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Heroin Detox & Naltrexone FAQ

Q&A

Answers to your questions about heroin detox, Naltrexone treatment and recovery

Welcome to our heroin detox FAQ page. Here, you’ll find answers to your questions about heroin detox, Naltrexone treatment and recovery.

We’ve divided our Q&A into four sections: understanding detox, Naltrexone treatment, Naltrexone implants and injections, and cravings and potential risks. Our aim is to provide clear, straightforward information to help you better understand the  treatment process at our clinic  and your recovery options.

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Who are we?

Easy, Safe & Rapid Heroin Detox Clinic

Easy Heroin Detox is a clinic specialising in medically supervised detoxification from heroin and other opioids. We focus on providing a safe, confidential and personalised treatment experience, with your wellbeing, privacy and individual needs at the centre of our approach.

Understanding Opioid Detoxification

According to our patient questionnaire, 96% of patients reported experiencing no withdrawal symptoms during the detoxification process. The remaining 4% reported only mild symptoms, such as chills or feeling cold.

Above all, our aim is to make the detoxification process as comfortable and safe as possible, with appropriate medical support throughout the programme. If any discomfort or withdrawal symptoms occur, the medical team can assess the patient and provide appropriate treatment to prevent or stop withdrawals.

Patients also receive appropriate support for sleep and other symptoms when medically indicated.

During the heroin detoxification procedure, you will be sleeping for several hours under medical supervision. According to our patient questionnaire results, most patients do not experience noticeable withdrawal symptoms during the procedure.

When you wake up, you may feel relaxed and sleepy. For most patients, normal activities can gradually resume within a few hours, and you will be able to eat and drink.

In the evening, appropriate medication may be provided to help you sleep comfortably through the night, depending on your individual needs.

After the detox procedure, your body continues to eliminate any remaining traces of opioids. During this period, you will receive appropriate medical support and monitoring to help you remain comfortable.

If you experience any discomfort or withdrawal symptoms, you should inform your doctor so that appropriate medical assistance can be provided.

Follow-up drug testing may be carried out to assess whether opioids are still present and to help determine whether you are ready to begin Naltrexone treatment.

The completion of detox marks the beginning of the next stage of recovery. If you choose additional protection against opioid relapse, Naltrexone maintenance may be started following an appropriate medical assessment.

Mild withdrawal symptoms may occur if the patient's reported opioid intake is lower than their actual use. This can affect the preparation and medical support planned for the detoxification process.

In addition, withdrawal symptoms may also be affected by the use of other substances or medications, including methadone, buprenorphine (Subutex or Suboxone), morphine, benzodiazepines or crack. The use of multiple substances can make detoxification more complex, which is why it is important to provide the medical team with complete and accurate information about everything you are taking.

Please inform the medical team about your opioid use, other substances or medications you take, and any relevant health conditions during the preliminary assessment. This allows the detoxification programme to be planned according to your individual circumstances.  Heroin detox FAQ continues.

 

The results of the detoxification process are assessed several times towards the end of the treatment programme. Drug testing can be used to check for the presence of opioids and help the doctor determine whether you are ready for Naltrexone treatment.

Before Naltrexone is started, our doctor will assess your medical history, recent opioid use and current condition. Where appropriate, a Naltrexone challenge or other clinical assessment may also be used to help determine whether it is safe to proceed.

Once the doctor has confirmed that you are ready for Naltrexone, you can have an implant, injection or oral Naltrexone, depending on the treatment plan and individual circumstances.

Detoxification from methadone, buprenorphine (Subutex or Suboxone) and other long-acting opioids can be more prolonged and may require a different treatment approach than detoxification from heroin.

Because methadone and other long-acting opioid medications remain in the body for longer, withdrawal may last longer and can require closer medical management. At our clinic, a comfortable methadone detoxification programme takes at least 9 days.

The duration of detoxification varies depending on the substance used, the dose, how long it has been taken and the patient's individual circumstances.

Most people need some time to adjust after opioid detoxification. Although the acute withdrawal phase may have passed, some people may experience tiredness, changes in sleep, low mood, anxiety, restlessness or heroin cravings. The intensity and duration of these symptoms vary from person to person.

Some people may also experience withdrawal-like or “false withdrawal” symptoms after the acute withdrawal period has ended. These can be triggered by stress, emotions, memories, people or places associated with previous drug use. They may feel similar to withdrawal even though the body is no longer physically dependent on the drug.

