Recovering from heroin addiction can be a challenging process. The reasons a heroin addiction recovery timeline can vary depending on several factors that relate to personal circumstances and the treatment plan designed by professional medical experts. For best results, it’s a good idea to focus on lasting recovery and not attempt to speed up the process for the sake of completing a treatment program quickly. Shortcuts to recovery are not a good approach and often result in relapse. For more information about safe heroin addiction recovery and how to develop a realistic heroin recovery timeline, reach out to the professionals at TruHealing Gaithersburg at (833) 625-0398 for more information about our heroin addiction treatment programs and mental health services.
How Long Does Heroin Recovery Take?
Everyone wants to skip the hard part. Detox, withdrawal, and going through a treatment program do not sound exciting or fun in any way. The professionals at TruHealing Gaithersburg are well aware that choosing to begin treatment is a huge leap of faith in and of itself. We are proud of our clients who make the hard choice to go to rehab and get help. That’s why our team of expert medical doctors and mental health practitioners pride ourselves on creating a safe and secure environment that integrates holistic therapies alongside scientifically-proven methods to create a welcoming and positive space.
The timeline for heroin recovery varies from person to person. However, some basics tend to remain similar. Withdrawal symptoms start within the first 24 hours after the last time a person uses heroin. These withdrawal symptoms usually peak in 36 and 72 hours. Clients report overall withdrawal symptoms last about 7 to 10 days. Those with long-term addictions often experience additional symptoms that can last for several weeks or even months. There is the potential that some irreversible symptoms may persist regardless of treatment.
Common Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Many symptoms are common when a person is withdrawing from heroin or other opioids. These can include:
- Anxiety
- Poor concentration
- Memory issues
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Sleep issues
- Racing heart
- Shakiness or tremors
Choose Medical Detox in a Residential Treatment Facility
Medically-assisted detox in a residential or inpatient treatment facility is recommended for those ceasing heroin or other opiate abuse. A treatment facility is properly equipped to handle any medical emergencies that may arise during the initial withdrawal period. In some instances, people have seizures or other negative physical and mental health consequences during withdrawal. Clients can feel safe knowing that medical doctors and mental health counselors are available 24/7 in an emergency.
Should I Quit “Cold Turkey”?
Ceasing heroin use abruptly, also known as quitting “cold turkey,” can result in negative physical and mental health consequences. It’s generally recommended that a taper method be used to wean off opiates in a medically-supervised setting. It should be noted that heroin or other street drugs are not used in the tapering process.
Going “cold turkey” off a drug like heroin can result in:
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Heart issues
Looking Forward to A Better Tomorrow
No one wants nasty surprises at the end of the long and difficult process. It’s best to know in advance what steps you plan to take post-detox.
First and foremost, it’s important to be committed to staying clean. TruHealing Gaithersburg integrates wellness practices that treat the body and mind so that clients complete our treatment programs with healthy and positive coping mechanisms to assist them in real-world situations.
After completing a treatment program, planning to continue individual counseling is a sensible decision. In one-on-one therapy with a skilled therapist, clients can get to the core causes for why they developed an addiction in the first place. Working with a therapist can help you stay on the right path and avoid falling into negative thought patterns that could otherwise return to problematic behaviors.
Group therapy and family therapy may potentially be useful tools for your and your loved ones to consider. These therapies can be useful tools to help clients develop a safety net that can help avoid pitfalls as they continue on the path to lasting sobriety.
Finding positive activities to fill potential idle time is essential for developing a healthy lifestyle in sober living. Hobbies can add meaning to your everyday life.
After detox, our clients have found joy in a wide variety of activities, including:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Hiking
- Biking
- Gardening
- Writing
- Art
- Music
TruHealing Gaithersburg encourages clients in treatment and getting close to completing a treatment program to begin giving serious thought to what their life may look like in recovery. Having a positive outlook could be just the encouragement you need to start you on the journey forward.
Contact Us Today About Heroin Addiction Recovery
What it takes to recover from heroin addiction will vary from person to person. The result can always be a sober life full of endless possibilities for joy and positive memories. Reach out to the experts at TruHealing Gaithersburg today at (833) 625-0398 to learn more about how we develop individualized treatment plans to meet our client’s needs.