Heroin Detox: Orange County

Our Services for Heroin Detox and Recovery

Orange County is 1,000 square miles of versatile geographic regions and cultures, situated quite literally in the heart of Southern California. With Los Angeles to the north, San Diego to the south, Riverside to the east, and the breathtaking Pacific to the west, Orange County delivers the best of what SoCal has to offer.

Home to Huntington, Laguna, and Newport Beaches, quaint towns like Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano, city attractions and pro sports in Anaheim, and the majestic Santa Ana Mountains, Orange County truly has it all. But all the sights and sounds of Southern California can be of little comfort if you are fighting dope sickness on a daily basis.

One thing that the OC has that’s not so desirable, is a problem with opioids. Keep reading to find out how our heroin detox Orange County services can help you get and stay clean if painkillers have become a part of daily life for you or a loved one!

The Growing Problem of Heroin Addiction In Orange County

Like many regions across the country, Orange County has faced significant challenges with heroin abuse, the illegal sales of prescription medications, and general substance addiction issues. Many current heroin addicts began with prescription painkillers until segueing to the much more powerful opiate drug, for a plethora of reasons.

This has been a recurring theme nationwide, and unfortunately, Orange County has not been spared from the effects of this epidemic. The United States has experienced a stark increase in the number of opioid-related overdose deaths, most frequently involved with fentanyl and heroin.

Much like other regions of the country, Orange County has mobilized local officials, healthcare providers, and neighborhood non-profits to educate, treat, and potentially prevent subsequent generations from experiencing the same challenges. It’s been an uphill battle – but Orange County has been steadfast in its fight.

Getting Help for Heroin and Opiates in the OC

Orange County has deployed programs to increase access to heroin detox facilities. Medical detox in Orange County helps those going through severe withdrawal symptoms. In addition, harm reduction and public awareness campaigns have been put into warp-speed, with many private locations ramping up their efforts as well.

One of those private locations is South Shores Detox and Recovery, located in Dana Point. We offer heroin detox in Orange County and make every possible effort to help our clients overcome opiates. We offer a comprehensive approach to mental health and heroin addiction, using holistic and evidence-based methods to help clients enter recovery.

Our Heroin Detox Orange County Services

At South Shores, we offer a heroin detox center, in addition to a heroin addiction treatment program to help ease the discomforts of withdrawal symptoms initially – but ultimately address the mental health disorder challenges after physical symptoms subside.

However, before placing the focus on a mental recovery from heroin addiction, clients must first complete a medical detox to overcome the heroin withdrawal symptoms. With the fears and pain of heroin withdrawal looming, it’s difficult to focus on mental healing because of the painful withdrawal symptoms.

So what does our heroin detox in Orange County have to offer those battling heroin addiction? We outline our program that’s been helping Southern California battle heroin withdrawal for years.

The Importance of Overcoming Heroin Withdrawal

For those battling heroin addiction, the initial fight is one of the physical type. After 12-24 hours of not using heroin, the first of what become severe withdrawal symptoms begin to take hold.

This is the beginning of what’s known as the heroin detox period. Simply put, it’s your body eliminating all traces of heroin from your system. And it’s the most important part of the initial recovery journey.

What are the Withdrawal Symptoms from Heroin?

Some of the most common heroin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Intense sweating
• Frequent yawning
• Goosebumps/chills
• Anxiety
• Increased heart rate and/or blood pressure
• Nausea
• Muscle aches and body pain
• Fatigue
• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Intense cravings

During heroin detox, these withdrawal symptoms vary in intensity, starting with day 1 and peaking around days 3 or 4. They finally begin to taper off around days 5 and 6, although many of the symptoms of physical dependence will linger in the form of post-acute withdrawal symptoms for several months.

Having the right heroin detox program can help you remain comfortable during the acute phase, and even arm you with the knowledge and tools you need to overcome the post-acute period as well.

In the following section, we’ll outline the steps taken during your stay at our drug detox facility

What Happens During Medically-Assisted Drug Detox?

Many people ask, “Is heroin detox dangerous?” The answer is yes, it can be, especially in some of the more severe cases of addiction. This is why we ensure each client at our drug detox center receives only the highest quality care available.

When heroin withdrawal occurs, multiple things are happening inside the body. Because of this dynamic, medical supervision is needed to monitor vitals to keep you stable during the process. Our medical detox facilities are staffed by only the highest quality doctors and nurses – all of which are licensed to prescribe medication during detox treatment.