Cravings and withdrawal-like symptoms can sometimes be difficult to manage. If they occur, contact your medical team so that appropriate medical and relapse-prevention support can be provided.

It is also important to understand that opioid tolerance decreases after detoxification. If opioid use is resumed, the amount previously tolerated may now cause an overdose. Returning to previous opioid doses can therefore be extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.

Continued medical, psychological and relapse-prevention support after detoxification can help patients maintain abstinence and reduce these risks.

The rapid opioid detox is a rather complex and delicate process. Heroin, methadone, subutex valium, alcohol, crack etc. might cause specific problems, in different combinations, during the detox. We require exact and precise information about the daily substance intake. Additional medical procedures and medicines will be required as necessary.

Our detoxification programme is designed to provide a comfortable, personalised experience tailored to each patient's individual circumstances. The programme is carried out under medical supervision by a team of doctors with expertise in different areas of medicine.

We focus on minimising withdrawal symptoms and providing appropriate medical support throughout the detoxification process, with the aim of making treatment as safe and comfortable as possible.

Our rapid opioid programme is also designed to offer an affordable option for patients seeking medically supervised opioid detoxification in UK and Europe.

The Easy Heroin Detox programme starts from £1,200. The final cost depends on the individual treatment plan and services required.

Yes. A refund may be requested before the medical procedure begins if a client changes their mind, cancels the procedure or decides to postpone it.

Once the medical detoxification process has started, however, refunds are no longer available.

Introduction to Naltrexone Treatment

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist. It binds to opioid receptors and blocks the effects of opioid drugs such as heroin and other opioids. As a result, taking opioids while receiving Naltrexone generally prevents them from producing their usual effects.

Naltrexone has been available as an oral medication for decades. Oral Naltrexone needs to be taken regularly, and adherence can be difficult for some patients. Missing doses can leave a person without the protection provided by Naltrexone and may increase the risk of returning to opioid use.

For patients who may find daily medication difficult to maintain, a long-acting Naltrexone implant may provide continued opioid receptor blockade without the need to remember a tablet every day. The most appropriate form of Naltrexone treatment depends on the individual's circumstances and medical assessment.

We recommend considering longer-term Naltrexone treatment as part of a comprehensive relapse-prevention programme. Continuing treatment can provide additional time to establish a stable, drug-free lifestyle and work on the psychological and behavioural aspects of recovery.

Naltrexone induction can begin once the patient has completed opioid detoxification and the doctor has confirmed that it is appropriate to start treatment. This assessment may include drug testing, a review of the patient's recent opioid use and clinical assessment of withdrawal and physical dependence.

As a general guideline, Naltrexone maintenance may be considered from around 8 days after the last heroin use or around 20 days after the last methadone use. The required opioid-free period can vary between individuals and may be longer depending on the opioid used, the dose, duration of use and the patient's clinical condition.

Naltrexone should not be started while a person is physically dependent on opioids, as doing so can precipitate acute withdrawal. The final decision to begin Naltrexone treatment should therefore be made by the treating doctor following an appropriate medical assessment.

Methadone and buprenorphine are opioid medicines used as part of opioid substitution treatment. They activate opioid receptors and can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while supporting people in reducing or stopping illicit opioid use.

Naltrexone works differently. It is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors rather than activating them. It does not produce opioid effects and is used after an appropriate period of opioid abstinence and detoxification.

The choice between opioid substitution treatment and Naltrexone treatment depends on the individual's circumstances, treatment goals and medical assessment. For people who have completed detoxification and want to maintain opioid abstinence, Naltrexone can be part of a longer-term relapse-prevention programme.

Our medical team can discuss the available options and help you determine which approach may be appropriate for you.

Naltrexone is an opioid antagonist that blocks opioid receptors in the brain. It prevents opioids such as heroin and other opioids from producing their usual effects by blocking their ability to activate these receptors.

If a person uses an opioid while Naltrexone is active, the medication blocks its opioid effects. This removes the usual opioid reward and can provide an additional barrier against relapse.

Naltrexone may also help some people manage cravings during recovery. However, it does not eliminate the risk of relapse on its own and works best as part of a broader recovery and relapse-prevention plan.

If Naltrexone is started before a person has completed an appropriate period of opioid abstinence, it can cause sudden and severe withdrawal symptoms. This is why it is important to complete a medically supervised opioid detoxification and undergo the appropriate assessment and drug testing before Naltrexone treatment begins.

