Psychological Signs of Heroin Withdrawal

Heroin is a powerful opioid drug that can hook users as early as the first use. The appeal of this drug is the euphoric feeling it imparts, making the individual using it feel happy, relaxed, and pain-free. Many people transition to heroin from prescription opioids when they can no longer obtain their prescription drug of choice. Unfortunately, withdrawing from heroin can bring on uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. If you are trying to quit using heroin, you may wish to consider getting help from a heroin addiction treatment program.

BrightView is here to help you get through withdrawal symptoms from heroin. Our comprehensive treatment programs combine medication, support, and therapy so that you can feel more comfortable throughout the withdrawal process. To learn more about the benefits of enrolling in our heroin addiction treatment program, give us a call today at 888.501.9865.

What Are the Psychological Signs of Heroin Withdrawal?

Each drug presents a different combination of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Some symptoms are more manageable than others, which may tempt people to try to quit using on their own. Discontinuing drug use at home can work in some cases, but that depends on the severity of the substance use disorder and the type of substance being used. Some of the psychological signs of heroin withdrawal you can expect are:

• Depression
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Drug cravings

While withdrawal from certain substances can be dangerous, especially alcohol, heroin withdrawal does not necessarily present a danger. The withdrawal symptoms can certainly be physically uncomfortable but usually do not put you at risk of harm. The most significant risks during heroin withdrawal are severe dehydration from excessive vomiting and diarrhea and potential self-harm if the resulting depression and anxiety are overwhelming. The risk of relapse from intense drug cravings can also occur during heroin withdrawal. To protect yourself or a loved one from these potential dangers, put your trust in a professional heroin addiction treatment program. These programs can help make the patient more comfortable throughout withdrawal and provide around-the-clock monitoring to ensure their safety.

How Can You Manage the Psychological Signs of Heroin Addiction?

Withdrawing from any drug is bound to make you feel unwell initially. The physical and psychological symptoms are major roadblocks to completing withdrawal and moving on to recovery. Thankfully, you do not have to settle for feeling miserable as the drug leaves your body. When you are in the care of a heroin addiction treatment program, you will have the resources you need to manage heroin withdrawal symptoms safely and more comfortably.

How can professional treatment help alleviate the psychological signs of heroin withdrawal? Highly effective treatment programs tackle your substance use disorder from multiple angles to ensure optimal results. Some of the methods a treatment center may use to ease the discomfort of your psychological withdrawal symptoms are:

• 24/7 support – One of the top benefits of receiving professional treatment for heroin use disorder is access to support whenever you need it. Even in an outpatient treatment program, staff members are usually available to call, text, or virtually chat with around the clock when you need additional support to prevent relapse. When your psychological withdrawal symptoms become unbearable, you can always reach out to your care team to help you stay on track.
• Medication – Medications serve different purposes for treating substance use disorders. Some help ease physical discomfort, while others address psychological symptoms such as drug cravings. By interacting with opioid receptors in the brain, medications can either mimic the effects of heroin at a lower, safer rate or block the effects of the opioid entirely to prevent feelings of euphoria.
• Therapy – Psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression may have been sparked by heroin use or exacerbated by it. Psychotherapies can help you manage these conditions regardless of the cause.

With the help of a heroin addiction treatment program, you can make it through withdrawal and stay focused on a happy, healthy recovery.

Find the Heroin Addiction Treatment Program You Need at BrightView

BrightView focuses on providing comprehensive treatment that addresses the needs of the whole person. When you need support to get through the psychological symptoms of heroin withdrawal, you can count on the caring, evidence-based treatment at our facilities. Give us a call today at 888.501.9865 to get started on your path to recovery.