Heroin Detox Nashville, TN

For individuals grappling with heroin addiction, the initial step of detoxification holds significant importance in their journey toward recovery. Heroin, a potent opioid, ensnares users in a cycle of dependence, wreaking havoc on both body and mind. Heroin detox in Nashville, Tennessee, is pivotal in breaking free from this cycle, enabling the body to purge harmful toxins and initiate the path to physical stabilization. This process not only lays the groundwork for subsequent treatment interventions but also provides a crucial opportunity for individuals to regain control over their lives and embark on a path toward lasting sobriety.

At Brentwood Springs Detox, one of the leading heroin detox centers in Nashville, Tennessee, we utilize a range of therapeutic approaches in our addiction treatment programs. Thus, ensuring that each client receives the best possible care on their journey to healing and recovery. Join us in learning more about detoxing from heroin today.

Heroin Addiction in Nashville, Tennessee

Approximately 70,000 Tennesseans are addicted to opioids. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, around 218,000 people ages 12 and older have used illicit drugs in the past year. These include heroin, among others, as well as synthetic substances like fentanyl. As opioid prescriptions such as oxycodone and hydrocodone decrease, the use of Heroin is on the rise. The danger of Heroin use is also increasing as suppliers add more fatal synthetic chemicals to the product every year. 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Tennessee has seen a nearly 800 percent increase in crimes related to heroin use since 2009. Unfortunately, a huge chunk of this continual increase occurs between the ages of 18-25.

Health Complications of Heroin Use

• Insomnia
• Constipation
• Permanent damage to the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver
• Mental disorders such as depression and antisocial personality disorder
• Scarred or collapsed veins from injection
• Sexual dysfunction
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Tissue damage
• Infections
• Immune reactions such as arthritis and other rheumatologic problems

The Effects of Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction can have devastating effects on a person’s life, causing a series of physical and psychological consequences that are often debilitating. Heroin, an opioid, works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and other parts of the body, resulting in feelings of intense pleasure and euphoria.

This powerful chemical interaction is what makes heroin highly addictive. Therefore, the brain becomes conditioned to crave the feelings of pleasure and relief the drug provides. Over time, the individual may require larger doses of heroin to achieve the same effect, leading to profound physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not available.

Often, dependence on heroin leads to a range of personal, social, and professional issues. Also, it causes serious health problems, including respiratory depression, heart disease, liver disease, and an increased risk of contracting infectious diseases. Psychological effects range from depression and anxiety to severe cognitive impairment. The addiction also disrupts personal relationships, leads to job loss, and impacts financial stability.

Essentially, a person’s life can become completely consumed by the need to seek and use heroin, often at the expense of all else. This is why professional intervention and treatment at a specialized heroin detox in Nashville, Tennessee are crucial for individuals seeking freedom from the grip of heroin addiction.

Heroin Overdose Risks

In addition to heroin health complications, a high risk of overdose and death can occur. Heroin is a central nervous system depressant that causes immediate feelings of well-being and pain relief. It also slows down brain function, causes irregular heartbeat, lowers body temperature and blood pressure, and also causes breathing to slow or stop. A person may lose consciousness, lapse into a coma, or die. 

Heroin is often mixed with other illicit drugs, including very potent fentanyl. This creates a highly dangerous and possibly deadly cocktail. Since the potency can vary greatly, a person may not realize how much they are using as the need arises to use more. 

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

Heroin withdrawal can be described as a severe flu-like illness. Withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that many continue to use, even when they want to stop. It can range from mild to severe, according to levels of dependence, duration, and method of use.  

Withdrawal usually begins 6 to 12 hours after the last dose and peaks within 2 to 3 days. Heroin withdrawal symptoms typically last around a week but can last 10 days or longer in some cases.

Symptoms may include:

• Cravings
• Insomnia
• Gastrointestinal distress (Nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea)
• Joint, bone, and muscle pain and twitching
• Chills, fever, excessive sweating
• Restlessness
• Mood swings and crying

Detoxing from heroin is no walk in the park. Some symptoms, such as persistent vomiting and diarrhea, can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, elevated sodium levels, and heart failure. However, all withdrawal symptoms are safely managed with a heroin medical detox.

What Happens During Our Heroin Detox in Nashville?

Detox is the first step of recovery by ridding the body of all traces of drugs and toxins. At Brentwood Springs, our heroin detox begins with a detailed physical screening and substance use assessment of each new client. Co-occurring medical and mental health disorders are common with addiction.

This evaluation enables our compassionate care team to create an effective personalized treatment program to accommodate one’s needs. At Brentwood Springs, we understand this first step can be a daunting experience for many people.

We are committed to getting someone through the withdrawal process safely and successfully. Inpatient heroin detox largely involves managing withdrawal symptoms. Our trained professionals can administer medications to lessen the discomfort of heroin withdrawal. 

How Long is Heroin Withdrawal?

