Why Is Heroin Addictive?
Individuals often start by misusing prescription opioids and then transition to heroin due to its lower cost and easier accessibility. Heroin works the same as other opioids by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and triggering a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of pleasure and euphoria.
This intense rush of pleasure is what makes heroin so addictive, as the brain begins to associate the drug with this intense sense of reward. With repeated use, you have heroin cravings because the brain becomes dependent on the drug to produce these feelings. The brain structure may also change, which is why substance abuse is seen as a brain disease rather than a moral failure. These changes lead to psychological and physical dependence.
The good news is that you can find a heroin addiction treatment center that will help you break free from substance abuse issues. You can build a life you’re excited about. All you need is to get the right help and support.
Dangers of Heroin Use
Aside from its highly addictive nature, using heroin carries a range of potential dangers and health risks similar to those found with other opioid use disorders. These include:
- Overdose: Due to the unpredictable potency of street heroin and the tendency of dealers to mix the drug with fentanyl, users are at a high risk of accidental overdose. This can result in respiratory depression and even death. If you suspect someone has overdosed, contact emergency services right away and administer naloxone (Narcan) if you have it. Keep in mind the effect of naloxone is temporary, so contacting medical services is still essential.
- Infectious diseases: Sharing needles or injecting equipment are risk factors that can lead to the transmission of blood-borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis.
- Organ damage: Chronic use can cause damage to the heart, liver, and kidneys.
- Mental health issues: Long-term use has been linked to an increased risk of mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
- Other health problems: Heroin use has also been associated with a range of other health problems, including collapsed veins from when individuals inject heroin, abscesses, skin infections, and damage to a person’s blood vessels.
Common Signs of Heroin Withdrawal
When a person becomes physically dependent on heroin, stopping or reducing use can result in withdrawal symptoms. The physical symptoms, as well as emotional and psychological symptoms, can vary in severity and may include the following:
The mental and physical aspects of heroin withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable and may lead to relapse if not managed properly. Seeking professional help at a heroin addiction treatment center can help ensure a safe and successful detox process and lead to long-term recovery.
- Muscle and bone pain
- Nausea, vomiting, and cramping
- Anxiety and restlessness
- Intense drug cravings
- Depression and irritability
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and body aches
How Long Does Heroin Addiction Treatment Take?
The duration of heroin addiction treatment can vary depending on individual circumstances and needs. Typically, the detox process may take anywhere from a few days to a week or more, while the overall length of treatment may range from several weeks to several months.
It is essential to remember that recovery from heroin addiction is an ongoing process and requires commitment and dedication. Treatment may involve various stages, including detox, therapy, and aftercare support services to help individuals get sober and stay sober long-term.
Get The Care You Need and Deserve
Woburn Addiction Treatment is a leader in the addiction treatment field, with proven success in facilitating long-term recovery. Our team of top clinical & medical experts specializes in treating addiction coupled with mental illness, ensuring that each person receives individualized care. Call us – we’re available 24/day, 7 days/week.
Substance Abuse Treatment for Heroin Addiction
Successful treatment for heroin addiction often involves a multi-step treatment process that includes medication-assisted therapy, counseling, and behavioral therapies. Counseling and therapy are also effective treatments for substance addiction, especially since co-occurring mental health disorders are common alongside addiction.
Therapy can help individuals address the underlying issues and triggers that led to heroin addiction, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and learn relapse prevention strategies.
You may start in a residential addiction treatment center and then move to an outpatient program like intensive outpatient treatment. Each person’s treatment path will be unique.
Medical Detox to Treat Heroin Addiction
As the first step of addiction treatment, individuals may need to undergo heroin detox. Medically supervised detox involves tapering off heroin use in an addiction treatment center while receiving medical supervision to manage symptoms of withdrawal.
The length of detox will vary from person to person based on their usage. For instance, if you have been using heroin for several years or if your body is adapted to higher dosages, you are more likely to experience a longer detox process than someone who’s only just started using.
Generally speaking, the withdrawal process will begin within 6-12 hours of the last dose. Symptoms are generally most intense between one and three days into detox, and then they begin to subside.
