Understanding Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
and Effective Coping Strategies
Learn more about heroin withdrawal symptoms and how to best manage them at Vista Taos Renewal Center.
Navigating Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
At Vista Taos Renewal Center, we understand the challenges and complexities that come with heroin withdrawal. That’s why we employ a holistic approach to healing that focuses on a person’s physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being.
Heroin withdrawal symptoms can be daunting due to the substance’s biochemical impact on the brain. We advise close medical supervision when undergoing heroin detox to effectively manage the withdrawal symptoms that come with it.
Understanding Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
In 2018, approximately 808,000 people reported using heroin during the previous year.1
When a person who is dependent on heroin stops or reduces its intake, they can develop heroin withdrawal symptoms. They begin to feel a set of physical or psychological symptoms due to a change in the brain’s reward system.
Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal
Heroin withdrawal symptoms are extremely uncomfortable. They can range from physical discomfort, like muscle aches, to psychological responses, like anxiety.2
Physical Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal
The most common physical heroin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Runny nose
- Sweating and hot flashes
- Shaking and tremors
- Excessive yawning
- Racing heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Abdominal cramping and diarrhea
- Insomnia
Psychological Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal
Psychological heroin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Depression
- Agitation
- Restlessness and irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Overpowering craving for heroin
Minimizing Withdrawal Risks with Medical Supervision
To minimize the severity of physical and psychological heroin withdrawal symptoms, we advise people to get professional support. With expert help, they can get prompt medical intervention when any complications arise.
Medical supervision can also help people navigate the next steps of their recovery journey. It provides insight into what treatment programs are needed for complete healing.
Our Whole-Person Approach to Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
At Vista Taos Renewal Center, we understand that the heroin withdrawal process can be both physically and emotionally draining. We’re here to help individuals achieve a safe and comfortable withdrawal experience — the first step to a lasting recovery.
We address heroin withdrawal from a comprehensive standpoint, promoting general well-being. Our first step to treatment is a medical assessment that evaluates a person’s physical health, history of substance use, and any co-occurring medical conditions.
Once our team of New Mexico mental health professionals identifies all of the underlying mental health conditions, we adopt our personalized care plans for treatment.
Our Personalized Care Plans for Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Our personalized care plans infuse holistic and integrated treatments to create a transformative experience.
Examples of these plans for heroin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Medical detoxification
- Inpatient drug rehab
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Drug rehab aftercare
Addressing Physical and Psychological Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
At Vistas Taos Renewal Center, our treatment plans focus on the whole person, addressing all facets of heroin withdrawal symptoms. This approach to wellness is crucial for us to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms and lifestyle habits.
Addressing physical and psychological heroin withdrawal symptoms also reduces the possibility of a relapse. Our approach equips people with the tools and support needed to navigate the challenges of heroin withdrawal symptoms and sustain recovery.
Medical Detoxification and Symptom Management
At Vistas Taos Renewal Center, our medical detoxification program takes 6 to 10 days. It is customized to fit each person’s specific health needs.
During the detox process, clients live in our fully-equipped medical facility with close supervision from our:
- Medical director
- Director of nursing
- Direct care staff
Our team of professionals regularly monitors clients’ health and vital signs. When needed, we also administer medications to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Full Access to All Services
Every person at Vistas Taos Renewal Center has access to our holistic healing staff, including our acupuncturist and nutritionist.
We believe that our transparent approach to detox can play a huge role in long-lasting recovery.
Medications and Interventions Used to Manage Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
During a client’s stay at our facility, we employ various medications and intervention techniques that help manage heroin withdrawal symptoms.
These include, but are not limited to:3
- Medication to suppress and reduce cravings for heroin
- Medication to reduce heroin cravings and withdrawal, blunting or blocking the effects of heroin
- Drugs that block heroin’s euphoric or sedative effects
- Counseling and behavioral therapies
Psychological Support and Counseling
Therapy and counseling help manage psychological heroin withdrawal symptoms by addressing underlying challenges contributing to it.
These issues can include:
- Co-occurring mental health disorders
- Trauma
- Unresolved emotional pain
Apart from finding and addressing those underlying issues, therapy also teaches healthy coping mechanisms like cognitive-behavioral techniques and relaxation exercises. This helps people respond to triggers in a healthier way.
Evidence-Based Therapies for Addressing Psychological Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Our evidence-based treatments include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
During CBT at Vista Taos Renewal Center, our licensed therapist helps identify negative thought patterns and replaces them with more positive ones.
Here’s what to expect when undergoing CBT at our facility:
- Assessment: At the beginning of therapy, our therapist conducts an assessment to understand symptoms and previous medical history.
- Goal setting: We believe setting goals brings us a step closer to success. With the help of the therapist, we set realistic goals to track progress in CBT. This may include improving self-esteem or reducing symptoms of anxiety or depression.
- Behavioral experiments: During behavioral experiments, we test out new behaviors or ways of thinking to understand how they affect mood and well-being.
- Homework: Between sessions, our mental health professional may give assignments. For instance, a client may need to keep a thought diary or practice a new relaxation technique.
- Review and feedback: Throughout therapy, we regularly review client progress toward their goals. The therapist will provide feedback and continuous support to help achieve those goals.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a form of CBT originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder. At Vista Taos Renewal Center, our DBT approach emphasizes the importance of:
- Emotion regulation
- Distress tolerance
- Mindfulness
- Interpersonal effectiveness
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
During MI, we follow a personalized approach to treatment that explores the person’s ambivalence about change.
