It is important to know that even though you may feel like dying when coming off of the drug, people most often come out unscathed and a full recovery is completely possible. Below are some ideas to consider when treating heroin withdrawal symptoms and finding the help you need.

1. Give yourself room. It is important to plan out quitting carefully. If you work, try to take some decent time off. Your employer may provide an employee assistance program or “EAP” which can help you get treatment for little to no cost and without retaliation. EAP services are usually completely confidential and are a great option for finding help.

2. If you plan on quitting “cold turkey” there are things you can do to minimize the pain of heroin withdrawls while quitting: A. Ask a close trusted friend to stay with you during the duration of withdrawal symptoms. They will have to take care of you as if you had a really bad case of the flu. B. Keep plenty of fluids handy and foods you can eat available. Sports drinks, yogurt, oatmeal, bottled water, popcicles, soups, et. are plain foods that are easy on your tummy and senses while you are sick. It is extremely easy to get dehydrated so keep this in mind. Also meal replacement shakes may be a great way to deliver nutrient when full meals aren’t easily consumed. C. You may want to purchase medicine for nausea, diarrhea or for any other symptom you may incur. D. When possible, and possibly with help, the individual will want to soak in warm water to help calm the nerves. Showers are also an option but may be too intense however. E. The most severe of the heroin symptoms tend to only last around three days, however residual affects will slowly continue to fade over a period of time. Remember to give yourself plenty of time for recover. 3 days are most likely not enough. For the sake of your health, try to get as much time off as possible to aid in your recovery.

3. A great option for heroin treatment is through a combination of medication and counseling. Buprenorphine / naloxone treatment can almost completely eliminate the withdrawal symptoms once in moderate withdrawl. This medication is known to allow the heaviest of addicts to feel normal and function in society. You can do a search online to find a provider who is licensed and certified to administer this drug as well as research it. This medication can often be taken in the comfort of your own home as part of your treatment. You and your doctor can discuss the proper treatment for you. In addition, they may require that you take part in an out-patient program like narcotics anonymous (NA) which is a great program for the mental side of your addiction. Even if you are drug-free for a week or so, a doctor can still help you in treatment and it may very well still be quite necessary.

4. Going to a rehabilitation center is a great choice if you can get the time away and have someone to take care of pets for you. In rehab you will be given medication combined with other forms of therapy which will help you on your way to recovery..

Don’t give up on trying to get the help you deserve. Many people do not realize that heroin addiction is a clinical disease, not a moral or character flaw. If possible, keep the lines of communication open with your family as they will most likely be willing to help you… even if you don’t think they will now. Use the resources available to you. Many states offer drug-abuse programs and coupons which would allow you to get the help you need free or little to no charge. The more you know and understand, the more the addiction will feel manageable and your confidence in your ability to fight the addiction will increase. Just don’t give up!

by Gabriel A. Killian