Heroin addiction is a debilitating and often fatal issue. Heroin is a highly addictive illegal opioid used recreationally by many people across the world. Not only can the heroin addiction itself be fatal, but the symptoms associated with heroin withdrawal can also prove to be fatal for many addicts. These symptoms can include excessive sweating, increased feelings of anxiety and depression, sever pain in the bones and muscles, insomnia, cold sweats and body chills. These symptoms appear within twenty-four hours of the last dose of heroin, and peak at about seventy-two hours, gradually dissipating after a week. Because these symptoms can be very severe and debilitating for the addict, many people return to the drug to ease their symptoms. For this reason, many heroin addicts never kick the habit or for that matter ever make it to heroin detox.
Suboxone is a medication that contains a combination of the drugs buprenorphine and naloxone. Bupresorphine is similar to other opioids, such as heroin, except that it provides less intense feelings or euphoria and is easier to stop taking. Naloxone is a drug that blocks the effects of many opioids, including heroin. This will lead to the addict experiencing the withdrawal symptoms previously mentioned, but to a lesser degree. A relatively new way called Suboxone heroin detox is used by many doctors in drug rehabilitation centers to treat those addicted to heroin. It is used in conjunction with other methods and medications, all combining to form a detoxification program for the addict. After the addict has been stabilized with suboxone, the dosage is gradually decreased, usually over a specified period of time. The dosage of suboxone is usually decreased by two milligrams every three of four days. The goal is to break the addict’s dependency on opioids by introducing suboxone, which has been shown to be easier to stop taking. The use of this drug makes breaking a heroin addiction much easier than simply quitting cold turkey. Those addicts who turn to rehabilitation centers for help with their addiction problem also benefit from the support of doctors, and both group and individual therapy sessions.