Pine Tree Recovery
Heroin Detoxification

Over the course of the past decade, heroin abuse has been on the consistent rise throughout the US. Because of this, overdose-related death rates have also been spiking significantly. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported that in the year 2018 alone, there were 67,300 drug-related overdose deaths throughout the country. Of these deaths, 46,802 directly involved an opioid narcotic like heroin. Part of the reason why heroin-related overdose rates remain so high is because men and women who are suffering at the hands of heroin abuse and addiction remain unaware of the extensive recovery-related resources that are available to them. At Pine Tree Recovery Center we effectively treat all symptoms associated with heroin withdrawal in a safe and supportive environment. Our integrated and individualized program of medically monitored heroin detox is geared towards helping men and women of all ages successfully overcome heroin addiction long-term, while setting a solid and lasting foundation for lifelong recovery.

Pine Tree Recovery Center is a premier facility for detox and rehabilitation from heroin use as well as other substances and is located mere minutes from downtown Portland, Maine. Our center provides medically proven programs, an accomplished staff of medical and therapy specialists, and state-of-the-art facilities to successfully assist people through detoxification and onto the road to long-term recovery.

We believe that quality clinical care should be accessible to everyone that needs it. Our high standards of medical treatment coupled with our experienced and compassionate staff makes for a comprehensive program of recovery unlike any other. The services and amenities we provide cannot be found in any state-run detox facility or traditional hospital setting. If you are looking to successfully overcome a life-threatening heroin addiction once and for all, Pine Tree Recovery Center is an ideal first step.

The Effects of Heroin on the Brain and Body

Heroin use quickly impacts the brain’s reward system and produces a feeling of being “high”. But as the body becomes more accustom to its use, tolerance increases and more of the drug is required to reach the same high. Users who have become dependent on heroin will commonly need to increase the dosage and/or its frequency of use to continue to get the same desired high which seems to only intensify and complicate the problem.

Heroin Abuse and Addiction

The Department of Health and Human Services published a study titled, “America’s Addiction to Opioids: Heroin and Prescription Drug Abuse.” The introduction to the study reads, “It is estimated that between 26.4 million and 36 million people abuse opioids worldwide, with an estimated 2.1 million people in the United States suffering from substance use disorders related to prescription opioid pain relievers in 2012 and an estimated 467,000 addicted to heroin.” Clearly, heroin addiction is a widespread problem. If you believe that you or someone close to you has been suffering at the hands of a heroin addiction there are several signs and symptoms to look for.

These include (but are not limited to):

• Nausea, vomiting and constipation
• Falling asleep without warning, or “nodding out”
• Constricted pupils
• Slurred speech/incoherence
• Depression and anxiety
• Mood swings, usually marked by bouts of agitation and irritability
• Lying to friends and family members/deceptive behavior
• A loss of motivation to complete basic daily tasks
• A loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyed
• Increased need for privacy/isolation from friends and family members
• Decrease in performance at work or at school
• Stealing money or “borrowing” money from loved ones
• Legal and financial issues directly resulting from heroin use
• Continued use despite interpersonal consequences
• The building of a physical tolerance
• Withdrawal symptoms that occur when heroin use is stopped abruptly

Heroin Withdrawal

The US National Library of Medicine reported that in the year 2016, there were a reported 948,000 active heroin users throughout the country. Many of these men and women continued to engage in active heroin abuse to avoid the harshly uncomfortable symptoms of heroin withdrawal. While heroin withdrawal symptoms are not typically life-threatening, they are known to cause an intense level of physical discomfort that can only be adequately treated in a medical detoxification facility. At Pine Tree Recovery Center we offer our clients a safe and pain-free heroin withdrawal experience in a carefully designed, homestyle retreat setting.

Heroin users will start to experience withdrawal symptoms within about six to 12 hours from the last dose taken. People have described the initial withdrawal symptoms as being similar to a bad case of the flu but have also stated that it feels like it only gets worse from there. The duration of the withdrawal process depends on how much, and for how long, heroin has been used as well as the client’s overall drug history.

Attempting to manage heroin withdrawal on your own, or going “cold turkey”, is not recommended due to the intense symptoms and affects that it has on your body and mind and also because it’s not possible to pinpoint the exact severity or for how long the acute phase of withdrawal will last. Many former addicts have claimed that the worst of the symptoms take place on or about the fourth day of detox and were extremely glad not to be dealing with the process on their own.

