Location
Our Washington Location
Our inpatient facility is located in Washington, and will serve Washington state. It will provide a safe & therapeutic environment for both our staff and patients.
- Edmonds
7416 212th St SW,
Edmonds, WA 98026
How to Recover From Heroin Addiction: A Comprehensive, Step By Step Guide
If you have a heroin addiction, you may think that recovering from it is impossible. So many who are addicted to this powerful drug feel that way. You need to know that it is possible, but it's important to take the right steps.
Heroin is an opioid drug that also goes by the names diamorphine and diacetylmorphine. On the street, it may be called: Black Tar, China White, Smack, Dope, or Junk.
No matter what you call it, it is a dangerous drug. When you're an addict, it takes over your entire life. It strips you from everything and everyone you love. Fortunately, you don't have to continue living that life. You can begin to embrace recovery, and it can even start today.
The Opiate Recovery Timeline
Opioid drugs are powerful. However, because so many of them are prescribed, they're often underestimated. It can take a long time to recover if you are addicted to heroin. It is a drug associated with highest likelihood of both physical and psychological addiction.
Quite often, people wrongly assume that because heroin has a short half-life, recovery should be quick. This simply isn't the case. Heroin may only stay in the body for around 45 minutes. However, its metabolites will linger for much longer. It only takes about a day and a half for heroin to leave the body. For long-time users, it may take quite a bit longer.
It's very difficult to say how long recovery may take. For some, it may take a few weeks. For others, they may suffer with the damaging effects of their addictions for years. Fortunately, treatment can help to speed up the process, but again, it's very personal.
Realizing You're Hooked on Heroin
Most people can remember the moment they realized they were hooked on this dangerous opiate drug. They may have had their first craving for it, or they could have gone through withdrawals without it.
Before you can begin to recover, you have to come to terms with your relationship with heroin.
You may still be in a position where you really aren't sure. You may think you are an addict, but you need to know for certain. You can find this out in a few different ways.
Do You Have Any of the Signs of Diacetylmorphine Addiction?
If you have any of the following signs, you may be an addict:
- Exhibiting extreme changes in behavior
- Spending a lot of money on the drug each month
- Lying about your drug use
- Being secretive about when you use
- Getting into legal trouble
- Withdrawing from friends, family and social events
- Thinking about using nearly all the time
Taking a Quiz
If the above signs of addiction aren't enough, you can try taking a heroin addiction quiz. This allows you to answer more questions about your use of this drug. Keep in mind that some of the questions may be difficult to answer, but your honesty is important. At the end, you'll be able to get your results right away.
Heroin Addiction QuizTalking with a Professional
It's very helpful to talk about your drug use with someone in the addiction treatment field. Many heroin rehab facilities offer phone consultations that are free of charge. You don't need to make any commitments during these discussions. However, you will get to hear the truth from a professional.
Admitting You're a Diacetylmorphine Addict
The best addiction treatment experts in the world agree that admitting you're addicted is the first step in recovery. This is one of the hardest steps for anyone to take. An addiction is such a powerful force in your life. It rules over everything you say, do and think. Most people prefer to live in denial, and some do for years.
Once you're able to admit that you're addicted to diacetylmorphine, you'll be ready to take the next steps. This is when you really start working on your recovery journey.
The Steps to Recovery from Opioid Addiction
If only recovering from an opioid addiction was as easy actually becoming an addict. Unfortunately, it's not. It is very difficult, and it might be one of the most challenging things you ever do. However, it will also be one of, if not the, most rewarding thing you ever do.
If you're dependent on this opioid drug, professional treatment is the best option. Of course, there are other recovery methods available to you as well. It's important to know what all of your choices are so that you can choose what's right for you.
Step One: Going Through Heroin Detox
The very first step you should be taking in your recovery is to go through detox. Heroin detox is available to assist you with the physical part of your addiction. This is important because you need to get this component under control first. The cravings and other withdrawals you experience will be hard to manage without it. Usually, people end up relapsing unless they detox first.
There are different methods that may be used to detoxify your body. Let's take a closer look at them in detail.
Most people are familiar with medical detox. This is the treatment that involves giving you medications to help with your symptoms of withdrawal. These medications can address various issues that may arise, such as anxiety and depression. They can also be used to prevent dangerous complications, such as seizures.
In recent years, drugs like Suboxone and Subutex have become quite common during opioid withdrawal. They have been shown to help with withdrawal symptoms and they also ease cravings.
