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Can I Quit Heroin Cold Turkey?

Heroin is a potent opioid, but it is possible to overcome addiction if you are committed to recovery and choose the best method of quitting. Many people try to quit cold turkey without the support of professionals, but unfortunately, this is often an unsuccessful strategy. 

You can protect yourself from the dangers of quitting cold turkey at home by enrolling in a quality San Antonio heroin detox like The Right Step Hill Country. Contact us at 1.844.675.1628 to learn more about detoxing from heroin at our facility.

Quitting Heroin Cold Turkey: What Does It Mean?

Quitting heroin cold turkey simply means discontinuing the drug abruptly. The goal is to stop using heroin completely and never return to it again. But as simple as it sounds, quitting any drug cold turkey can be incredibly challenging. 

Can I Quit Heroin Cold Turkey?

If you are planning a heroin detox at home, the most dangerous way to quit would be cold turkey. Why is this? When you quit heroin cold turkey, you will experience withdrawal symptoms that can be severe and even life-threatening. There is also a high risk of relapse and overdose.

Heroin withdrawal symptoms can include:

  • Anxiety
  • Diarrhea
  • Goosebumps
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle aches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Sweating

Your withdrawal symptoms will likely be mild if you have a mild addiction. Trying a heroin detox at home may be possible in this case. But for most people, quitting heroin cold turkey on your own is not recommended.

Severe addictions can increase the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. Excessive diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating can cause severe dehydration that may require hospitalization. And insomnia can intensify anxiety and other mental health issues, which might put you at risk of self-harm in the most serious cases.

What You Should Do Instead of Heroin Detox at Home

Instead of quitting heroin cold turkey, some people try to use the tapering method. Tapering involves gradually decreasing the heroin dosage to wean the person off the drug. This can work for some people but requires a strong commitment to quitting and ample support from those around you. Even so, you can still find it challenging to lower your dosage if you are dealing with a severe addiction to heroin.

How can you successfully quit heroin without putting yourself in harm’s way? Quitting cold turkey is often the best method to rid your life of heroin for good, but it is highly recommended that you do so at a heroin detox center.

A heroin detox program offers multiple advantages over an at-home heroin detox:

  • You will have access to withdrawal medications that can alleviate your symptoms.
  • You will have supportive staff by your side as you detox.
  • Medical professionals at the detox center can treat any dangerous side effects that arise during the process.
  • You will be in a secure environment free of drugs or alcohol, so you will not encounter temptation.

If you try to quit heroin cold turkey at home, you may find it impossible to resist using the drug again once the withdrawal symptoms kick in. When you are at a heroin detox center, the staff can help you work through cravings and discomfort so you can get through the challenges of withdrawal without relapsing.

The Right Step Hill Country: Safe, Reliable San Antonio Heroin Detox

There is no need to put yourself at risk of severe withdrawal symptoms when you enroll in The Right Step Hill Country’s heroin detox program. Our staff strives to help you feel safe and comfortable throughout your detox and will help you transition to the next step in your recovery afterward. Contact us online or by phone at 1.844.675.1628 to get started on your path to a life without heroin.

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