For those suffering with addiction, detox is the first step to recovery. However, coping with the withdrawal symptoms of detox, specifically from opiates such as heroin, can be an incredibly difficult process on the body. Such symptoms, if not monitored by a medical professional, can cause great pain and, in extreme cases, be fatal.
Heroin Detox and Withdrawal
You can break the cycle of addiction. The GenPsych Ambulatory Detox Program will allow you to call and be seen immediately. Many times, those that are struggling with addiction may want to stop using, but the thought of facing withdrawal gets in their way. It doesn’t have to. You can call 1-855-436-7792 or click here to schedule an assessment and be seen the same day. You will speak to someone in central admissions, they will collect a little information and then we will arrange to pick you up from wherever you are in NJ. You will receive medication to assist you with your withdrawal symptoms and return to your home that same evening. Find out more about our Ambulatory Detox Program below.
When Heroin Detox is Dangerous
For those seeking to recover from addiction, heroin detox is a voluntary and controlled process. But, for two individuals in Colorado, involuntary detox from incarceration took their lives. According to 9 News, a Colorado based news organization, Tyler Tabor and Jennifer Lobato both died from heroin withdrawal complications. Tabor and Lobato, who had been addicted to heroin prior to entering jail, were not afforded medical attention for their withdrawal symptoms, specifically dehydration, their cause of death. While reports of dehydration from heroin withdrawal are extremely rare, risk of fatality from a stroke or heart attack is more common in unsupervised heroin detox.
Why Withdrawal Occurs during Heroin Detox
Individuals who abuse opiate drugs, such as heroin, do so in order to reap its euphoric effects. Opiates are designed to replicate the natural brain processes that restrict pain and increase pleasure, and are thus comprised of chemicals that the brain naturally produces, such as dopamine. However, when these drugs are taken continuously and in high doses over time, the body develops a tolerance to its effects. Recognizing the consistent intake of these pleasure-enhancing chemicals, the brain begins to decrease its natural production. The body is therefore dependent on the habit of heroin abuse in order to function properly.
During heroin detox, this habit of abuse is suddenly stopped. The artificial chemicals that previously inhibited pain are no longer being received, and the brain must once again accommodate. Adjusting to detoxification takes time, as the body must begin to produce dopamine and other chemicals on its own again. Withdrawal occurs while this adjustment is taking place. Levels of pain-inhibiting and pleasure enhancing chemicals become very low during heroin detox, making individuals susceptible to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, nausea, and cramping.
Coping with Withdrawal Symptoms from Heroin Detox
When going through heroin detox at a medical facility, doctors will provide both supportive care and medication to help an individual cope with withdrawal symptoms. Medications used to ease withdrawal symptoms include clonidine and buprenorphine (Subutex). Other treatment methods for heroin detox may be rapid opiate detox, or detox under anesthesia; however, there are great risks involved in this method, so it is not always recommended. A treatment called long-term maintenance may also be used to reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.
At GenPsych, our Ambulatory Detox Program is trained to help individuals cope with the withdrawal symptoms of heroin detox. As an outpatient facility, GenPsych will provide transportation to and from our detox program, so that those struggling with addiction can receive medication and support during the day, and return to their lives that same evening. Heroin detox is difficult and painful, and no one should have to go through it alone. For more information on GenPsych’s Ambulatory Detox Program or to begin your path to recovery, click here.
Call 1-855-436-7792 or Click Here to Schedule an Assessment
About GenPsych’s NJ Ambulatory Detox Program
The GenPsych Ambulatory Detox Program offers a unique opportunity for individuals suffering from chemical dependency. Not only are our clients safely and comfortably detoxed with the assistance of medication under the care of our medical team, but they are also offered therapeutic programming to learn more about their addiction, as well as relapse prevention skills to help manage and sustain their recovery. Our educated, experienced, and compassionate staff provides support and understanding as individuals enter this initial stage of treatment. Our staff also has the knowledge and ability to engage and motivate clients during this difficult and delicate stage in the journey of their recovery. Our program allows clients to immediately put into practice the skills they learn as clients are able to return to their home environment nightly, which is where they will need to be able to implement their newly learned skills.
What to expect when scheduling an assessment
When you call 1-855-436-7792 and you will reach one of our staff in central admissions. They will collect your information and schedule an appointment and transportation to and from our facility that same day. Callers after 5pm will be asked to press option 2 for Detox appointments, which will redirect them to our 24/7 admissions line to speak to a live after hours representative.
A nurse from our program will contact you to gather any relevant medical information (medical history, substance used, last use etc…) She will answer any questions you may have and discuss the types of medications that will be used to assist you with your withdrawal symptoms.
Transportation will pick you up at the time of your scheduled appointment from anywhere in New Jersey and transport you to our facility.
Upon arriving at our facility, you will be assessed and immediately provided with medication to assist you with your withdrawal symptoms.
Hours of operation:
Our program is open every day. Program hours from Monday through Friday are 8am to 5pm, and weekend hours are 8am to 2pm. Clients are initially screened for appropriateness by our nursing staff. Upon admission to the program an individualized but safe and conservative detox protocol is used to ensure the medical safety and comfort of each client. It is our goal that each client has a comfortable and therapeutic experience, and is ready to move on to the next phase of their recovery.
Call 1-855-436-7792 or click to schedule an appointment
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