It also increases their motivation to start or continue treatment by capitalizing on:
- Goal setting
- Empathy
- Collaboration
Holistic Approaches to Ease Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Vista Taos Renewal Center combines evidence-based approaches with holistic treatments to help create a strong foundation for recovery. Rather than just treating symptoms, our holistic and integrative approaches aim to identify and address the root causes of heroin withdrawal.
We offer the following holistic and integrated treatment modalities, including:
Yoga
Yoga postures have been proven to relax the body and mind, improving emotional well-being. Yoga can help:
- Ease stress
- Promote flexibility
- Quiet the mind
These are all helpful in relieving physical and psychological heroin withdrawal symptoms. It is also a healthy practice to start for life’s other stressors, enhancing and cultivating a healthier mindset.
Meditation
Meditation helps the mind and body experience a sense of calm. By practicing meditation techniques, clients can experience decreased blood pressure and heart rate. It’s an effective treatment for treating symptoms of heroin withdrawal like anxiety and depression.
How Our Holistic Treatment Supports Natural Healing
Holistic treatments support the body’s innate healing ability during heroin withdrawal. It promotes balance within the body and mind by recognizing that health is the presence of harmony and equilibrium, not only the absence of diseases.
Nutritional Support and Physical Wellness
During the early stages of heroin withdrawal, it’s crucial to have a healthy digestive system and a nourished brain. Proper nutrition provides the vitamins and minerals needed for cellular repair.
A balanced nutrient plan supports the immune system and helps regulate energy levels that reduce feelings of cravings, fatigue, and irritability.
Nutritional Support For Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Nutritionists work with clients to create personalized diet plans. They aim to both change diet choices and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Nutritionists often advise reducing or avoiding foods high in sugar, salt, and fatty acids.
Instead, they should be replaced with more healthy options like:
- Complex carbohydrates like whole grains
- Proteins like lean meat and fish
- B-complex vitamins like milk, beans, and cereal
- Amino acids like eggs, poultry, and seafood
Effects of Physical Activity and Self-care During Heroin Withdrawal
Coupled with a good diet, physical activity and self-care are important for recovery. Good physical activity helps in endorphin release, which enhances mood and alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety during heroin withdrawal.
It also serves as a healthy distraction and coping mechanism during withdrawal, redirecting a person’s focus away from cravings and negative emotions.
Family Education and Support
As a family-owned recovery center, we offer a complimentary monthly family program to build a strong foundation for sobriety. We believe that involving the family in a person’s recovery journey is important to provide a sense of belonging, acceptance, and encouragement.
During our family program at Vistas Taos Renewal Center, loved ones get to understand the nature of heroin withdrawal, which helps them develop empathy and reduce stigma.
Our family program also promotes open and honest communication that:
- Builds trust
- Repairs relationships
- Addresses underlying conditions
Educational Materials and Counseling Services Offered to Families
Our educational materials and counseling services include:
- Family therapy sessions that address communication patterns and relational dynamics in the family
- Individual counseling for family members when needed
- Educational handouts and resources that explain heroin withdrawal and other substance use, their treatment approaches, and recovery strategies
- Communication skills training or advice for families can help resolve conflicts and strengthen connections within the family
Aftercare Planning and Relapse Prevention For Heroin Withdrawal Healing
Aftercare is an important part of maintaining sobriety after treating heroin withdrawal. It helps people transition back easily into their daily lives and withstand challenges that could cause a relapse.
This continuous program helps:
- Monitor sobriety progress
- Identify any potential relapse warning signs
- Adjust treatment goals accordingly
Aftercare at Vistas Taos Renewal Center
We run an alumni program that is held twice weekly. This program often includes multi-annual events and support group meetings sponsored by Vista Taos Renewal Center.
During this program, clients can build a strong support network that provides:
- Emotional support
- Encouragement
- Accountability during challenging times
We also provide Casa Feliz and Casa Vida Extended Care Program that delivers a highly structured recovery plan assisting the transition to everyday living.
Continuing Self-Care and Mastering Coping Strategies in Recovery Journey
After recovery, we advise that clients continue to prioritize self-care and strengthen their coping skills for recovery.
Here are some strategies that could help them achieve that goal:4
- Establish daily routines: Clients can create a structured plan for how they want their day to go. Incorporate healthy practices like regular exercise, adequate sleep, nutritious meals, and other relaxation techniques.
- Prioritize nutrition and hydration: Continue to eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients and minerals that support well-being.
- Seek professional help: Stay in a dedicated program like the Vistas Taos Aftercare Program to get ongoing guidance from mental health experts.
- Set clear boundaries: Learn to say no in uncomfortable situations, especially when they can jeopardize the recovery journey.
- Be patient and persistent: Recovery is a life-long process that requires patience in navigating life challenges that come with it.
Embrace Your Path to Healing with Vista Taos Renewal Center
Navigating heroin withdrawal symptoms comes with its challenges. That’s why we provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to recover. We are dedicated to understanding each unique experience and prioritize evidence-based and holistic treatment approaches for healing.
If you or your loved one is experiencing heroin withdrawal symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of licensed professionals is committed to delivering comprehensive and effective care that addresses the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of withdrawal.
Lasting Wellness Starts Here
Through the seemingly rough path to recovery, we are here to support you. We want to embark on your healing journey with you and help you make the best decision for the future.
Contact us for more information about our treatment programs, and begin your journey to healing today. We will be with you every step of the way during treatment.
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Ready to Renew Your Life and Well-Being?
Reach out to Vista Taos Renewal Center today and let us guide you toward sustainable recovery. We will help you heal from the addictions and substance use challenges that hinder you from leading your most fulfilled life through personalized, whole-person treatment.
