Self-detoxification from heroin is a choice usually dictated by either financial concerns or reasons of comfort and privacy. While self-detoxing can be done, dangers are involved that must be addressed before starting the process. It is important to put together a plan of action ahead of time, to enlist help during the detox and to arrange for life in the real world afterward. A self-detox from heroin can be accomplished if you make your mind up and recognize that there is no easy solution.
How to Self-Detox From Heroin
Step 1
Make a list of your reasons for stopping. Be sure your reasons for stopping are meaningful to you and offer enough motivation for you to go through the heroin detox process.
Step 2
Once you have decided to actually do the heroin detox, decide when and where it will take place. Plan at least two weeks when you have no responsibilities.
Step 3
Tell everyone about your choice to stop using. Ask for support and arrange for someone with medical training to stay with you during the initial stages of the detox. Those who are present should help you maintain your resolve, keep you fed and hydrated, and be there to help keep you safe.
Step 4
Prepare for after-care support by joining Narcotics Anonymous or other 12-step meetings. Join a month before starting your heroin detox and go to meetings to familiarize yourself with the process.
Step 5
Peter McDermott of Lifeline Project warns to prepare to feel badly during actual withdrawal for about five days, but focus on how well you will feel when it is over. The average heroin detox takes from two weeks to a month, and once the worst is past, you will start to feel much better and more hopeful.
Step 6
Prepare for sleeplessness and anxiety you may experience by having natural remedies on hand to soothe and comfort you. Warm milk relaxes. Two teaspoons of raw honey either straight or in a glass of warm milk will help you to get some sleep.
Step 7
Use homeopathic remedies available in most health food stores to ease the pains of withdrawal, which are often experienced as flu-like symptoms. Dana Ullman and Stephen Cummings mention in their book "Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines" to use Gelsemium for bodily aches and pains with sleepiness, lethargy, heavy eye lids and neck pains accompanying a dull headache. Bryonia works well for pains in the body or eyes made worse with motion. Use Arsenicum for diarrhea with nausea, vomiting, chilliness, burning pains made better with hot applications or drinks, and restlessness with anxiety. Take one or two doses until you feel better, and do not repeat. If symptoms return, repeat the remedy. If symptoms change, choose a different remedy. A dose is one pillule under the tongue.
Step 8
Stay hydrated with lots of fresh water and replace electrolytes with Gatorade or Powerade. Vitamin water can also be added to replenish nutrients.
Step 9
Eat during your heroin detox. It is important to keep up your strength and keep your blood sugar stable. Dr. Balch of CureZone.com recommends eating lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Eat four to six servings a day of apples, unsweetened apple sauce, citrus fruit or bananas for their beneficial effect in clearing heroin from the body.
Tips and Warnings
- Put some money aside ahead of time so you can reward yourself with little pleasures during and after the heroin detox. Giving up drugs is a tough thing to do so make arrangements for treats of a less destructive nature.
- The suggestions offered here are for educational purposes and are not meant to replace medical advice.
Things You'll Need
- Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains
- Gatorade, vitamin water
- Fresh water
- Person with medical training
- Homeopathic Gelsemium
- Homeopathic Bryonia
- Homeopathic Arsenicum
- "Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines;" Dana Ullman and Stephen Cummings; 1984
References
- Heroin Helper
- "Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines", Dana Ullman and Stephen Cummings, 1984
- CureZone.com