MAT and Medications Used in a Detox Setting

Any medication given is done with the goal of helping to ease withdrawal symptoms and is never a long-term solution. If your goal is to completely detox without maintenance, this means the addiction treatment won’t include standard “medication-assisted treatment” using Suboxone or Methadone. These drugs trick the brain’s opioid receptors into believing opioids are present and crossing the blood-brain barrier.

Without these, your detox period will be more intense, but we also have medications to help curb these discomforts. A combination of mild benzodiazepines, antidepressants, blood pressure regulators, muscle relaxers, and other prescription and non-prescription options may be prescribed during your stay at our addiction treatment center for heroin abuse.

In the section below, we break down the process in detail, giving you an accurate idea of what to expect before you enter residential treatment.

Detox Treatment Programs: Step-by-Step Process of Detoxification

Patients detoxing from drug use, specifically addictive substances like heroin, go through the following regimen at our facility:

Assessment Period

This would take place after your initial assessment entering the treatment facility. You’ll have one more short assessment that’s specifically focused on the detox process. Here we’ll ensure there is no potential for health complications or life threatening issues due to allergic reactions or complications with any medication administered. We’ll go over an initial medication routine to keep you comfortable. This will likely be adjusted in the first 6-12 hours of detox.

Medication

The medications prescribed include a wide range of various types of prescription and non-prescription. The specific medications used commonly include methadone, buprenorphine, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxers, and stomach medications for stomach cramps. Typically Methadone and Buprenorphine aren’t a part of the detox process – they actually hinder the process altogether. However, you can choose a rapid detox with a Buprenorphine taper, in which case you’d likely still be admitted to our detox facility.

Our Medical Staff’s Watchful Eye

Throughout the detox process, medical staff will closely monitor your vital signs, physical symptoms, and overall physical and mental condition. You’ll receive regular check-ups, and medications as needed, and be monitored to ensure the process is going as planned.

Mental Health Support

In addition to medication, you’ll receive support from healthcare professionals who are experienced in addiction treatment. They provide emotional support, education about the detox process, and coping strategies to manage the psychological aspects of withdrawal. This gives you a head start of sorts, or a preview of the next step in the recovery process, which is usually your inpatient stay.

Transitioning Out of Detox

Medically assisted detox is typically the initial phase of addiction treatment. Once detoxification is complete, you’re encouraged to continue the recovery journey through our evidence-based and holistic treatment programs. These include counseling, therapy, holistic activities, and support groups. You’ll learn about the underlying causes of addiction, coping skills, and life post-treatment for long-term recovery.

After the detox period is over, the hope is that you’ll opt to participate in the next step in our program. However, it’s important to keep a few things in mind as you progress through your journey.

Things to Remember After Detox

Even after you’ve completed detox, there is still the potential for experiencing post-acute withdrawal symptoms. This may include symptoms like:

• Sweating
• Intense cravings
• Anxiety
• Goosebumps
• Restlessness
• Sensitive to temperature

It’s important to remember that these symptoms are temporary – meaning they rarely last over a half hour. Despite their mild level of severity, this is what causes many in the post-treatment stage to fall victim to relapse.

Relapse Prevention and Embracing the OC Recovery Community

Remember, the feelings will pass – and it’s important to keep in mind staying busy and participating in healthy recreation helps to quell cravings and keep your mind focused on positivity instead of using.

Consider the following activities after you exist treatment in Orange County:

• Orange County is home to various cultural institutions and art venues. The Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa hosts world-class performances, including Broadway shows, ballet, opera, and concerts. The Orange County Museum of Art, Bowers Museum, and Laguna Art Museum showcase a wide range of art collections and exhibitions.
• Orange County offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. You can explore the picturesque coastal areas, hike in the nearby Santa Ana Mountains, or enjoy activities like biking, boating, and golfing in the various parks and open areas in the region.
• Places like Crystal Cove State Park, Irvine Regional Park, and the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve provide opportunities for hiking, picnicking, birdwatching, and enjoying nature.

Conquer Heroin in Orange County at South Shores Now!

You don’t have to go through detox alone – and the last thing you want is to attempt “cold turkey” detox, putting your health at risk. Our team of professionals is waiting to help you start your recovery and walk the path of success.

Contact a member of our team today to find out more about our Admissions process. All calls are strictly confidential, so reach out now to get options for your recovery!