Heroin Detox

The following information on heroin detox has been prepared under the supervision of Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych, and Senior Addictions Therapist David Goodlad FRSPH MA Dip. MBACP (Snr. Accred) UKRC NCAC CADC.

Accessing reliable and accurate information on heroin detox can be confusing and time consuming. Triage Advisors are here to help you make fully informed and accurate decisions. Call 0117 339 0080.

What is a heroin detox?

A heroin detox aims to help heroin dependent individuals overcome the physical withdrawal symptoms associated with the cessation of heroin use. These withdrawal symptoms are extremely uncomfortable and can result in quick relapses. Often individuals continue using heroin just to avoid them.

A heroin detox accessed at a residential centre is the option most likely to prevent immediate relapse. Heroin detox symptoms are minimised via the use of medications. Typically, heroin will be replaced by methadone or subutex, and these medications will be gradually reduced to nothing during the heroin detox. Individuals may also be provided with sedative medication to help alleviate the heroin detox symptoms as much as possible.

Whilst a residential heroin detox will address the physical dependence, it is essential that the psychological dependence is also addressed. Psychological cravings and underlying issues may result in the continuation of heroin use, so it is vital that help is given to address these factors. Therefore, a residential programme will entail one to one therapy, group therapy, structured daily activities, reflexology and art therapy, amongst others.

It is also essential that a comprehensive aftercare package is included within any treatment programme. Residential rehab provides an excellent foundation for recovery, but individuals should continue to access one-to-one specialist addiction counselling and fellowship meetings, such as Narcotics Anonymous. This allows individuals access to a continued support network when they return to their day to day life.

When should someone seek a heroin detox?

It is important that anyone with heroin dependence seeks a professional heroin detox. The withdrawal symptoms are not generally life threatening, but they can be harrowing and disheartening. If a heroin detox is accessed in a residential facility, it means professional staff can provide medication to ease the heroin detox symptoms. The process will be much more comfortable than if someone were to go ‘cold turkey’. Fundamentally, individuals are also completely removed from the environment associated with drug use. They will have access to medical and professional help, and experienced support staff will be available around the clock.

Typically, the easiest way that someone can tell that professional treatment is needed is by ascertaining whether any heroin detox symptoms of withdrawal are present. These include agitation, irritability, a depressed mood, fever, nausea or diarrhoea, and muscle ache, amongst others. Social and behavioural factors may also indicate that your loved one needs a detox. For instance, they may keep unusual and unpredictable hours. They may associate with new and unfamiliar individuals. They may be getting into trouble with the police frequently, or you yourself may notice valuables and money going missing. If such signs are very much out of character, then it may suggest heroin is involved and a heroin detox is needed. Call us now if you suspect that this might be the case; our experienced advisors are on hand to help guide you through the situation.

Where to detox from heroin

There are facilities throughout the UK that can offer individuals a heroin detox. Triage Healthcare only work those centres that offer high retention rates and excellent psychological and therapeutic programmes, as well as a professional and structured environment in which detox can safely take place. We have an in-depth knowledge of the full range of treatment services and will advise you independently of any particular centre.

It is possible to access private overseas services. This option can be particularly appealing to those individuals who have already accessed help in the UK with limited success. By travelling overseas to access treatment, the person is completely removed from their problematic surroundings. Overseas treatment can also represent better value for money in some cases.

It is also possible to access free NHS services. 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.

Not everyone will be in a position to access residential treatment privately or be offered it on the NHS. For those in that position it can be easy to lose motivation and become frustrated with the situation. We know the challenges faced when trying to access NHS treatment. We can offer advice on alternative treatment options as well as offer support and encouragement during this time.

How long could treatment at a Heroin detox center take?

Treatment for a heroin dependence typically takes a minimum of two weeks, but this will be assessed on a case by case basis. Short programmes like this will focus on addressing the physical dependence to heroin as opposed to intensively addressing the psychological dependence present in all addictions. Longer programmes that offer both a medicated detox and psychological and therapeutic programme throughout an individual's stay will be most beneficial. Ideally, these should last from around six to twelve weeks.

How much does a private Heroin detox center cost?

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 to 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 for residential treatment than by booking direct with a treatment centre.

Call Triage Healthcare to discuss the option most likely to result in success for you or your loved one. All of our advisors are bound by strict rules of confidentiality and medical ethics. Your call is guaranteed to be treated in the strictest confidence.

Where to find Heroin detox Centers in the UK

Triage Healthcare Ltd is a specialist healthcare company dedicated to the treatment of addictive illness. We were formed in 2005 by Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych, and Addictions Therapist David Goodlad FRSH MA Dip. MBACP (Snr. Accred) UKRC NCAC CADC.

We understand that there may be concerns regarding treatment, particularly in terms of cost, location and success. That is why we are here. We can advise you on centres running individually tailored programmes. We can help all concerned decide on a comprehensive program that is affordable to your budget. You can telephone to speak with us straight away in confidence or email us with the guarantee of a timely response.

It is also important that treatment is tailored to the individual - addiction is different for each person; there is no “one-size-fits-all solution”. In order to find out the treatment that represents the best chance of success for all concerned, call one of our experienced advisors. Our advice is all completely free and confidential.

Triage Healthcare offers 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. When considering private treatment it is important to know exactly what you are getting for your money.

We are staffed by highly experienced and expert professionals in addiction medicine and counselling, who are ethically bound to give you advice according to the latest evidence of what works, and who are not allowed to advise you according to a profit motive. Rather we will find you the best value treatment given your particular circumstances and wishes.