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Heroin Detox in Georgia

We Offer Medication-Assisted Rehab for Heroin Users—See How Our Program Can Help You Detox Safely

If you use heroin, or know someone who does, you know how hard it can be to quit. Heroin is incredibly addictive and can cause severe withdrawal symptoms that make even the most determined want to take just one more hit, if only so the discomfort will stop. One of the benefits of attending medical detox is having care to ease the distress of withdrawal symptoms. When it comes to heroin addiction, medication-assisted detox and treatment is much more likely to result in long-term success.

Stopping your drug use is only the first step to overcoming heroin use disorder, but it’s also the most important one. If you are ready to turn things around, reach out to our admissions team today for an evaluation.

Our Georgia heroin detox program is the first step on your journey to lasting sobriety. Call us at (800) 353-4673 to learn how you can start fresh with Mt. Sinai Wellness Center.

Heroin Use and Overdose

With many Americans succumbing to heroin overdose in the past five years, most everyone knows how dangerous this drug can be. It is not always fatal, but there’s a reason many end up overdosing. Like all cases of substance use, those who use heroin develop a tolerance to its effects. They must continually increase their dose to achieve the euphoric high they are after. However, because the drug also affects the parts of your brain that regulate heartbeat, breathing, and sleep, having too much of the drug in the body can stop someone’s breathing. Those who survive an overdose may suffer brain damage due to a temporary lack of oxygen. Sadly, many others are not found in time to administer a cure.

Heroin overdose can also happen when someone starts using again after a temporary break. Without regular exposure to heroin, the body’s tolerance starts to decrease. Therefore, when a user returns to the substance at the same dosage they were previously dependent on, it may be too much for their body to handle. This danger is one reason we recommend programs like our medical detox and state-of-the-art heroin rehab. Having long-term support increases a patient’s chances of a safe and successful recovery.

Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal

Aside from the cravings that can make it hard to quit, heroin has some of the toughest withdrawal symptoms of any illicit drug. Sometimes, users are compelled to re-dose not because they want another high, but because their body has become so dependent on the substance. Going from daily heroin use to no use can cause excruciating symptoms that start just a few hours after quitting and last for up to 10 days. Withdrawal is typically not life-threatening, however.

Symptoms of heroin withdrawal include:

  • Altered mental state (anxiety)
  • Diarrhea
  • Hot and/or cold flashes with goosebumps
  • Insomnia or restlessness
  • Muscle cramps or bone pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Excessive perspiration

Of course, anyone who is giving up heroin will also crave the substance. Our team is here to support patients as they get through the worst of the cravings, then help them build the cognitive skills needed to fend off future urges.

Heroin Withdrawal Timeline

The timeline for heroin withdrawal will vary from person to person depending on the intensity and duration of their addiction. With that being said, most people will experience the following stages during heroin detox.

  • Days 1 - 2: Symptoms may begin in as little as 6 hours after the last dose. Muscle aches and discomfort may occur during the first day and intensify through the first 48 hours of detox. Additional symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, diarrhea, and panic attacks may also begin during this phase.
  • Days 3 - 5: This is usually the most intense period of withdrawal, involving abdominal cramps, shivers, sweating, and nausea/vomiting.
  • Days 6 - 7: Acute withdrawal typically ends after a week. Muscle aches and nausea will begin to subside and the person will begin to feel normal again, though they will likely still feel fatigued.
  • Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS): Withdrawal symptoms may persist inconsistently for weeks or months after acute withdrawal concludes due to neurological changes from long-term heroin use. Long-term symptoms may include anxiety, depression, insomnia, and irritability.

How Medical Heroin Detox Can Help

Our team at Mt. Sinai Wellness Center believes in using the newest proven techniques to help our patients recover. When it comes to heroin addiction, medication-assisted treatment (sometimes called MAT) has been shown to help minimize the discomfort of withdrawal, solving one major obstacle to recovery. With MAT, we can taper the brain and body off opioids while removing the “high” effect generated by the drug. Our team administers the following medications to help with recovery when we deem them appropriate:

  • Narcan (naloxone), which can prevent or even “reverse” an opioid overdose.
  • Suboxone® (buprenorphine and naloxone), which provides a way for users to taper their heroin exposure without the danger of misuse. If a user attempts to inject the drug, the naloxone will prevent them from experiencing a high. Buprenorphine is also formulated so increased dosages do not lead to stronger effects.
  • Vivitrol® (naltrexone), which is an injectable treatment that blocks opioid receptors to decrease cravings. It also prevents patients from experiencing a high if they do use illicit opioids. This new formulation of naltrexone only requires one dose per month.

Not all medications are right for all patients. Before your detox begins, our team will create a personal care plan with you to give you the best chance of a successful long-term recovery.

Dangers of Detoxing from Heroin "Cold Turkey"

If you've ever tried to quit heroin on your own before, you probably already understand why medical detox is necessary. The physical aspect of heroin withdrawal is often too much for a person to handle alone. Abruptly stopping heroin without medical supervision can cause your body to experience severe symptoms in as little as 12 hours after the last use, leading many to immediately relapse just to achieve relief despite strong initial intentions to quit. Detoxing under professional supervision can provide you with the support and accountability you need to get through this critical stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical stay at a medical detox center for heroin withdrawal last?

  • The duration of stay can vary depending on individual needs and the severity of withdrawal symptoms and the progress of the detoxification process. Our Georgia medical detox center can help.

How can I prepare myself or a loved one for the experience of going to a medical detox center?

  • Being mentally prepared, packing essential items, and understanding the importance of seeking professional help can help ease the transition and ensure a more effective and comfortable detoxification process.

What can I expect during my stay at a medical detox center for heroin withdrawal?

  • You can expect a comprehensive assessment, personalized treatment plan, medical supervision, and access to medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.

Are there risks associated with detoxing from heroin without medical supervision?

  • Yes, detoxing without medical supervision can lead to severe health complications, including dehydration, heart problems, and relapse leading to overdose.

Looking for a Safe, Effective Heroin Detox Program in Georgia?

Our medically assisted detox program makes use of the latest science to keep our patients as comfortable as possible during the withdrawal phase. While detox alone isn’t enough to stop drug use, it’s a crucial step, especially when it comes to highly addictive drugs like heroin. If you or a loved one is ready to get the help they need, our care team is here. You are not alone—and we’re ready to help you start the next phase of your life.

Call Mt. Sinai Wellness Center at (800) 353-4673 to speak with our team. From our lovely Atlanta-area facility, we’ve helped many Georgians get a new start.

What Sets Mt. Sinai Apart?

  • Top Physicians & Clinicians in the U.S.

    Our expert doctors and support staff are here to help you out of the deepest valleys.

  • Beautiful Living Quarters

    Our facilities offer comfort, privacy and a stress-free environment for healing.

  • Masterfully Prepared Meals

    All meals prepared on campus are created by our chef.

  • Beautiful Expansive Campus

    Mt. Sinai sits on 43 acres of beautiful wilderness.

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