Our medical team assesses each patient before Naltrexone induction to help ensure that treatment is started at the appropriate time. If withdrawal symptoms or other concerning reactions occur, they should be treated under appropriate medical supervision.

Like any medication, Naltrexone can cause unwanted side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Some patients may experience tiredness, weakness, dizziness, abdominal discomfort or changes in mood.

These effects are often temporary, particularly during the initial period of treatment. We recommend taking some rest during the first day of Naltrexone maintenance and contacting your GP or treating doctor if you experience persistent, severe or concerning symptoms.

Your doctor will discuss the potential side effects of Naltrexone with you before treatment and advise you about what to do if they occur.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a685041.html

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/naltrexone-side-effects.html)

Understanding Naltrexone Implants and Injections

A Naltrexone "chip" can be inserted after the opioid detoxification process has been completed and the appropriate drug tests and medical assessments have confirmed that the patient is ready to begin Naltrexone treatment.

A trained, licensed surgeon performs the implant insertion under the skin. Your doctor will provide information about the procedure, wound care and any precautions to follow afterwards.

As with any minor surgical procedure, Naltrexone blocker  insertion carries some potential risks. According to our clinic's experience, side effects and local reactions occur in fewer than 8% of patients. These may include irritation, inflammation, infection or skin problems around the implant site.

Most local reactions can be managed with appropriate medical treatment. Your doctor or nurse will provide instructions on wound care and monitor the implant site to help identify and treat any complications promptly.

 

Naltrexone injections or Vivitrol can cause side effects, including pain, tenderness or irritation at the injection site. Allergic reactions are uncommon but can occur.

A trained medical professional should administer the injection. Using appropriate infection-control procedures is a must! This helps minimise the risk of infection and other injection-related complications.

If you experience signs of an allergic reaction or any severe or unusual symptoms after the injection, seek immediate medical attention. Your medical team can advise you about the appropriate treatment and follow-up.

The biodegradable Naltrexone implant is designed to gradually break down and be absorbed by the body. Therefore, depending on the type of implant and individual factors, some residual material may remain under the skin for a period after its opioid-blocking effect has ended.

The rate at which an implant breaks down can vary between patients. Factors such as local inflammation, the formation of tissue around the implant and individual differences in how the biodegradable material is broken down may affect how quickly it disappears.

Patients should never attempt to heat, crush, damage or remove the implant themselves, as this can cause injury, infection or other complications. Therefore, if there is a problem with the implant, or if a patient wants it removed, they should contact their doctor. Surgical removal can be considered when medically appropriate.

If a patient wishes to continue Naltrexone maintenance after the implant has reached the end of its effective period, the doctor can assess the most appropriate next treatment option.

It depends on the cause of the reaction. An allergic or other adverse reaction to a Naltrexone implant does not automatically mean that Naltrexone tablets will be suitable.

The implant and oral Naltrexone may contain different inactive ingredients, but a reaction to the active ingredient itself could also occur with oral treatment. Therefore, patients who experience a suspected allergic reaction to an implant should be assessed by a doctor before taking further Naltrexone.

Your doctor can determine the likely cause of the reaction and advise whether oral Naltrexone or another treatment option is appropriate.

An allergic or local reaction does not necessarily mean that the Naltrexone implant has stopped working. If the implant remains in place and is releasing Naltrexone as intended, its opioid-blocking effect may continue.

However, the impact of a reaction depends on its cause and severity. If there is significant inflammation, infection or another complication, the treating doctor should assess the implant and determine whether it is safe and appropriate to leave it in place.

Therefore, patients experiencing a suspected allergic reaction or other complication should contact their doctor promptly rather than attempting to treat or remove the implant themselves.

  1. After the Naltrexone implant has been inserted, it is important to follow the postoperative instructions provided by your medical team.

    • Attend a medical facility for regular wound dressing and surgical follow-up appointments.
    • Keep the dressing clean and dry. Do not soak the wound in a bath or otherwise submerge it in water. If you shower, protect the wound to keep it dry as advised by your medical team.
    • Avoid intense physical activity and sports that involve the muscles around the implant site.
    • Do not carry or lift more than 10 kg during the recommended recovery period.
    • Avoid alcohol for at least 4 weeks after implantation, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
    • Have the stitches removed at the recommended time, normally around the 8th to 10th day.
    • If you notice increasing pain, redness, swelling, discharge, fever or any other signs of a possible complication, contact your doctor promptly.

    If you have any concerns about the implant or your recovery, contact your treating doctor or our clinic for advice.

