Heroin is one of the hardest drugs to get off. The withdrawal symptoms can be painful. As well, they can be dangerous. Because of this, heroin detox Los Angeles centers are needed. Their support helps get people through detox safely.

Learning to leave heroin behind improves your physical health. In addition, mental health improves for many. LA Detox invites you to our safe, supportive facility. You can get sober and stay that way.

What is Heroin Detox in Los Angeles?

Heroin detox is the first step to getting off the drug. First, a detox program should be entered. Then, follow-up treatment helps a person stay sober. When a person is addicted to heroin, toxins from the drug build up in their bodies. Because of this, the toxins must be released. Detoxification allows a person to rid themselves of the toxic build-up. 

Going through detox in a professional facility helps a person stay safe. The process can take 5 to 10 days. Heroin detox Los Angeles treatment plans guide a person through the entire process. Then, they have a clear mind. Consequently, they can take on the next step to ensure sobriety.

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

When a person begins heroin detox, withdrawal symptoms occur. They can be both physical and psychological. Physical withdrawal symptoms that may occur include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle aches
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Agitation
  • Muscle aches
  • Shaking
  • Dilated pupils
  • Sweating
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Insomnia
  • Nightmares

Psychological symptoms include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Hallucinations
  • Suicidal feelings

Heroin Detox and Withdrawal Timeline

young man after heroin detox in Los Angeles

How long detoxing from heroin lasts depends on a few things. First is how long the addiction has been going on. The second is how much heroin the person usually consumes. Last of all, their physical and mental health is a factor.

Here is a general guideline for a heroin withdrawal timeline: 

Day 1: Withdrawal symptoms may begin as soon as a few hours after the last dosage. Initial symptoms often include diarrhea, muscle aches, shaking, and anxiety. As well, drug cravings begin during this time. 

Day 2 to 3: More symptoms set in during this time. Along with previous symptoms, many people experience nausea, vomiting, and lethargy. They may also feel anxious and irritable.

Day 4 to 7: Symptoms peak around day 4. The physical ones decrease more quickly than the ones related to mood. Most symptoms end around day 7. Ones that may continue for a while including anxiety and depression. Drug cravings may also last longer. 

Can I Detox Alone?

A person may feel tempted to detox alone. However, it’s never a good idea. Withdrawal symptoms can be painful. Heroin detox in Los Angeles can help ease them. In addition, detox can be potentially dangerous.

For this reason, it’s important to have medical supervision. Someone trying to detox alone may not realize they are in medical danger. As a result of detoxing alone, most people end up unable to complete the process.

They start using heroin again within a few days. As well, they are more likely to relapse than those who go to a detox center. For these reasons, heroin detox in Los Angeles gives people a better way to detox.

What Happens During Heroin Detox?

When a person enters detox, an evaluation of them is done. This allows the treatment team to understand their specific needs. They take into account their addiction history. In addition, they determine their physical and mental health. 

Once detox begins, the person is monitored 24/7. Clinicians monitor them for withdrawal symptoms and can offer medications to help ease or eliminate the symptoms. Because of this, the person enjoys an easier detox process. Along with that, the staff checks for a person’s emotional needs.

Symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and irritability may surface. If so, medications can be offered to help with them. As well, the staff is trained to provide talk therapy to help a person feel more comfortable. Once the detox process ends, the person is ready for the next step. Heroin detox Los Angeles staff can help decide where to go next.

Some people continue residential treatment, while others move to an outpatient program. Either of these choices helps the newly sober person learn more about recovery. It’s important for a person to continue with more treatment. In fact, those who do prove more likely to remain sober long-term.

Medications for Heroin Detox

Heroin detox can cause painful withdrawal symptoms. Because of this, many people put off going to detox. In fact, a professional detox program can provide help for uncomfortable symptoms. Medications can be used to reduce or eliminate many withdrawal symptoms. 

Medications such as buprenorphine and methadone can be used during heroin detox. They work by binding to the same opioid receptors in the brain as heroin. They help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Both meds are usually used long-term. 

Naltrexone can also be used. It blocks opioid receptors. This prevents a person from feeling high, should they use heroin again. Instead, they will feel uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Because of this, they are less likely to use heroin again. Lastly, all medications used during heroin detox are FDA-approved.

What Happens After Heroin Detox?

Detox provides the vital first step on the road to recovery; however, treatment does not end there. Some people transition to residential recovery. They remain in a facility and receive around-the-clock care. Conversely, some people go into outpatient care. This can include regular outpatient, intensive outpatient, or partial hospitalization programs.

Outpatient allows a person to receive care during the day, then, they return to their homes at night. All post-detox programs focus on learning how to stay sober. They include things like individual and group therapy. Many programs offer holistic therapy. This may include yoga, meditation, art therapy, and more.

People are taught to understand the root causes of their addiction. They learn healthy coping skills and how to ask for help. Individuals also learn how to replace drug-using activities with healthy ones. Additionally, they design schedules to help them stay organized. As well, they create goals to achieve the happy, healthy lives they deserve. 

Family therapy often happens after heroin detox. This allows loved ones to learn to communicate in healthier ways. The past is put to rest. Everyone learns to help keep the focus on sobriety. Thus, the longer a person remains in treatment, the more likely they are to stay sober.

Does Insurance Cover Heroin Detox Los Angeles?

Many people wonder how they will pay for rehab. They may also assume insurance does not cover the cost. Actually, most insurance plans cover heroin detox Los Angeles. In addition, they cover other types of recovery treatment.

Contact your treatment provider and ask questions. Let them know what help you or a loved one needs. Moreover, find out exactly how much insurance covers.

The provider can explain any out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, make sure to get approval for treatment before starting it. Many insurance plans require pre-approval. Without it, they may not reimburse a client.

Begin Heroin Detox in Los Angeles

Heroin ruins lives. If you need help, trust that we know what to do. Our heroin detox in Los Angeles gets you started on being sober. We have many programs designed to meet your needs. We offer detox.

Additionally, we have residential and outpatient programs. If you have any questions, contact LA Detox in Los Angeles. We are happy to answer them and help you heal.