When you finally admit you need help for heroin addiction, the first priority in regard to treatment will be detox. And, while nobody looks forward to drug withdrawal, heroin detox programs in Massachusetts have the resources and clinical expertise to keep you safe, comfortable, and supported as you begin your sobriety journey.
Is Medical Detox Necessary for Heroin Withdrawal?
Heroin is a highly addictive and powerful substance. Whether a person has been addicted to it for a few months or several years, the withdrawal symptoms they will experience will be challenging to overcome. Although heroin withdrawal is generally not life-threatening, these flu-like symptoms combined with incessant drug cravings can make staying sober seemingly impossible. In addition, some symptoms, if left untreated, can end up becoming severe and potentially life-threatening. As a result, it is always recommended that people who are addicted to heroin seek a residential detox program in their area rather than trying to get clean on their own.
Heroin detox centers in Massachusetts use an evidence-based approach to address and treat opioid use disorder. This approach combines FDA-approved medications, like Suboxone, with behavioral therapy and counseling. With that said, there are many things that go into a heroin detox program. Here’s what you can expect.
Heroin Detox in Massachusetts: What to Expect
Going to detox can be scary, especially if you have never been to treatment before and don’t know what to expect. There are four primary pillars to the heroin detox process, which are:
- Intake and evaluation
- Medication management
- Therapy and peer support
- Treatment planning
Let’s look at each of these aspects of a detox program to give you an idea of what heroin detox is like.
The Intake and Evaluation Process
When you first arrive at a heroin detox center in Massachusetts, you will meet with the clinical team for an initial evaluation. The team will conduct a thorough assessment of your mental and physical health. They may ask you questions such as:
- How long have you been using heroin?
- Have you been to detox/treatment before?
- How much heroin do you use on a daily basis
- Do you mix heroin with other substances?
- Do you have any underlying health conditions?
- Are you taking any prescription medications?
- What withdrawal symptoms are you currently experiencing?
They may also collect a urine sample, draw blood, and perform a standard physical.
The information gathered during your evaluation is then used by the clinical team to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to meet your specific needs. The intake and evaluation process shouldn’t take more than one or two hours.
Medically-Assisted Detox
Both inpatient and outpatient detox centers in Massachusetts may prescribe FDA-approved medications to help reduce symptoms of heroin withdrawal. These symptoms help lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. The following medications may be prescribed to you during detox:
- Suboxone (Buprenorphine/naloxone) – used to treat opioid dependence and abuse
- Subutex (Buprenorphine) – used to treat opioid dependence and abuse
- Methadone – used to treat opioid withdrawal
- Clonidine – used to treat high blood pressure and anxiety
Any medications administered during detox are given under the close watch of a nurse or pharmacist.
In addition to medication management, heroin detox centers in the Massachusetts area also provide around-the-clock supervision and support. This allows medical professionals to monitor your symptoms throughout detox and be on standby in the event of a medical emergency.
This combination of medical treatment and supervision is what makes inpatient detox the safest option for people who are detoxing from heroin.
Therapies and Peer Support
Medications and monitoring aren’t the only ways you can benefit from a medical detox. Heroin detox centers in Massachusetts also incorporate therapeutic services and peer support into their programs. Therapy may be held on a group or individual basis and will focus on helping patients learn relaxation strategies to help them endure their symptoms. Peer support groups may be held in the form of 12-Step meetings or group therapy. Speaking to and obtaining support from like-minded people will help you feel welcomed and supported as you begin your recovery journey.
Treatment Planning and Discharge
Detox is only the first step of the recovery process. Heroin is a highly addictive and powerful substance that creates substantial changes in the way the brain works. These changes cannot be undone with a 5-10 stay in a detox facility. Instead, most people who are addicted to heroin can benefit from a treatment program that helps them unlearn negative behaviors and cope with their emotions in healthy ways. As a result, the last phase of the detox process is treatment planning and discharge.
When you begin feeling better and your symptoms start to wear off, you will meet with a drug and alcohol counselor to learn about your different treatment options. You may be able to choose from:
- Inpatient rehab
- Day treatment (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programming (IOP)
- Outpatient programming (OP)
A counselor will help you determine which level of care is best for you. They will also help you find a rehab center, verify your insurance, and take care of whatever it is you need to take care of before heading to rehab.
Detox doesn’t cure addiction, so the importance of this step cannot be stressed enough. Without further treatment, you may end up right back where you started: in a Massachusetts detox center.
Find a Heroin Detox in Woburn, Massachusetts Today
Heroin withdrawal makes it extremely difficult to quit using heroin on your own, but a professional heroin detox center can help you get on your way to recovery. Here at Woburn Wellness Addiction Treatment, our staff has the professional training and expertise needed to help you begin your recovery. Whether you have already gone to detox or are looking for a heroin treatment program in Massachusetts, we are here to help. We can place you in a local heroin detox facility and help you make the transition from detox to one of our outpatient programs. Don’t wait any longer. Call today.
