People across the country use heroin every day. Contrary to common belief, many heroin users live relatively normal lives. While many people may experiment with heroin in their teens or twenties, heroin addiction is more common among people thirty and older. Unfortunately, heroin is a highly addictive opioid with a high risk of overdose. A heroin addiction treatment program is the best way to get help for heroin addiction.
If you or someone you love is using heroin, don’t wait. Instead, start a heroin rehab program today. Call Silicon Beach Treatment Center now to learn more about our comprehensive outpatient heroin addiction treatment programs. Reach our staff at [Direct] today to get started.
Common Signs of Heroin Abuse and Addiction
Heroin is a popular white powder derived from the opium poppy. Originally made for hospital use in the late 19th century, heroin is now illegal. Once heroin enters the bloodstream through snorting, injecting, or smoking, it converts to morphine in the bloodstream. Morphine blocks pain receptors and causes the euphoric feeling that makes heroin so popular. The more frequently someone uses heroin, the more they will need to achieve the same high. Heroin tolerance builds quickly, making addiction and overdose common. When a person becomes addicted to heroin, they need more heroin every 6 to 12 hours to avoid withdrawal. Signs of heroin addiction include:
- Mood swings
- Scabs from skin picking
- Dry mouth
- Weight loss
- Hallucinations
- Lack of motivation
- Delusions
Over time, heroin and other opiates change the brain’s chemistry. It becomes impossible for the brain to produce dopamine and other naturally occurring chemicals. Attempting to quit heroin use cold turkey can lead to relapse, overdose, and self-harming behavior. Opioid withdrawal is often called dope sickness. During dope sickness, willpower is not enough to avoid a return to using heroin. The person may turn to heroin or another drug or display reckless behavior because the brain believes it needs heroin to survive. This is a natural survival reaction that needs the support of an addiction treatment center.
When Is It Time to Get Help for Heroin Addiction?
Withdrawal symptoms are a sign it’s time to seek heroin addiction treatment. These are the common signs of withdrawal:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Vomiting or nausea
- Self-harming behavior
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Cravings
- Anger or violence
- Unpredictable behavior
Heroin addiction treatment programs provide safe and effective detox support. Both residential and outpatient programs give clients the medical and psychological care they need for safe recovery. Many programs include dual diagnosis to help clients understand and manage mood disorders that affect addiction. Programs may also include medically assisted detox and medication management to slowly ween the brain and body off of opiates. These medications can reduce the risk of relapse and increase the program’s success. Attempting to quit heroin cold turkey can be very dangerous. Dope sickness often leads to overdose and sometimes death.
Get Addiction Treatment Today at Silicon Beach Treatment Center
Today, the United States is in the middle of an opioid crisis. While many believe prescription opioids pose the largest danger, heroin is still commonly used across the country. If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin, know you are not alone. Do not attempt overcome addiction alone. Call the team at Silicon Beach Treatment Center for the support you need.
With a range of outpatient programs and mental health treatment, the Silicon Beach Treatment Center team has over a decade of experience in mental health and addiction treatment. With family programs, crisis intervention, and sober living programs, Silicon Beach is here to help people regain independence. Call us now at [Direct] to learn more about our heroin rehab programs and get started today.