The issue is that medical detox has risks. It's possible to form secondary addictions to the medications you are given. These risks are higher for someone with a history of addiction.
In the addiction treatment field, there is a shift occurring toward more holistic methods of detox. This method doesn't involve the use of any medications during heroin recovery. Instead, it relies on improving the patient's overall health with more natural means.
For example, patients going through holistic detox will receive improved dietary plans. They may be placed on supplements. Most will become involved in regular exercise regimens. These all assist the body with getting rid of the toxins that cause withdrawal symptoms. It is a method that many have celebrated for its potential for long-term success.
Opioid withdrawal symptoms are among the most difficult to deal with. They are both physical and mental, and can last for quite some time.
Withdrawals from opioid drugs include:
- Intense cravings
- Feelings of anxiety, or even panic attacks in some cases
- Achy muscles
- Insomnia and other problems with sleep
- Hot or cold sweats
- Extreme agitation
- Stomach cramps
- The onset of diarrhea
- Nausea and/or vomiting
You won't experience terrible withdrawal symptoms soon after your last dose. The onset of withdrawal takes a little bit of time. It's important to understand what the timeline looks like. That way, you'll know what you can expect.
- The Onset of Symptoms: Everyone metabolizes this drug differently. You should expect symptoms to begin for you within 6 to 12 hours after your last dose. At that point, you should only have a few, mild symptoms.
- The First Three Days: This period is generally the worst. You'll begin to experience more severe symptoms. Some new ones will appear during this time. At the end of the third day, you should experience a peak in their severity.
- Days 5 - 7: At this point, symptoms should begin to get better. Some of the more bothersome ones may disappear completely, while others will linger.
- Days 8 - 10: You should start to feel more like yourself again. Even more symptoms should disappear. You may even have an entire day where you feel normal.
- Day 11 and Beyond: Unfortunately, it's common for opiate withdrawal to rear its ugly head at any time. You may continue to have good days and bad days for several months. Some people even experience rebound withdrawal after being off heroin for years.
Step Two: Finding an Excellent Heroin Treatment Center
The best rehab centers actually offer drug detox in-house. This is preferable for a few reasons. First of all, it's convenient for you. Second of all, you can be assured of a higher quality of continued care. Continuity is very important when you're in recovery.
During your time in the opioid rehab program, you'll begin to work on the next part of your dependence. This is the psychological part. You may not realize it, but the issues you're facing are both physical and psychological. It doesn't work to only treat one part of an addiction. In order to recover successfully, you really need to treat both parts.
As you consider entering a diamorphine rehab program, you'd like to know what you'll encounter. This is completely natural, and it's important for you to know what to expect.
There will be several important parts of your treatment at the diamorphine rehab center. Your personal needs will be taken into account when your treatment plan is designed. You'll most likely experience the following:
- Support Groups - Group therapy has been shown to be incredibly helpful for recovering addicts. People are able to get a lot of support from their peers during their therapy times. Groups may be on various subjects, and could include a 12 Step Recovery group as well.
- Family Counseling - As an opioid addict, your family has probably been carrying a heavy burden for a long time. It has been hard for them to see you go through this struggle. Your relationships with them have probably been damaged too. Family counseling can help you get your support system back.
- Individual Counseling Sessions - There is a root cause for your dependence on heroin. However, you may not know what that is. Your therapist will help you learn what it is. He or she will also guide you in healing from it.
- Yoga Therapy - Yoga has been shown to be very helpful during addiction recovery. It helps with physical fitness, aids in meditation and centers the body.
- Additional Forms of Treatment - Art therapy, equine therapy and music therapy are just some of the options available to you.
As you're searching for an opioid treatment facility, the search can be hard. You'll find that there are so many different options for you to choose from. You desperately want to find the right one, but how will you know when you have?
There are certain characteristics that you should be looking for, and these include:
- Affordability - You need to know that the rehab program will participate with your health insurance plan. This will decrease your out of pocket costs.
- Population - How many patients does the addiction treatment facility have at a given time? A lower patient population will mean you get more personalized attention.
- Personalization - How are treatment plans designed at this facility? Do all patients receive the same plan based on the type of addiction they have? You need an opiate treatment center that offers you a unique treatment plan that addresses your needs.
- Accreditation - The Joint Commission should have accredited any facility you choose. This ensures you're going to get excellent care.
