Can Heroin Addicts Die From Withdrawal?

Heroin is a type of opioid drug that is made from the natural substance called morphine. Heroin can be a black, brown, or white substance that is injected, sniffed, or smoked. Withdrawal from drug abuse, including benzodiazepines and alcohol, can be fatal. A common question asked is, if Heroin addicts can die from withdrawal.

Professional treatments, therapies and medical detox can control the risk of withdrawal. Heroin is a very addictive drug. Withdrawal from heroin can cause nausea, loss of appetite, muscle pain, sweating, irritability, and restlessness. Heroin addicts can also suffer from anxiety, dehydration and other medical problems. The risk of death from heroin withdrawal is therefore low. A detox program helps in making the experience less painful and also in managing the symptoms.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Heroin withdrawal symptoms can appear when someone lowers the dose or stops using the drug. The symptom can be mild but can worsen with time. Symptoms that occur 12 to 48 hours after withdrawal include running nose, yawning, watery eyes, and sweating. Symptoms that appear 48 to 72 hours after withdrawal include tremors, loss of appetite, irritability, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and much more.

Symptoms that occur after heroin withdrawal are rarely dangerous. However, the symptoms can be uncomfortable and can cause relapse, and they can vary in duration, time of onset and severity. Most people have different symptoms, thus, making it difficult to predict what to expect. Withdrawal experience will depend on the daily dose, mental health issues, the duration of heroin intake, or a pre-existing medical condition.

The symptoms can occur for several weeks or months. Prolonged symptoms of heroin withdrawal include sleep disturbances, depression, irritability, and emotional problems. Studies indicated that individuals recovering from heroin addiction had a reduced ability to concentrate on tasks. They also had problems with self-control, organizing, and planning.

Can Heroin Withdrawal cause Death?

Heroin withdrawal is usually not fatal, but death after heroin withdrawal can be a major risk. If you have other medical conditions, you may be vulnerable to diarrhea, heart rate, and vomiting. Withdrawal from substance abuse such as opiates, alcohol and benzodiazepines has many risks. The major concern with heroin withdrawal is emotional issues and dehydration. Heroin can also cause early delivery and miscarriage to women who abuse the drug. Heroin addict tolerance is extremely high.

Withdrawal and detox can decrease tolerance. Most heroin addicts may attempt to take the drug again due to the pain of withdrawal and cravings. Death may occur if someone completes detoxing and they are unable to overcome the urge to use heroin. They may end up using the drug again. This can lead to death and overdose. The cause of death is not detoxing or withdrawal but overdose. Withdrawal symptoms can cause discomfort though they are not life-threatening. However, the process can be painful, thus making at-home detox risky. At this heroin addicts can use the drug again due to the cravings to relive their pain. It is recommended to find a qualified physician who will monitor your progress during the withdrawal process. Finding a good facility when undergoing detox is essential, especially, if you have any underlying medical conditions such as the increased risk of blood clots, heart problems, and other medical complications.

Detoxing may worsen the medical issues leading to complications. The addiction to heroin causes complications and not detoxing or withdrawal. So, it is important to consider medical detox when undergoing withdrawal. At-home detox from opiates and alcohol is not recommended since it’s risky and life-threatening.

Treatment of Heroin Addiction

There are various treatments for heroin addicts to stop using heroin, this includes behavioral therapies and medicine. It is essential to get the right treatment of addition. Many options have proved successful; this includes medication, treatment of mental issues such as anxiety and depression, and behavioral counselling. Methadone and buprenorphine are some of the medicines commonly used to stop people from heroin addiction. They help in reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Other drugs include naltrexone which reduces the effects of opioid drugs and blocks the receptors. Detoxification is also necessary for recovery from drug addiction. During the recovery period, the patient should have a support system, including family support and follow-up appointments with their physician. Medicines assist the patients in reducing carvings and improve brain function. There is medicine for the treatment of tobacco, cocaine, heroin addiction, and alcoholism. Medication can help in reducing the withdrawal symptoms during the process of detoxification. It is the first step during the recovery process but not a treatment. Individuals who undergo detox only and no further treatment are likely to use the drugs again.

You can manage the withdrawal symptoms and recover from heroin addiction using the above information. Detoxing is the first step in the recovery process. You will also need further medication. Treatments that have proven successful include medication, detoxification, and long-term follow up appointments to prevent relapse. Support from family and friends and regular appointments are essential for recovery from drugs, alcohol addiction, and substance abuse. Addiction treatment will ,therefore, help the addict to stop using the drug and be more productive. “Ready to get started- Call us today at 833-497-3812.