Heroin addictions can be some of the most difficult to overcome, especially for people who use the drug regularly or have used for months or years at a time. With ongoing use, heroin essentially takes over the brain’s chemical system, leaving a person unable to function in daily life without the drug’s effects.

For someone wanting to overcome an addiction problem, heroin withdrawal treatment at home is possible, though certain considerations should be taken into account before trying this approach. In effect, whether or not you should try heroin withdrawal treatment at home depends on your current circumstances and past history with drugs.

Heroin Withdrawal Treatment at Home

Undergoing heroin withdrawal treatment at home entails using some form of medication therapy and also having access to a healthy support network. According to the U. S. National Library of Medicine, medications commonly used include methadone, buprenorphine, clonidine and naltrexone, all which much be obtained through a physician.

Medication treatments help to reduce or eliminate the distressing withdrawal effects that heroin withdrawal brings. Having access to a support network of friends, family and other recovering addicts provides much needed emotional support during this difficult stage of recovery.

Not sure if your insurance will help cover your treatment costs? Call our helpline at 800-442-6158 Who Answers? for more information.

Questions To Ask

Having a strong support system at home can help you get through heroin withdrawal.

How Long Have You Been Using Heroin?

Heroin withdrawal treatment at home should only be undertaken during the early stages of heroin abuse. In effect, the longer a person uses this drug the more dependent the brain becomes on its effects, which makes heroin withdrawal treatment at home a loss cause in cases of chronic and long-term addiction.

Do You Struggle with Symptoms of Depression or Anxiety?

If you’re experiencing episodes of depression and anxiety as a result of heroin use, these symptoms will only become more pronounced during the withdrawal period, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Under these conditions, heroin withdrawal treatment at home won’t be able to provide the supports needed to get you through the withdrawal stage.

Do You Have a Strong Support System in Place?

When doing heroin withdrawal treatment at home, a strong support system can prove invaluable during times when the urge to use heroin is strongest. While medication treatments go a long way towards relieving uncomfortable withdrawal effects, severe drug cravings will still persist. Having someone to call or go out for coffee with can help get you through periods of intense cravings.

Are You Highly Motivated to Overcome Heroin Addiction?

If heroin use has reached a point where it’s jeopardizing your employment or marriage or finances, a strong desire to restore balance in your life can be motivation enough to get you through heroin withdrawal treatment at home.

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Treatment Considerations

While heroin withdrawal treatment at home is possible to do, relapsing during the withdrawal period can pose serious dangers to your health and well-being. In effect, the risk of overdose runs highest when a person abstains from heroin use for a number of days. Ultimately, it’s best to be sure you can handle heroin withdrawal treatment at home before attempting it.

If you or someone you know are considering heroin withdrawal treatment at home and have more questions, or need help finding a heroin withdrawal treatment program, please don’t hesitate to call our toll-free helpline at 800-442-6158 Who Answers? to speak with one of our addictions specialists.