The opioid epidemic continues to affect millions of American daily. Heroin is an illicit and dangerous opioid drug that is highly addictive. If you or a loved one are struggling with heroin abuse, then a professional addiction treatment program near Pensacola, FL – like Gulf Breeze Recovery in Gulf Breeze, FL – can help.

Gulf Breeze Recovery’s heroin detox center offers the necessary care and support to heal. Our addiction treatment and detox programs can help you or your loved one recover from substance use disorders. All you have to do is take that initial step of reaching out.

Effects of Heroin Abuse

Heroin is one of the more insidious drugs on the black market. As an opioid, it alters your brain chemistry and gives you a false sense of wellness and security. Meanwhile, it wreaks havoc on your physical and emotional health.

Long-term use of heroin may cause the following physiological effects:

• Brain damage
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Pneumonia
• Infectious diseases
• Heart problems
• Collapsed veins

You may also experience psychological effects, such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Paranoia
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Insomnia
• Violent behavior

These are only a few of the potential effects of using heroin. And when you try to stop using it, your body may react in unexpected ways.

The worst side effect of heroin abuse is death – it happens more often than many realize. Because your body builds a tolerance to this drug over time, you must use more and more to achieve the same feelings of euphoria. However, if you use too much, your respiration may slow to dangerous levels, or your heart may cease to beat. This is called an accidental overdose, and thousands of Americans die every year in just this way.

What Are the Benefits of a Heroin Detox Program?

Before anyone can begin recovery from heroin use, they must first go through a period of detox. This happens when you cease using the drug and allow all traces to leave your body. With heroin, this usually takes between five and seven days. If you’re alone and attempting heroin detox without medical help, you can become very sick. The side effects of heroin withdrawal are serious. For this reason, you should only try to detox under the care of a physician in a heroin detox program.

Common side effects of heroin withdrawal include:

• Intense cravings
• Irritability
• A rise in heart rate and blood pressure
• A rise in core body temperature
• Inability to sleep
• Nausea and vomiting

In a heroin detox program, your physician can give you medications to mask the worst withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, they’ll monitor your vital signs frequently and treat the more severe side effects, such as changes in body temperature and blood pressure. For these reasons, detoxing under medical care is much safer than trying to stop using heroin on your own without help.

What Should I Look for in a Heroin Detox Center?

It would be best if you chose a heroin detox center staffed by licensed and experienced professionals who treat you with respect. Look for compassionate care that’s nearby and that your insurance carrier covers. A serene location and comfortable surroundings are bonuses that may make your period of heroin detox more comfortable. Last, choose a heroin detox center that also offers a heroin addiction recovery program. Transitioning from detox right into treatment may be easier and less stressful if you’re able to remain in the same location throughout your recovery.

Choose Gulf Breeze Recovery for Heroin Detox in Florida

When you’re ready to begin your healing journey from a substance use disorder involving heroin, the heroin detox center at Gulf Breeze Recovery in Florida is waiting to help. Our beachfront location and highly trained staff are only two reasons to recover with us. There are many more.

Call us today at 833.551.2304 for more information on our heroin detox program and how we can help you change the direction of your life.