Heroin is one of the most addictive illicit drugs. It creates powerful cravings and withdrawal symptoms after just one use. The release of dopamine-mimicking chemicals overloads your body. It begins changing the brain”s chemical makeup to where it requires heroin and will produce painful symptoms until you satisfy that demand.
It will take a heroin addiction treatment program to get through the painful withdrawal symptoms and restore your body to normal. If you are searching for a drug abuse treatment program to help you overcome your heroin addiction, our recovery center in New England can help. At Chapters Recovery Center, we offer outpatient addiction treatment programs to help you get through your withdrawal symptoms.
You can then begin working on the underlying issue behind your addiction. With the skills and life lessons you learn, you will gain control of your addiction and get your life back. If you or someone you know is struggling with heroin addiction, call today to learn more about our heroin addiction treatment program in New England.
What is Heroin?
Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine which is a natural substance taken directly from the seed pod of the various opium poppy plants grown in Southwest and Southeast Asia, Columbia, and Mexico. It can come in brown or white powder or even black tar. People use Heroin by sniffing, snorting, injecting, or smoking it. Some individuals mix Heroin with crack cocaine, and this process is called speedballing.
How Does Heroin Affect the Brain and Body?
Heroin binds to and activates specific receptors in a person’s brain called mu-opioid receptors. Our bodies naturally contain occurring chemicals which are called neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters bind to these receptors throughout an individual’s body and brain to regulate the following:
- Feelings of well-being
- Hormone release
- Pain
When the MOR’s are activated in a person’s reward center of their brain, they stimulate the release of the neurotransmitter called dopamine. Therefore, causing a reinforcement of the drug-taking behavior. The actual consequences of activating opioid receptors along with externally administered opioids like Heroin instead of naturally occurring chemicals in our bodies depend on the below various factors:
- How much is used
- Where exactly in the body and brain it binds to
- How strongly it binds and for how long it binds
- How quickly it gets there
- Lastly, what happens afterward
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Addiction/Withdrawal?
The signs and symptoms of a Heroin addiction will vary for each individual based on the following factors:
- The genetic makeup
- Amount of drug used
- Frequency of use
- Dependency on drug
Heroin Addiction Symptoms
- Irritability and agitation
- Hostility towards others
- Avoiding loved ones
- Lying about drug use
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Euphoria
- Anxiety
- Possession of needles, syringes, missing shoelaces, glass pipes, burned spoons
- Stashing drugs in various places around the car, work, and home
- Bruises or scabs as the result of the picking at the skin
- Slurred speech
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
- Weight loss
- Delusions
- Periods of hyperactivity then followed by periods of exhaustion
- A decline in academic or occupational performance
- Inability to fulfill responsibilities at school or work
- Decreased attention to personal hygiene
- Lack of motivation and apathy
- Shortness of breath
- Slurred speech
- Paranoia
- Wearing long shorts and pants, even in warm weather
- Going “on the nod” during conversations
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Track marks on legs and arms
- Forced, pressured speech
- Warm, flushed skin
- Constricted pupils
- Extreme itching
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
When individuals are addicted to Heroin, they not only become physically dependent on the substance but become also terrified to stop engaging in Heroin use for fear of the symptoms they may experience after they stop using. The withdrawal symptoms from Heroin can develop as soon as use is stopped within a few hours. When an individual is undergoing withdrawal from long-term Heroin use, dependence is more at risk of serious complications happening.
- Death can occur when there are other medical conditions present
- Extreme pain in bones and muscles
- Feelings of heaviness on the body
- Severe pains and muscle aches
- Intense craving for Heroin
- Cramping in the limbs
- Nausea and vomiting
- Extreme sweating
- Runny nose
- Cold sweats
- Crying jags
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Fever
What to Look for in a Heroin Addiction Treatment Program in New England
An effective heroin addiction treatment program will treat the physical and mental side of addiction to give you the best chances of recovery. Addiction is a mental health illness, and many people believe they are in the clear if they get over the withdrawal symptoms. An effective heroin addiction treatment program will include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
Heroin addiction affects more than just yourself. Your family has also suffered and can benefit from learning more about addiction and how difficult it can be to overcome it. By focusing on a therapeutic approach to your heroin addiction, you stand a better chance at life-long sobriety.
Heroin Addiction Treatment Program
A heroin addiction treatment program can last from 45 – 90 days, depending on the severity of the addiction. Clients will stay in a warm, safe environment conducive to their recovery. They’ll also have access to trained staff that will do all they can to make clients feel comfortable and encourage them to work on their addiction recovery through the various therapy options.
A heroin addiction treatment program is best for those who tried quitting independently but failed and want a more structured treatment option. This treatment removes the individual from all of the temptations and triggers in their life.
What Types of Treatment and Therapy Are Available for Heroin Addiction?
There are various treatment and therapy options in a heroin rehab program. The most successful options that have been deemed to be effective in Heroin addiction treatment are:
- Medical applications and devices utilized to treat withdrawal symptoms or deliver skills training
- Long-term follow-up plan to prevent relapse
- Behavioral counseling
- Medication
Outpatient Treatment Program
Many individuals cannot take time away from work or home for an extended period. In such cases, there are outpatient treatment options for heroin rehab program in Massachusetts. These programs will work with your busy schedule while giving you the help and support you need to maintain your sobriety.
Depending on the treatment program best suited for your heroin addiction treatment, outpatient treatment options include daily or weekly meetings where you will talk with therapists and peers about the continuing struggles of heroin addiction.
Benefits of a Heroin Addiction Treatment Program
The withdrawal symptoms from drug or alcohol addiction make most people fail when they try to recover from addiction alone. Heroin is one of the most difficult drugs to withdraw from, and when you relapse, you put yourself at a higher risk of overdose or death. By enrolling in a heroin addiction treatment program in New England, you will:
- Have the support of trained staff and peers
- A better understanding of your addiction
- Less risk of relapse
- A new positive outlook on life
- New coping skills for life-long sobriety
You don’t have to live with addiction any more. Reach out to Chapters Recovery Center today.
Seek Treatment at Chapters Recovery Center
Heroin is a dangerous drug that is highly addictive and can disrupt your life and those around you. When you are ready to get control of your life back and get a handle on your heroin addiction before it is too late, call Chapters Recovery Center.