After 10 days, the symptoms are generally gone, and detox is over. If symptoms persist after fourteen days, be sure to follow up with a doctor. You may be experiencing PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome), or you may have other complications.
Medical detox can sometimes be done in an outpatient heroin addiction treatment center using medication-assisted treatment. It is crucial to seek professional help for heroin addiction treatment, as attempting to quit cold turkey on your own can be dangerous and increase the risk of overdose.
Inpatient Heroin Addiction Treatment
Inpatient or residential treatment involves living at a treatment center for a designated period, typically between 30-90 days. Inpatient care provides round-the-clock support and structure for individuals in the early stages of substance abuse treatment.
Inpatient disorder treatment programs can be helpful for those with severe drug abuse disorders and for those who are also struggling with co-occurring mental health disorders. Individual and group therapy along with outings, recreation, and exercise during residential treatment address your needs as a whole person rather than only focusing on your drug addiction.
Treatment For Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders
During inpatient rehab, you will receive highly structured and intensive treatment. This provides a great opportunity for integrated care that addresses both mental health and substance use.
Treatment is provided in individual, group, and family therapy. There are multiple evidence-based approaches that can help with both mental health and addiction.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A type of talk therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): A form of CBT that focuses on developing skills to manage intense emotions and improve relationships. It can also help those with co-occurring substance addiction and mental illness.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): A therapy that helps individuals accept difficult thoughts and emotions while committing to making positive changes in their lives.
- Holistic therapies: Complementary therapies such as yoga, meditation, and acupuncture can also be beneficial for managing stress, promoting relaxation, and improving overall well-being during addiction treatment.
- Medication management: If you have a co-occurring mental health disorder, you may also need mental health medication to support your ongoing treatment.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Outpatient programs allow individuals to live at home while attending treatment sessions during the day. This option may be more suitable for those with less severe addiction or responsibilities such as work or family commitments. Types of outpatient services include:
- Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): Often, a full-day program similar to inpatient treatment for heroin and other substances, but individuals return home at night.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Structured substance use disorder treatment during the day with more flexibility than PHP.
- Outpatient Counseling: Traditional outpatient treatment includes regular therapy sessions for ongoing support and relapse prevention.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for Heroin Addiction
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) combines medications with group counseling and emotional support to treat opioid addiction. MAT has been shown to be an effective treatment for reducing the risk of relapse and improving overall treatment outcomes for heroin addiction.
Some common medications used in MAT for heroin addiction include:
- Methadone: A long-acting opioid agonist that can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Buprenorphine: A partial opioid agonist that can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Naltrexone: An opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of heroin and other opioids, making relapse less likely.
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating heroin substance addiction. Each individual may require a unique combination of therapeutic modalities, and it’s essential to work closely with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized recovery process that meets their specific needs.
The Importance of Aftercare in Heroin Addiction Treatment
After completing a treatment program for opioid use disorder, it’s crucial to continue receiving ongoing support and care to prevent relapse. The first step is to make sure you live in a substance-free environment.
Aftercare support can include participation in support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), individual therapy sessions, and regular check-ins with a healthcare professional. Peer support groups can be especially helpful because you’ll connect to others going through the same things you are.
Aftercare services can also help individuals address any challenges or triggers that may arise during their recovery journey. It’s essential to have a strong support system in place to maintain sobriety while recovering from substance use disorder.
Seeking Heroin Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts
If you or a loved one is struggling to stop using an addictive drug such as heroin, it may be time to seek professional help. With the right treatment programs and support, recovery from drug use is possible, and individuals can lead healthy and fulfilling lives free from heroin abuse.
At Woburn Addiction Treatment, our team of medical professionals is dedicated to providing personalized and comprehensive care for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. This treatment is provided in a safe and supportive environment that helps you focus on addiction recovery. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help and support if you or someone you know is battling addiction.
We are happy to provide more information about our treatment options, including medical detox, MAT, mental health care, and therapeutic services. Recovery is possible, and we are here to help every step of the way. Remember, you are not alone in this journey towards a healthier and happier life. Let’s take the first step together.
