Heroin addiction is a devastating condition that affects physical and mental wellness. It causes severe complications that can hinder current and future life. There are known dangers of abusing this substance, but heroin addiction treatment and other interventions can help mitigate the problem. Below are several facts about heroin addiction and how to treat it:
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Facts About Heroin Addiction
There are many known facts about heroin addiction, including the following:
Poses Health Risks
Excessive heroin use can cause respiratory problems, heart infections, vein sclerosis, liver or kidney disease, or death. It can also result in miscarriage or low birth weight in pregnant women. The addiction alters the brain chemistry, causing cognitive impairment, memory loss, and poor decision-making. The drug affects the brain’s pain and pleasure centers, causing a rush of euphoria that is eventually followed by many negative side effects.
Acts as a Gateway Drug
Heroin addiction may encourage a progression toward different drugs, including other opioids or mixed heroin batches. Heroin binds the mu-opioid receptors, triggering dopamine release and generating pleasurable sensations. It produces an intense euphoria which may entice people to experiment with other opioids for an additional high. Prescription opioids can be hard to obtain, and addiction may push users to a cheaper or more easily accessible drug or form of heroin. Users may eventually demand more potent substances to achieve their desired effects.
Develops Tolerance and Causes Withdrawal Symptoms
Continuous heroin accustoms the body to the drug’s presence, necessitating higher doses after every use. Users may gradually increase the dosage, eventually consuming lethal amounts while looking to remain high. When the affected person tries to stop or reduce heroin use, they may encounter distressing withdrawal symptoms, such as intense cravings, muscle aches and pains, restlessness, vomiting, and insomnia.
How To Treat It
While heroin addiction is a complex condition, there are treatments available. Here are several potential treatment options:
Rehabilitation
There are various types of rehabilitation programs. An in-patient rehab center applies a structured approach to manage the physical, social, and psychological effects of addiction. Admitted individuals can access heroin addiction treatment and social support in a controlled environment offering professional care. They can begin to understand the causes of their addiction and develop valuable coping mechanisms.
Outpatient rehab allows individuals to get treatment while living at home. It typically includes counseling sessions, community resources, and support services. Rehabilitation programs can be part of a comprehensive treatment plan for heroin addiction.
Medication
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses medication to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Methadone and Buprenorphine address withdrawal challenges and reduce cravings. Naltrexone blocks the brain’s opioid receptors, reducing pleasurable heroin effects and physiologic dependence. These medications help stabilize the users’ lives and prevent the highs and lows of heroin use. Medication manages the heroin addiction symptoms, allowing the individual to detoxify and focus on long-term recovery.
Therapy
Individual therapy focuses on a private setting where individuals can work with a therapist to address heroin addiction. It is personalized and anchored on specific circumstances, allowing self-reflection, counseling, and knowledge development on the leading causes of addiction. The therapist helps to identify triggers, create coping mechanisms, and identify healthier methods of managing cravings and emotional challenges.
Group therapy encourages connection using a supportive and empathetic environment. These sessions expose users to relatable experiences to help reduce feelings of isolation and encourage collective problem-solving. Individuals may gain valuable insights from shared stories.
Seek Heroin Addiction Treatment Today
Heroin addiction can cause many adverse health effects and may require a personalized treatment plan. You can learn more about possible reasons for addiction and how to combat them using free resources or professional help. If you’re struggling with addiction, consider contacting a heroin addiction treatment center to help fight your addiction.