Heroin Detox

Accessing reliable and accurate information on heroin detox can be confusing and time consuming. Our advisors are here to help you make fully informed and accurate decisions.
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What is heroin detox?

The first step in treating heroin addiction is physical detox. Medicated detoxification is necessary if an individual has developed a physical dependency. Detox is the process of eliminating all traces of heroin from the body and putting an end to physical dependency. This is usually achieved by replacing heroin with a longer acting opioid such as methadone or Subutex. These drugs replace the peaks and troughs of heroin intoxication and withdrawal with a steady level of opiate drug and do not deliver a high.

Over time, the dosage of this replacement drug is gradually decreased until the person is drug free. Sometimes a heroin detox medicine called lofexidine is used, as an alternative to methadone or Subutex. Lofexidine suppresses withdrawal symptoms in the body, but does not act to reduce craving (a brain mechanism). As lofexidine is not addictive (whereas methadone and Subutex may be), it is sometimes preferred. Other medicines may also be prescribed during a heroin detox to help with specific symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea and sleeplessness.

When should someone seek heroin detox help?

If someone experiences withdrawal symptoms when they do not use heroin, this indicates the need for a heroin detox. Symptoms of withdrawal include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhoea, vomiting, cold sweats with goose bumps (“cold turkey”), and involuntary leg movements. Whilst withdrawal from heroin is not necessarily life-threatening, the symptoms of it can be very unpleasant.

Other indicators suggesting someone requires psychological support for their drug use includes their behaviours becoming focused around their addiction, leading to their social life and employment being neglected. Some other signs include extreme mood changes, increased unpredictability, secretive behaviour, stealing and financial problems and a change in friends or social groups.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one requires a heroin detox and treatment then call us. Our advisors are here to support and advise you on the next steps to take towards recovery.

Where to detox from heroin addiction

Residential centres can offer heroin detox treatment, and residential is the preferred setting for heroin detox. This is because they are considered safer for medical reasons – qualified and experienced staff on hand if any complications occur. It also provides a supportive environment where clients do not have access to substances compared to being in their home environment. On-going psychological care is required following a heroin detox, and for the best outcome a detox should be accessed as part of a full psychological treatment programme. This will include a combination of group therapy, counselling, diary keeping, reflection groups, and educational workshops. Following the completion of residential treatment, it is also important to have a structured aftercare programme when returning to the environment where the dependence previously existed.

Private heroin rehab centers in the UK are the most immediate form of treatment available, and can offer heroin detox programmes along with additional psychological support and treatment to address all aspects of the addiction. In order to find out the treatment that represents the best chance of success for all concerned, call one of our experienced advisors

It is also possible to access private drug rehab clinics overseas. This option can be particularly appealing to those individuals who have already accessed drug rehab centers in the UK with limited success. By travelling overseas to access treatment, the person is completely removed from the situation where the dependency exists and is able to take time to separate themselves from the addiction. Overseas treatment can also represent better value for money in some cases.

For those not in a position to pay for treatment, NHS and voluntary organisations can also offer treatment services for heroin addiction. Whilst it would clearly be preferable to receive treatment without having to pay for it, it is important to remember that there is an imbalance between availability of addiction treatment in the NHS and the demand in the community. Therefore, there can often be long waiting lists involved when trying to access the NHS options. Methadone stabilisation programmes and outpatient services are usually offered, which requires gradual reduction of methadone with the support of outpatient treatment over a period of time. This takes significantly longer than a heroin detox programme at a residential clinic. In some cases of severe addiction where funding is available from the local council, an NHS funded place in a residential clinic may be organised.

How long could treatment on a heroin detox program take?

The duration of a heroin detox can vary depending on the severity of the addiction and if any other substances are being taken. A minimum of 14 days is required to safely detox, although in some circumstances detox may last for a longer period of time. The duration of treatment including the psychological support can be between 6 and 12 weeks.

Regardless of the length of treatment, the issue of retention is central to effectiveness, and completing both a heroin detox and psychological programme will impact on the success of the treatment planned. Treatment services which actively engage with clients, provide supportive environments and well structured programmes that tailor their activities to individual needs produce better outcomes (Trathen et al., 2008).

How much does a private heroin detox program cost?

The cost of a heroin detox programme can vary depending on the duration of treatment, the individual clinic and level of aftercare accessed.

Triage Healthcare recognises that there is a deficit in the provision of affordable private treatment for addictions in the UK. High quality free advice and information is provided to all, as well as best-value private treatment for individuals with a limited budget. If you arrange treatment through Triage Healthcare you will never pay more and in some cases you will pay less than by booking direct with a treatment center.

Where to find Detox Centers in the UK

Triage Healthcare works alongside a number of specialist treatment centres for immediate access to treatment. We ensure that all centres we work with are registered with the appropriate professional bodies.

It is important that the treatment is tailored to the individual – addiction is different for each person; there is no “one-size-fits-all solution”. When considering private treatment it is important to choose a clinic that is most likely to offer suitable treatment and cater for the needs of the individual. Rehab clinics can vary in their accommodation, treatment programme, activities and approach, and it is vital to choose the most appropriate treatment centre for the person.

We understand that there may be concerns regarding treatment, particularly in terms of cost, location and success. That is why we are here. Our advisors have an in-depth knowledge of the full range of addiction treatment centers throughout the UK. We will advise you according to the latest evidence of what works based on your individual circumstances and needs.

By choosing to call us today you will be provided with the personal care and support of our qualified alcohol and addiction advisors whose aim is to provide you with confidential and reliable advice regarding all areas of addiction. We offer an immediate response service. Our helpline is open 7 days a week, and has a 24 hour messaging service which will be responded to by one of our trained advisors as soon as possible should you call out of hours.