Heroin Detox is the first stage of a comprehensive treatment plan for heroin addiction. It includes supervised detox and maintenance therapy with the help of specialist medications to ease withdrawal symptoms.

Heroin, also called diamorphine, is a powerful opioid that affects the brain’s reward and pleasure centres, resulting in changes to mood and behaviour. It can be smoked, snorted, injected or eaten. The drug is usually made from the powdery substance of the poppy plant and is sold on the street as a white, brown or dark grey powder, or in a sticky black substance known as black tar.

People who try to quit heroin cold turkey often experience intense withdrawal symptoms that can lead them back to drug abuse. This is why it’s important to undergo a medically-supervised heroin detox programme in a safe and comfortable environment.

During heroin detox, you will be given a key worker who will put together a personalised treatment plan. They will be on hand to offer support and answer any questions you may have throughout your treatment. Your treatment can be delivered in either a residential facility or at home, depending on your needs and circumstances.

How long you stay in detox will depend on a number of factors, including your level of addiction and the severity of your withdrawal symptoms. On average, you can expect to spend up to ten days in detox. The first 24 – 72 hours is the most critical period, with the worst withdrawal symptoms occurring during this time. This is when many people relapse, as they are overwhelmed by their withdrawal symptoms and return to drug abuse in order to avoid them.

Once you’ve completed detox, you will be introduced to a replacement medication to help with your recovery. This is called maintenance therapy and is usually a form of methadone, which is a full opioid agonist and works in the same way as heroin. This helps to prevent relapse and reduce cravings.

After you’ve finished your detox, you’ll be given a prescription for your replacement medication and will have regular meetings with a drug worker or pharmacist to discuss how well you are doing. They’ll also carry on supporting you to stop taking heroin, as well as any other drugs or alcohol you might be using.

It’s important to remember that any fear you might be feeling is a natural part of the process and will pass quickly. Keeping this in mind, and celebrating each day of progress can help to alleviate some of the anxiety you might be experiencing. Our caring and experienced team are available 24/7 to provide you with the information you need, so don’t hesitate to contact us today.