Detoxing at home on your own takes courage, conviction and planning. People choose to go through the process at home for several reasons, including financial, the need for privacy, and the safety and protection of familiar surroundings. There are dangers involved with detoxing from heroin at home and precautions should be put in place ensure the process will be as safe as as possible. Preparation for living life after getting clean must be made ahead of time and your recognition that there is no easy way to go about the process is essential to your success.
Step 1
List your reasons for wanting to get clean. Your reasons for doing so are important to help motivate you to complete the process.
Step 2
Decide when and where you will do the detox. Arrange for at least two weeks that will have to yourself to go through the detox.
Step 3
Tell friends, family and others who are important to your success about your decision. Ask them to support you any way they can.
Step 4
Find someone with medical training to commit to staying with you during the early stages of your heroin detox. The people you choose to help you should be able to keep you on track and maintain your resolve as well as keep you fed, hydrated and safe.
Step 5
Join Narcotics Anonymous or another 12-step program to prepare for aftercare. Attend meetings for at least a month ahead of time so you have this important support plan in place.
Step 6
Plan on feeling ill for at least five days during the start of the detox, warns Peter McDermott of Lifeline Project. The average time it takes to complete heroin detox is two to four weeks. But after the initial few days, you will start to feel better.
Step 7
Buy several homeopathic remedies beforehand to help reduce the pains and symptoms of withdrawal, which can feel like a severe case of the flu. "Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines" recommends using gelsemium for body aches accompanied by sleepiness, heavy eye lids, lethargy, neck pain and a dull headache. If you experience a headache or pains in the body made worse by movement, try bryonia. Arsenicum helps with vomiting, diarrhea and nausea, burning-type pains made better with hot drinks or applications, vomiting, restlessness with anxiety, and a fear of being alone. Take one or two doses of the remedy until you feel better.
Step 8
Drink lots of water and eat during detox. Drink vitamin water to replenish nutrients. Dr. Balch of CureZone.com explains it's important to keep your strength and maintain blood sugar at stable levels. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Tips and Warnings
- Put away some money beforehand to have as a reward for little pleasures during and after you complete your detox.
- The suggestions offered here are for educational purposes and are not meant to replace medical advice.
Things You'll Need
- Gelsemium
- Bryonia
- Arsenicum
- Drinking water
- Fresh vegetables
- Whole grains
- Address for Narcotics Anonymous
References
- "Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines, Dana Ullman and Stephen Cummings, 1984
- CureZone.com
