Heroin abuse, addiction, and withdrawal cause many side effects. However, one lesser-known symptom is hallucinations. Hallucinations can cause extreme distress, especially amidst the other severe withdrawal symptoms. Managing or preventing withdrawal symptoms, including heroin hallucinations, can be difficult. Finding a heroin detox program can provide professional help to ensure safety and comfort during detox.
If you or a loved one struggle with heroin addiction, there is no better time to get help than right now. Serenity House Detox & Recovery in Houston provides a calm, compassionate environment to help you on the road to recovery. Call 866.516.8356 today to make a comprehensive sobriety plan with our team.
What Are Heroin Hallucinations?
Hallucinations are perceived visions, sounds, or physical feelings of things that are not real. People with severe mental health conditions like schizophrenia might frequently have hallucinations, even without drug use. Heroin hallucinations occur during a period of drug use or withdrawal.
Heroin hallucinations commonly cause people to see or hear things like:
- Bugs crawling on their skin
- Snakes
- Spiders
- Lights
- Colors
These hallucinations can be very vivid and intense, causing a great deal of distress. Many people with heroin addiction report that these hallucinations are some of the most difficult withdrawal symptoms to manage.
What Causes Heroin Hallucinations?
The exact cause of heroin hallucinations is unknown. However, there are some theories about what causes these visions.
When a person uses drugs, it changes their brain chemistry. These changes can cause a range of symptoms, including changes in mood, behavior, and perception. People who frequently use drugs may be more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms and hallucinations.
Withdrawal symptoms happen when someone suddenly stops using drugs or alcohol after chronic use. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they typically peak a few days after the last drug use. Withdrawal symptoms are the body’s way of adjusting to the lack of drugs in the system.
Are Heroin Hallucinations Real?
No, people do not truly experience real insects or animals in hallucinations. These visions and sounds are a part of the brain’s response to the lack of heroin use and extreme withdrawal symptoms.
Heroin hallucinations can be confusing to people who struggle with addiction. Since hallucinations are not real, people may find it challenging to recognize that they are not in danger. It is important to remember that perceived people and things in hallucinations cannot cause harm.
How to Deal With Hallucinations
Dealing with hallucinations can be difficult. Many people find that the following methods help:
Identify the Source of Your Stress
Hallucinations are often caused by physical and mental stress. Identifying and managing the sources of stress in your life can help reduce the frequency and intensity of your hallucinations.
Focus on Your Breathing
Taking deep breaths and focusing on your breathing can help you calm down and manage stress.
Talk to Someone You Trust
Talking to a friend or family member about your hallucinations can help you feel less alone and more in control.
Seek Professional Help
If hallucinations are causing you a great deal of distress, consider seeking professional help. A therapist can provide support and guidance to help you manage your withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse.
If you are struggling with heroin hallucinations, know that you are not alone. Managing these intense side effects can be difficult, but many resources are available to help you on the road to recovery. One such resource is a heroin detox program, which provides professional support and specialized care during withdrawal.
Get Heroin Detox in Houston
Whether or not you experience hallucinations from heroin use, it’s essential to quit using and get treatment. Using heroin is very harmful to your health and can cause severe physical side effects. If you develop an addiction, you could also destroy your relationships and suffer financial ruin without intending to.
Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston is a drug detox center that can set you on the path to recovery. We assess your unique situation and personal needs when developing your customized treatment plan. Our programs utilize a range of evidence-based and holistic services, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Meditation therapy
- Yoga therapy
- Chiropractic care
Get the help you need to stop using heroin. Learn more about how to combat heroin hallucinations when you get treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery in Houston. Call 866.516.8356 today to get sober and stay that way.