Common symptoms of heroin withdrawal include:

• Watery eyes/runny nose
• Excessive yawning
• Nausea and diarrhea
• Severe abdominal pain and cramping
• Profuse sweating/night sweats
• Uncontrollable shaking and body tremors
• Irritability and agitation
• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Muscle spasms
• Severe psychological drug cravings

Longer Lasting Symptoms

Generally, after about two weeks without heroin use, the worst of the physical withdrawal has passed, but it’s important to note that there are additional symptoms that people going through heroin withdrawal will most likely have to face. Depression, fatigue, and extreme irritability are the most prominent of the longer lasting symptoms and can be felt for months ahead. Users may consider that without the drug in their system, they will easily return to feeling like their “old self” once again but haven’t taken into consideration the emotional or physical damage that the drug may have already caused.

Is Medical Detox Necessary?

While the physical symptoms of heroin withdrawal typically resemble symptoms associated with a bad flu, the psychological symptoms can be severe. At Pine Tree Recovery Center we utilize a combination of proven detox techniques and therapeutic methodologies. The detox program varies on a client-to-client basis and is contingent on a number of important underlying factors and personal history with substance abuse. In the case of heroin withdrawal, we sometimes utilize prescription medications like Suboxone to help alleviate symptoms while reducing the psychological cravings that often lead to relapse.

Once the system is completely rid of chemical substances the true healing begins. Clients have access to a wide range of recovery-related services – services that cannot be found in any traditional, state-funded detox facility.

The services we offer include:

• An in-depth and personalized clinical and medical assessment upon admission.
• Case management services.
• Individual therapy, group therapy and family therapy sessions.
• A thorough introduction to the 12 step method of heroin addiction recovery.
• Medication assisted treatment and medication management.
• Family involvement.
• Relapse prevention training and life skills training.
• Comprehensive and individualized aftercare planning.

In order for heroin detox to be truly effective, our clinical team must work closely alongside clients to develop personalized aftercare plans. When it comes to heroin addiction recovery, the majority of relapses occur during a gap between medical detox and inpatient treatment. We work to ensure that clients transfer directly to the next appropriate level of clinical care with no time in between treatment phases.

Setting Our Clients Up for Success

Inpatient detoxification is essential for users withdrawing from heroin. Around the clock medical supervision helps patients through the acute phase of detox in the most comfort as possible while preparing a plan for long-term rehabilitation. At the start of detox, relapse is all too common for those attempting to “go it alone”. The physical symptoms are at their worst, and if accompanied by high anxiety, the desire for that old heroin rush can easily take over. Receiving medical and emotional support from our professional staff greatly helps patients to avoid the risk of relapse and our center provides patients with a place where patients can be supported, educated, and understood without preconceived notions or judgement.

Individual Treatment Plans

No two detox experiences are exactly the same. The specific side-effects and their subsequent longevity will depend on the individual’s health, underlying mental issues and personal drug history. Our team takes special care to make a thorough assessment of each client as they arrive at the center. The Pine Tree Recovery Center team implements individual medical programs for each client by customizing medical practices that have been proven to succeed. At the same time our therapists devise a long-term support program to help the client take back control of their life and successfully continue on their path to full recovery and rehabilitation.

Our Easy Admissions Process

One of our main priorities is ensuring that every single step of the recovery process is as stress-free as possible for everyone involved. We understand that this is a brand new and entirely unfamiliar experience for most of our clients and their loved ones. For this reason, our team of compassionate and experienced treatment advisors walk you through every step – from the admissions process through long-term aftercare planning. Once you decide to commit to professional heroin addiction treatment, all you have to do is give us a call at (888) 693-1751 or submit this form online click here. Once you do, a treatment advisor conducts a brief evaluation over the phone, ultimately determining if our heroin detoxification program is the best fit for you and your unique needs and requirements. If it is determined that you will benefit from our program, we then conduct a free, no obligation insurance benefit check. Pine Tree Recovery Center accepts most major insurance providers, and there is a good chance that your entire treatment experience is partially or fully covered. If you are underinsured or uninsured, our Treatment Advisors will help you come up with another option. We believe that quality clinical care should be accessible to everyone that seeks it, regardless of financial capability.

Once the financial details are covered we set a date and a time for intake and formulate travel plans. The family members of each client are kept in the loop through the entire treatment process, communicating directly with an assigned case manager every step of the way. If you or someone you love has been grappling with a life-threatening heroin addiction, there are resources available. Simply give us a call and we will gladly walk you through all potential options. When you visit Pine Tree Recovery Center, you become part of our family. We are here to support you in your journey today, tomorrow, and for a lifetime of success. Give us a call 24/7 at (888) 693-1751 or complete the contact form below to speak with a Treatment Advisor that is standing by.