Heroin is a potent and extremely addictive opiate. Withdrawal from heroin is notorious for being uncomfortable, difficult and painful. This process, however, is rarely life-threatening, and can therefore be performed at home if necessary. It is still a good idea, however, to seek professional help, since the average opiate addict will attempt withdrawal 10 to 25 times during his lifetime, says AddictionSearch.com. Although withdrawal from heroin is a difficult task, there are steps that can be taken to make the journey slightly easier.
Researching Addiction
One of the best ways to prepare for withdrawal is to understand the process and what to expect during the ordeal. Agencies and organizations like Narcotics Anonymous, the Mayo Clinic and the National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, are widely trusted sources that offer convenient resources like substance abuse treatment center locators, information on withdrawal side effects and help in preventing relapse after withdrawal.
Steps Before Withdrawal
Planning the withdrawal process is essential. This period of time will be difficult, and no one attempting detoxification should put any unnecessary stress on himself. This means taking an extended break from work, family and friends. Planning to have a friend or relative around to take care of things like shopping, cleaning and cooking is also a good idea, since this will save energy the person undergoing withdrawal will need. Planning the location is also something to consider. Whether withdrawal happens at home, at a friend's house or in an institution is a matter of comfort and safety. The best place in terms of safety will always be under medical supervision.
Talking With a Doctor
A good place to get in touch with medical professionals is the local emergency room. The doctors there are likely to give advice and help, and might even give referrals to other doctors or institutions better suited in treating people with heroin abuse problems.
Sleep and Rest
Sleep provides the body with time in which it can rest and repair itself. Heroin frequently interferes with regular sleep patterns, and many heroin users suffer from sleep-related problems like sleep apnea, insomnia and hypersomnia. Getting plenty of sleep might be hard, especially during times of intense craving, stress or even boredom, but it will help the body grow stronger and readjust to a natural sleeping rhythm easier.
Alleviating Withdrawal Side Effects
An odd way to help heroin withdrawal is to treat it like it's the cold or the flu. According to Drugs.com, several of the symptoms of opiate withdrawal, such as nausea, vomiting, runny nose, weakness and trouble sleeping, closely resemble those of the flu and the cold. These symptoms can be eased with over-the-counter medications and traditional remedies.
Medication
According to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, methadone is an extensively researched, relatively safe and effective drug used in managing opiate withdrawal. The drug is offered to mostly heroin addicts in specialized clinics supervised by the federal government. Heroin withdrawal can be managed and treated more effectively with the help of this or similar drugs.
