Attempts to hide substance abuse is not easy, especially when the use of drugs or alcohol turns into an addiction. Additionally, having to cover up any signs of withdrawal is equally as challenging. If a loved one is showing signs of heroin withdrawal, taking action is urgently needed. dealing with withdrawal symptoms alone is potentially dangerous and sometimes fatal. It is critical that substance withdrawal is done in a safe place that has a medically-supervised detox program immediately followed by top-notch treatment.
Common Signs of a Heroin Withdrawal
In some cases, heroin users may be able to hide the signs of their drug use, or at least avoid friends and family at times when use is more common. During withdrawal, there is little individuals can do to hide their symptoms. One of the most common physical signs of a heroin withdrawal is restlessness, which can manifest itself in lots of twitching, kicking or fiddling.
Individuals withdrawing from heroin may also be incredibly depressed or anxious. If a normally happy or content person seems to be spiraling into a deep depression that is accompanied by sickness or a sharp downturn in mood, then withdrawal could be the cause.
Side Effects of a Heroin Withdrawal
Not all the side effects of a withdrawal from heroin are immediately apparent to a loved one. In fact, it’s common for heroin users who want to quit cold turkey to hide away and claim to be sick, or simply to cut off all contact with friends and family for a few days. This is very dangerous and puts their lives at risk. Just a few of the dangerous side effects of withdrawal from heroin include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Extreme sweating
- Cramping in the muscles
- Sharp pain in the bones
Helping Loved Ones With an Addiction to Heroin
When loved ones are dealing with a heroin withdrawal, it’s important that they get the help they need. Detox programs, for example, have the tools and experience to help patients get through withdrawal safely and with minimal side effects. There are medications and supplements that can ease the pain and work toward permanent sobriety. Family and friends will also want to seek professional help on how to cope with an opiate addict.
The Steps After Withdrawal
Those addicted to heroin won’t be cured or freed from cravings just because the worst of the withdrawal is over. Whether or not they formally participated in a detox program, true recovery will only come through rehabilitation. Addiction treatment centers can offer trauma therapy, family therapy, dual-diagnosis therapy and more, all of which can work toward permanent results and freedom from heroin.
Dealing with the symptoms of heroin withdrawal isn’t easy, but it’s the first step toward beating addiction. At Recovery in Motion in Tucson, Arizona, patients can get the support and treatment necessary to say goodbye to heroin for good. Call (866) 418-1070 to learn more about getting help for yourself or for someone you love.