Dealing with Cravings and Potential Risks

Heroin cravings can occur during recovery, particularly after exposure to people, places or situations associated with previous drug use. They may be accompanied by emotional tension, restlessness or a strong urge to use heroin.

If heroin cravings develop, contact your treating doctor or our clinic rather than acting on the urge to use drugs. Your doctor can assess whether your Naltrexone treatment is still providing the intended opioid blockade and whether additional treatment or support is appropriate.

Depending on your individual situation, your recovery plan may include additional medical support, psychological support or an anti-craving programme. In some cases, your doctor may consider an additional Naltrexone treatment, such as an implant or depot injection, if clinically appropriate.

The body’s reaction depends on the opiate drug type, dosage, and individual receptors’ sensitivity at that very moment of his abstinence etc. A patient might not feel any effect from the drug or may feel very weak sensations. Worst case scenario, he may suffer an overdose with a high risk to his life.

Naltrexone is designed to block the effects of opioids such as heroin by blocking opioid receptors. However, attempting to overcome this blockade by taking larger amounts of opioids is extremely dangerous and can result in serious poisoning, respiratory depression or fatal overdose.

Patients should never attempt to override or defeat the Naltrexone blockade. Increasing the opioid dose does not provide a safe way to overcome Naltrexone and can put your life at serious risk.

If you are experiencing strong cravings or feel that you may return to opioid use despite Naltrexone treatment, contact your medical team. Additional medical, psychological or relapse-prevention support may be available.

Some patients may become determined to stop Naltrexone treatment before the implant has reached the end of its intended period of effectiveness. Attempting to interfere with, damage or remove an implant without medical supervision can cause serious complications, including infection, tissue damage and other injuries.

Patients should never attempt to remove, damage or interfere with the implant themselves. If you no longer wish to continue Naltrexone treatment, or if you are experiencing a problem with the implant, speak to your doctor.

If removal is medically appropriate, a qualified medical professional can assess the implant and discuss safe removal and alternative treatment options with you.

atients should receive clear and honest information about Naltrexone treatment, including its benefits, limitations and potential risks. Understanding how Naltrexone works and what to expect can help patients make informed decisions about their recovery.

Naltrexone should not be viewed as a permanent or guaranteed solution to opioid addiction. There is no single treatment that works for everyone, and recovery usually requires ongoing medical, psychological and behavioural support.

A Naltrexone implant can be one part of a comprehensive relapse-prevention programme. Patients should follow their doctor's recommendations and seek medical advice if they experience problems with the implant, strong cravings or concerns about returning to opioid use.

The risk of opioid overdose can increase after a period of abstinence, including after Naltrexone treatment has ended. This is because regular opioid use can lead to tolerance, and tolerance decreases when a person stops using opioids.

When the effects of Naltrexone wear off, a person may have significantly lower opioid tolerance than before treatment. Returning to the amount of heroin or another opioid previously used can therefore result in a severe or fatal overdose.

Patients should understand that there is no reliably safe way to return to their previous opioid dose after a period of abstinence. Attempting to overcome the Naltrexone blockade by taking larger amounts of opioids can also cause a potentially fatal overdose.

If you are concerned about returning to opioid use after Naltrexone treatment, speak to your doctor or treatment team before using opioids. Continuing appropriate relapse-prevention and recovery support can help reduce this risk.

es. Although Naltrexone can provide an important barrier against opioid use, it does not eliminate cravings or guarantee that a person will not relapse. Some patients may experience strong cravings or decide to return to opioid use while the implant is still active.

Attempting to overcome or “wear out” the Naltrexone blockade by taking opioids is extremely dangerous. Taking larger amounts in an attempt to overcome the blockade can result in serious poisoning, respiratory depression and potentially fatal overdose.

Naltrexone treatment is not a guarantee against relapse. Before treatment, patients should receive clear information about its benefits, limitations and potential risks so that they can make an informed decision.

If a patient develops strong cravings or feels that they may return to opioid use, they should contact their medical team for additional medical and psychological support rather than attempting to overcome the Naltrexone blockade.

We recommend considering Naltrexone treatment for at least 12 months as part of a longer-term relapse-prevention programme following opioid detoxification.

Continuing Naltrexone treatment can provide ongoing protection against the effects of opioids while giving patients time to establish a stable, drug-free lifestyle and work on the psychological and behavioural aspects of recovery.

The appropriate duration of treatment varies from person to person and should be discussed with the treating doctor based on the patient's circumstances, recovery progress and risk of relapse.

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