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Tips for Surviving Heroin Detox |
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Wednesday, 06 June 2007 |
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There is no such thing as an easy drug detoxification process, but the withdrawal associated with heroin use can be excruciating because the central nervous system becomes accustomed to accommodating for the chronic use of the drug. Withdrawal symptoms will begin occurring twelve hours after the last use (the speed of the onset of these symptoms is part of the reason why heroin users need a “fix” so often); the good news is that if the user can survive the first four to twelve days of withdrawal the symptoms become easier to bear before fading away entirely as the body is completely cleansed.
While nothing is going to make this process easier, there are things that can be done to make it more bearable. When selecting a facility in which to complete the detoxification process do not be afraid to choose one that offers pharmaceutical help with the withdrawal process. While this may seem like simply trading one evil for another, it is important to note that there are many drugs which can help soothe the effects of withdrawal without causing another addiction. A good facility will know how to make use of these.Follow the treatment plan to the letter. This includes the nutritional aspect, as the drugs you have taken have depleted your body of these natural resources. Nutritional depletion will only serve to make the withdrawal worse. Engage in exercise, meditation or prayer, whichever you choose. Remember, detox is as much of a mental struggle as a physical one; while your body craves the drug your mind believes it needs it. Assisting your mind to focus on other matters, or nothing at all, can help you through the critical moments that decide whether you will succeed or fail in this endeavor. Most importantly, keep your eye on the prize. When you hit bottom and your body is screaming for a fix the only thing that is going to get you through is to remember why you are going through this hell. Surround yourself with photos of loved ones and familiar objects. Hopefully these will help give you the strength to carry on with your journey and rejoin the world on the other side of addiction. |