A common question for those in heroin addiction treatment in TN is, “How long is heroin withdrawal?” While each client may differ, a heroin detox program usually follows a general heroin detox timeline as follows:

• Approximately 6 to12 hours of withdrawal begins with mild symptoms at first
• In 2 to 3 days, the severity of symptoms peak
• Within 7 to 10 days, withdrawal symptoms begin to taper off
• Around 14 days, the worst is over, and symptoms should cease or be mild
• Weeks to months following detox, many may go on to experience Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

It is estimated up to 90% of those recovering from opiate addiction, including heroin, may experience PAWS. The condition is a cluster of symptoms that may appear weeks, months, or even years following the cessation of substances of abuse. 

Although not fully understood, it is believed to be caused by physical changes that occur in the brain during substance abuse and withdrawal. Stressful situations often trigger symptoms due to the brain’s reduced capacity to handle stress. Almost everyone recovering from substance abuse will experience symptoms to some degree at some point during the recovery process.

While undergoing heroin detox in Nashville, PAWS mainly presents as psychological difficulties and mood disorders. Symptoms may include:

• Difficulty with cognitive tasks
• Sleep pattern disturbances
• Increased sensitivity to stress
• Irritability
• Anxiety or panic
• Depression
• Social difficulties
• Obsessive-compulsive behaviors
• Apathy or pessimism

The Importance of Medical Detox for Heroin in Nashville, Tennessee

The significance of a heroin medical detox for individuals in the thwarts of this addiction cannot be overstated. Heroin, a potent opioid, binds to receptors in the brain and central nervous system, inducing a range of physical and psychological effects.

Regular heroin use leads to tolerance, dependence, and eventually, addiction, where the body craves the drug to function normally. Abrupt cessation of heroin can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms, mentioned previously, as well as:

• Dehydration
• Electrolyte Imbalance
• Cardiac complications
• Thoughts of self-harm

Heroin withdrawal symptoms are often excruciating and overwhelming, driving individuals to relapse in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort. Attempting detox from heroin alone can be incredibly dangerous and even life-threatening due to the severity of withdrawal symptoms and potential complications. Heroin withdrawal symptoms are notoriously intense and can include debilitating physical and psychological effects.

Without medical supervision and support, individuals may struggle to manage these symptoms effectively, leading to an increased risk of relapse or self-harm. Moreover, certain withdrawal symptoms, such as dehydration and cardiac issues, can pose serious health risks if not promptly addressed by healthcare professionals.

Additionally, the psychological toll of detoxing alone can be overwhelming, potentially exacerbating feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and despair. Seeking medical detoxification in a supervised setting not only ensures the safety and well-being of individuals but also provides access to medications, counseling, and support services that can greatly increase the likelihood of successful detoxification and long-term recovery.

Medical detox from heroin provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to undergo withdrawal under the supervision of healthcare professionals. Medications are prescribed to manage symptoms and reduce cravings, easing the discomfort of withdrawal and increasing the likelihood of successful detoxification.

Furthermore, medical staff monitor vital signs and provide around-the-clock care to ensure the safety and well-being of patients throughout the detox process. Beyond physical support, medical detox programs offer counseling and psychological assistance to address the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction, laying the groundwork for long-term recovery.

Overall, medical detox for heroin is a pivotal step in helping individuals break free from the grip of heroin addiction and begin their journey toward a healthier, drug-free life.

Our Medication-Assisted Therapy for Heroin Detox in Nashville

The use of medications in a heroin detox program reduces the discomfort of heroin withdrawal. With a heroin medical detox medications are administered by a professional staff member. Doses are closely monitored and regulated. Medication types used during medication-assisted therapy (MAT) include:

• Methadone: This tricks the brain into thinking it’s still on heroin, which eases withdrawal symptoms without providing a high.
• Buprenorphine: Used for long-term relapse prevention, this medication works similarly to methadone but is less potent.
• Clonidine: This medication eases symptoms of withdrawal, such as stomach pain, anxiety, body aches, excessive sweating, and runny nose. It is not for lessening cravings.
• Naltrexone: This non-addictive substance aids in preventing relapse. If a person uses it while on this medication, they will not get high and will experience a brief bout of intense withdrawal symptoms. It accomplishes this by blocking the opioid receptors in the brain.

Benefits of Inpatient Heroin Detox Centers

A detox from heroin can be a dangerous process. However, at Brentwood Springs Detox, we have compassionate medical staff available 24/7 for monitoring and support. Moreover, we provide a secure setting for individuals to detox as comfortably and safely as possible. Our facility offers many services and does more than just get clients through detoxification.

Other services we provide include: 

• Aftercare 
• Drug testing
• Blood testing 
• EKG testing
• Medication-assisted therapy (MAT)
• Residential rehab

Begin Heroin Detox in Nashville, Tennessee at Brentwood Springs

Your heroin addiction is interfering with your ability to live a happy, fulfilling life. It’s time to get help by taking that courageous first step. Brentwood Springs heroin detox center in Nashville, TN, helps you get through the withdrawal process safely and successfully. You can trust that we will care for you throughout the process. You are capable, and sobriety is well within your reach. Detox for heroin can help.

Give us a call today or visit our admissions page to start the recovery process with heroin addiction treatment in TN. We offer support in other cities in Tennessee, like Dickson, Columbia, and Murfreesboro. Additionally, we accept UHC insurance. We are eager to answer any questions or concerns you may have on your road to recovery.