise or the attempt to withdraw may be unsuccessful.
Can I Die From Heroin Detox
Heroin is classified as a Schedule I drug, which proves how highly addictive it is. Despite having no medicinal use, it has strained millions of people to addiction.
Withdrawal from the drug alone does not cause death, but fatal complications may arise in the process. This is the reason why detox without medical care is never safe. The risk of relapse, which can be prevented by medical intervention, is high and extremely dangerous.
In 2013, the number of deaths due to heroin overdose increased four times the number in 2002.
When one cuts their withdrawal period by returning to drug use, a fatal overdose can occur. This is because when withdrawal begins, the body changes its tolerance to the drug.
Other withdrawal symptoms that can be serious without the aid of medical help include diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration, and depression, which can cause episodes of suicidal attempts.
What Makes Detox at a Rehab Center Better
The most viable option for detox would be to perform it in a rehab center. Since withdrawal pain could be overwhelming, it would be helpful for patients to be free from other concerns and just let them focus on boosting themselves to overcome this.
Seeking rehab care offers great advantages. Here are a few points that can be considered in making that crucial choice.
There is no need to bother other people
Going through withdrawal at home requires the presence of someone who can look after the patient and attend to their needs. This person must constantly check their vital signs since heroin withdrawal can affect heart rate and blood pressure.
It is also important to watch out for any signs of mental health problems – anxiety or depression – that may trigger tendencies for suicide. Other duties include giving patients their medicines and aiding them with their discomfort.
All these can be challenging roles for a person and may require them to put off other responsibilities unless they are paid to do this as a job. In a rehab center, the healthcare staff is always present and ready to assist patients with their concerns.
Patients are taken care of round-the-clock.
Patients going through withdrawal can be pinned down in bed for days. The fatigue and the body pain on top of headache and nausea can be too great to endure. Psychological symptoms can also add up and worsen the case.
In a rehab center, patients can enjoy the full support of the healthcare staff during this exhausting phase. There is round-the-clock monitoring of one’s condition, and medications are surely never missed. While there could be instances that certain drugs may not be readily available at home, in a rehab center, this concern would not be a problem at all.
The round-the-clock monitoring brings the advantage of helping patients ease their withdrawal discomfort as well as receiving immediate intervention when the need arises.
There is no chance of getting hold of heroin.
One of the downsides of detoxing at home is the risk of falling off drug use. This is likely when cravings are intense or when the patient wants to soothe their pain with drug use. In a rehab center, relapse is impossible.
Patients will never have any chance of getting hold of any addictive substances during detox treatment. Their physical health is strengthened with proper nutrition and hydration, while therapy can boost their psychological health.
External factors that can potentially trigger addiction are also limited, thus; patients can focus greatly on their inner battles and gain enough time to resolve them through introspection.
Medications are safely administered
The role of prescribed medicines is very essential during withdrawal. Medications help patients relieve pain, reduce intense cravings, and most importantly, limit the number of withdrawal symptoms that can be experienced.
The FDA-approved medications for heroin withdrawal are Methadone and Buprenorphine. These are opioid substances that can be addictive yet safe when used with medical supervision.
While Methadone is strictly available in certified rehab centers only, Buprenorphine is more accessible in most rehab centers.
In a rehab center, healthcare experts can ensure that these medications are safely administered. Doses are given accurately as prescribed, and dangerous drug interactions are prevented.
Other withdrawal symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter drugs except for antidepressants, which require a prescription. In a rehab center, these drugs are readily available when patients need them.
Recovery is more imminent
Detox is an important phase in recovery, and treatment in a rehab center can ensure that a person can take this path with more manageable discomfort. The presence of medical professionals can help you with any intense pain accompanied by detox.
With less pain during detox, patients can thrive better. Plus, healthcare experts will not just leave them behind as soon as their withdrawal symptoms subside. Their treatment can step up through therapies.
A treatment using medications coupled with therapies has been a long-proven means to achieve recovery. Therapies are extremely valuable in getting into the root cause of addiction, and building skills to eventually cope with it.
Overall, treatment in a rehab center offers a conducive environment for recovery. Its full medical support is the best type of care that can attend to the needs of patients suffering from addiction.
If worried about its cost, try looking up affordable treatment grants which the government offers or friendly financial schemes from rehab centers. After all, recovering from addiction is worth every dime there is.
