Average:Your rating: NoneThere is no disputing that Heroin addiction is on the rise. Open a newspape...

1. Physical Effects: Heroin Withdrawal
Average:
Your rating: None
There is no disputing that Heroin addiction is on the rise. Open a newspaper or turn on the
television and you will likely learn of another life that has been impacted by this dangerous drug. In
fact, statistics reveal that there are more than a half million lives damaged by Heroin each year and
thousands of fatalities.
An illicit opiate, Heroin comes from opium and may be sniffed, snorted or injected. Heroin is often
diluted with a variety of ingredients including antihistamines, other opiates, household cleaners and
strychnine, a highly toxic chemical. Medical professionals state that there is no way to know for
certain the long-term effects of using drugs cut with these chemicals, but they all agree that there is
a certain amount of internal damage that comes from using Heroin.
Long-Term Health Issues
Heroin abuse or addiction can lead to severe health consequences such as organ damage especially

2. with the heart, brain, kidney and liver. Many users also suffer from pulmonary and respiratory issues
as well as Hepatitis, HIV and Aids. These health problems can be present in persons who used the
drug only once.
Quitting Heroin: What to Expect
Individuals who wish to stop using Heroin should seek professional detox. The risks from trying to
quit the drug "cold turkey" can be fatal, so quitting at home alone is not recommended.
A medical detox will eliminate the drug toxins from the body and at the same time help to ease the
withdrawal symptoms that most people experience when going through the detoxification process.
Understanding withdrawal symptoms and what you may expect during the process can help to keep
anxiety at a minimum.
Physical withdrawal symptoms may include:
o Flu like symptoms
o Body aches and pains
o Cravings
o Nausea and vomiting
o Fever
o Hypertension
o Constipation/diarrhea and stomach cramps
o Restless legs and arms
o Insomnia
In addition to painful physical withdrawal, Heroin detox can also present certain psychological
effects may occur including:
o Intense mood swings
o Depression
o Anxiety and irritability
o Paranoia
In most cases, these feelings usually subside after the detox is over. If you continue to experience
psychological symptoms after detox you should consult with your doctor.
Choosing a Medical Detox
There are many different types of medical detox available including outpatient and residential. While

3. the benefit of an outpatient detox is the ability to continue your daily routine and responsibilities,
the overall benefits of a residential program are overwhelming.
A residential program will not only offer you the chance to get away of the pressure and stress of
your life which contributed to your drug abuse or addiction, but it will also give you the round the
clock care that you will need while you are detoxing from Heroin.
Author's Bio:
Lara Schuster writes for Gallus Medical Detox Centers. Gallus Detox provides safe drug and alcohol
detox with customized IV therapy to comfortably alleviate withdrawal symptoms and patients are
monitored 24/7 by ICU level nurses. This proven detox method was developed by Dr. Patrick Gallus
after 15-plus years as an emergency room physician caring for alcohol and drug addicted patients.
Gallus Medical Detox Centers features upscale private rooms, HDTV, Wi-Fi and personal massage.
Patient confidentiality is always protected.