- Commitment - You want to know that the opiate rehab center you've chosen is committed to your recovery. This means long after you've left their program. Will they provide you with a referral for follow-up care? This is vital in order for you to be successful.
Step Three: Committing to Ongoing Recovering from Diacetylmorphine Abuse
The third step is to make an unwavering commitment to long-term treatment. Please understand that this does not mean you need to be in an inpatient treatment facility continuously. Some people do require residential treatment. However, most do very well with 30 days inpatient.
What it does mean is that you determine to continue to get help for your addiction. This can be done in a number of different ways.
- An Outpatient Treatment Program: Many patients are discharged directly into outpatient rehab programs. These programs are excellent because they allow you to see a therapist on a regular schedule. Some even offer group therapy options.
- An Intensive Outpatient Treatment Center: If a step-down approach is recommended for you, an IOP program might be a good fit. IOP programs are designed to be flexible, yet you still get high quality care.
- Going to Narcotics Anonymous: Narcotics Anonymous (or NA) is an organization designed to assist people with addiction recovery. The meetings are free to attend, and usually take place on a weekly basis.
- Obtaining Your Own Addiction Therapist: There are many therapists who specialize in addiction. This might be an option you could consider.
- Doing Follow-Up Care Online: In today's world, almost everything happens online. You can even get follow-up care through the Internet. You can find support groups and even work with a therapist all on your computer.
This is such an important step for you to take. In fact, it's going to be the step that helps to decrease your chances of having a relapse.
Alternative Options for Those Addicted to Heroin
It's possible that you're just not ready to make the commitment to an inpatient heroin addiction treatment program. If that's the case, it's OK. There are other methods that you can use to recover from your addiction.
Keep in mind that these methods aren't all as safe as going to a professional treatment center. However, they are available to you, and may work if you implement them correctly.
It is possible to detox from diamorphine at home, but it is also quite risky. With detoxing at home, you run the risk of experiencing complications. If that's the case, you'll need to consult with a physician right away. However, if you're careful and prepared, you may be able to do it successfully.
If home remedies are something you want to try, follow these tips:
- Make sure you have enough water. Dehydration is very common because of the diarrhea and vomiting that often accompany withdrawal. If you're not fond of water, keep sports drinks on hand to keep your electrolytes up. Drink it as often as you can.
- Over the counter medications can be very helpful when you're going through withdrawal. Things like Dramamine, Benadryl, Tylenol and Ibuprofen can all be helpful. Make sure you have them on hand.
- Consider acupuncture. This has shown to be very helpful during opiate withdrawal for many people.
- Some forms of Chinese herbal medicine have been used to treat opioid addiction. Examples include Tai-Kang-Ning, Ginseng and U'finer.
- Keep your mind occupied. Stock up on magazines, books, movies and music that you love.
- Make sure you have a safe and comfortable place to be. You may need extra blankets if you get the chills, and a fan or air conditioner if you get overheated.
- Get a friend or family member to stay with you through the peak point of withdrawal. You need someone who can call for help if you need it.
- Consider mentioning your plan to your medical doctor. He or she may offer to prescribe you something to help get you through the worst part of withdrawals.
Perhaps you've been called upon to help someone you love through their opioid withdrawal. You need to know that your job is very important. You'll be doing so much more than just keeping them company during this time. It's important for you to know exactly what you need to do.
- Be prepared to set aside a few days for your loved one. You may not be able to leave their side. Plan to take time off from work, and have someone else watch your children for you.
- Keep the addict as comfortable as possible. Offer extra pillows and more blankets. They may want to move to different places around the home, and that's OK. As long as they're comfortable, that's all that matters.
- Offer massages. Muscle pain is a big part of heroin withdrawal, so their muscles will be pretty sore. Offering to massage their back, legs or arms will be extremely helpful in relieving pain.
- Make sure the addict is drinking enough water and eating good food. They'll need it to keep their strength up. The more vitamins and minerals they get, the faster the detox period will be.
- Distract the addict from cravings, which will come. Offer to put on a movie or suggest you binge watch a favorite television show together.
- Stand guard against toxic people. Other addicts may try to visit or call. These people are nothing but a temptation and distraction. Don't allow them to come in, and discourage texting or calling them.
- Know when to get medical help. If your loved one spikes a temperature, has chest pain, breathing problems or seizures, it's time to call a doctor. You may even need to take them to the emergency room.
Talking with your doctor about your desire to recover from heroin can be difficult. It's possible that you haven't told him or her that you use any type of illegal drug. Still, you need to remember that your doctor can be a great, helpful resource for you.
If your doctor doesn't know about your heroin use, bring it up to the nurse first. Let her pass along your desire to have the discussion. This will break the ice and make it easier for you. On the other hand, if your doctor does know, they'll likely be overjoyed at your desire to quit.
Your doctor may recommend different ways for you to get help. He or she may suggest some medications to assist you through the detox phase. Most likely, you'll at least be recommended for addiction therapy.
It's possible that you're fairly comfortable with talking to a counselor, but not with going to inpatient care. If that's the case, it's OK. There are so many great counselors out there that can help you.
You should find a counselor that has a background in treating patients with addictions. Many therapists offer to see their patients with sliding scale fees if they don't have insurance.
Don't worry if you aren't happy with the first therapist you meet. It's OK to keep looking until you find one that you feel you can work with. The most important thing is for you to recover.
What are the Odds of Drug Addicts Staying Clean?
People often want to know, what percentage of addicts recover?. What they really want to know is, if they go to an opioid rehab center, is it going to work for them?
It's important to remember that, just like anything else, you get out of rehab what you put in. If you truly want to recover from your addiction, you will. It might be helpful to take a look at some statistics.
Opiate Addiction Recovery Statistics
According to Health Research Funding:
- In 2002, more than 90,000 people sought treatment at hospitals for issues related to heroin use.
- Opiate addictions account for more than 20% of treatment admissions and substance abuse centers.
- Only 11.2% of people who need addiction treatment for heroin will actually get it.
- 90% of opioid addicts will relapse within the first year after completing an opiate rehab program.
- It can take as long as 14 years before an opiate addict admits to needing professional help.
- Most of the people who attempt to recover from heroin dependence on their own will relapse quickly. Studies show within 30 days or less.
Do Low Drug Rehab Success Rates Mean Treatment Failed?
The answer to that question is a resounding no. Most heroin rehab facilities have around a 30-40% success rate. However, relapsing is often a part of the disease of addiction. Most people will relapse several times before they ever refrain from using completely.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse took a look at addiction treatment in comparison with hypertension treatment. The success and relapse rates for both were exactly the same. This indicates that addiction behaves much like any other disease does. Relapse should be expected, even though it can be prevented.
What is a Heroin Relapse and Why Does it Usually Occur?
A relapse takes place when someone who has been using drugs and quits goes back to using. It usually happens when cravings return, or when something triggers the desire to use.
The good news is that relapses can be prevented. Before you are discharged from your addiction treatment program, you should be given a relapse prevention plan.
This is something that you will come up with along with your therapist. Other members of the team may be involved as well.
Yes, addiction is a relapsing disease, but that doesn't mean you are destined to have one. You can make it to recovery long-term without ever suffering through a relapse. Many people have, and you can too.
If you only look at the basic drug relapse statistics, it may seem your chances of success are pretty low. However, when you dig a little deeper, you can see that there is hope.
According to Psychology Today:
- Extended abstinence from drugs has a direct impact on long-term recovery.
- About one out of three people who abstain from drugs for less than a year will stay in recovery.
- Once you achieve a year of abstinence, your chances of relapse decrease by 50%.
- Once you reach 5 years of abstinence, your chances of relapse are less than 15%.
- The longer you keep from using heroin, the higher your chance will become of never relapsing.
During heroin addiction treatment, every effort will be made to address potential relapse triggers. However, it's nearly impossible to successfully address them all. Even with the best relapse prevention plan, the chance of relapsing is still there.
It can be helpful to know what some of the more common relapse triggers are. They include:
- Stressful situations
- Becoming chronically ill
- Depression or other co-occurring disorders
- Being around other heroin users
- Going to places where you used to use
- Coming across heroin-related paraphernalia
- Becoming angry or frustrated
- Feeling rejected
- Feeling helpless, and unable to locate help
You should come up with a plan to deal with these and any other triggers you may experience. Any co-occurring disorders should also be addressed during your inpatient stay.
What Happens After a Successful Recovery from Heroin Dependence?
Once you are successfully in recovery, you'd like to know what happens next. Remember, diamorphine is a strong drug. Depending on how long you took it, it's likely to have had an affect on you physically and mentally. This means that you still have some recovering to do.
You may find that some of the consequences of your drug use are permanent. You may have some conditions that can be treated, but they'll never be healed. Even so, recovering now can undo a lot of the damage that has been done.