Heroin addiction, or opioid use disorder, is characterized by a compulsive desire to continuously abuse heroin, even when the individual knows the health consequences. Unfortunately, heroin use is common in the United States, contributing significantly to the opioid crisis.
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If you or someone you know has a problem with heroin use, you may wonder what the next step to take is. The good news is that there are excellent heroin addiction treatment programs that can help people get through the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and learn better coping skills to live a long life of sobriety.
About Our Arizona Heroin Rehab Center
Here at Recovery in the Pines, we offer a comprehensive heroin addiction treatment program that focuses on healing the body, mind, and spirit. Here is what to expect when you choose our care.
Individualized Care
We know that every person who seeks treatment for a substance abuse disorder (like heroin addiction) is a unique individual. That is why we offer highly tailored treatments that take into account everything from a client’s medical history to co-occurring disorders that require treatment at the same time. With this, you can expect better outcomes.
A Christian Discipleship Recovery Model
We are a faith-based heroin addiction treatment rehab that blends evidence-based therapies with teachings from the Bible. We do this with our unique twelve-step discipleship recovery model, which involves plenty of structure and supervision. We have an incredible team that will guide you through each step, helping you live a life in the path of God. With Jesus Christ as your spiritual guide, you can achieve incredible things.
A Supportive Community
As soon as you step into our heroin addiction treatment center in Arizona, expect to be welcomed with open arms. We are proud to have created an incredibly supportive community of individuals who all want the best for one another. You will never feel alone.
Medical Supervision
Individuals with a heroin use disorder often worry about the painful process of detoxification. Rest assured, our treatment team will be there every step of the way to treat your heroin addiction, minimizing symptoms with medications and providing a safe and comfortable place to rest.
A Robust Schedule
Our biggest goal with our heroin addiction treatment program is facilitating a long-term recovery in our clients. One of the ways we do this is by implementing a robust schedule – one that keeps our clients busy during their stay with us. This recovery journey is enlightening and pushes you out of your comfort zone. You will attend therapy sessions (including group and individual therapy), work out with personal trainers, and attend Bible study. Each day will bring something new while pushing you closer to a sober life.
A Breathtaking Location
The environment you stand in plays a pivotal role in your mental state. We understand that, which is why we chose the beautiful location of Prescott, Arizona for our drug and alcohol addiction treatment center. We treat heroin addiction while surrounded by rolling mountains, gentle streams, grand lakes, and exciting wildlife. When you are in such a stunning location, you’ll feel a new lease of life.
Understanding Heroin Addiction
Heroin is a strong opioid that comes from the opium poppy plant. It can be taken in several ways, including injecting, snorting, and smoking. Injecting is particularly popular as it leads to a very fast and intense high sensation.
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Heroin works by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain. Once it binds to these opioid receptors, there is a sudden surge of the chemical dopamine, causing feelings of elation and euphoria. Users feel happier, more relaxed, and free from pain.
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Over time, prolonged heroin use can lead to heroin dependence and addiction. This happens when a person continuously takes heroin due to the pleasurable effects. Over time, they build a tolerance, and their body becomes physically dependent on the substance.
Who is Most at Risk of Heroin Addiction?
First, it’s important to know that people with heroin addictions come from all walks of life. Anyone, no matter their background, can become addicted to this highly addictive opioid. However, there are some risk factors that make an addiction more likely in some individuals.
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A Family History of Addiction: Those who have family members with addictions are more likely to develop addictions themselves due to the genetic factor.
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Previously Taken Opioids: Those who have taken opioids in the past (and especially those who have abused other opioids) are more likely to turn to heroin. This is especially true if they can no longer get hold of prescription opioid pain relievers like oxycodone or morphine.
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Mental Health Disorders: Individuals with mental health disorders are more likely to abuse heroin to self-medicate. This includes people with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
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Environmental Factors: The type of household you grow up in plays a role in whether you are more likely to form a heroin addiction. Those who grew up in homes with exposure to drug use, for example, are at a greater risk of developing an addiction.
The Signs of Heroin Addiction
The signs of heroin addiction fall under three categories: physical signs, psychological signs, and behavioral signs.
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Physical Signs:
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Track Marks from Injecting Heroin
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Slurred Speech
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Small Pupils
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Weight Loss
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Poor Hygiene
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Skin Abscesses
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Nausea
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Drowsiness
Psychological Signs:
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Mood Swings
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Lack of Interest in Hobbies
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Impaired Judgment
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Confusion
Behavioral Signs:
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Secretive Behavioral
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Stealing Money
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Financial Difficulties
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Asking for Money
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Neglecting Personal Responsibilities
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Owning Drug Paraphernalia (such as needles)
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Wearing Long Sleeves (to hide track marks)
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Withdrawing from Loved Ones
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you know, our treatment team is here to help. We have inpatient and outpatient treatment programs that can help you achieve a successful recovery.
The Dangers of Heroin Addiction
Heroin abuse is very dangerous, even those who only use heroin once put themselves in danger. The longer a person abuses heroin, the higher their chances of encountering health risks.
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Contracting Infections and Diseases: Many people who abuse heroin share paraphernalia like needles. This leads to a higher risk of contracting infections such as HIV and hepatitis.
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Collapsed Veins: Frequently injecting the same area with heroin can seriously damage the veins, causing them to collapse.
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Damage to Organs: Heroin use can cause damage to your organs over time, including lung, liver, kidney, and brain damage.
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Chronic Constipation: Heroin abuse can lead to gastrointestinal issues like chronic constipation.
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Weight loss and Malnutrition: Using heroin often suppresses the user’s appetite. As a result, people with heroin use disorder tend to lose a lot of weight and experience malnutrition.
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Poor Dental Hygiene: Heroin use tends to lead to neglect of self-care, causing poor dental hygiene. This can cause tooth decay and tooth loss.
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Mental Health Problems: Many people with mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar disorder use heroin as a form of self-medication, but this only makes the mental health issues worse.
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Social and Personal Life Consequences: It’s not all about the health risks – heroin use can impact a person’s personal life. It can lead to the loss of relationships, financial ruin, unemployment, legal issues, and even homelessness.
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Overdose: A heroin overdose is extremely dangerous and can lead to death due to respiratory depression.
The Signs of a Heroin Overdose
An overdose can occur in someone who is taking heroin for the very first time or a person who is taking heroin for the 100th time. Here are some of the signs to watch out for:
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Slowed Breathing
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Cold, Clammy Skin
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Vomiting
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A Weak or Limp Body
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Pinpoint Pupils
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Unresponsiveness
If you notice any of these signs, seek immediate medical attention, as a heroin overdose can be fatal.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
To get clean after a heroin use disorder, you must first go through the detox process, which involves withdrawal symptoms. This is unfortunately why so many people struggle to get clean from heroin, as these symptoms can be intense and extremely unpleasant.
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Early Symptoms: The very first symptoms occur around six to twelve hours after an individual last takes heroin. These include intense cravings, anxiety, muscle aches, a runny nose, yawning, sweating, and goosebumps.
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Peak Symptoms: The peak symptoms occur one to three days after the individual last takes heroin. Symptoms at this stage include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dilated pupils, mood swings, a rapid heart rate, flu-like symptoms, and restlessness. They are more intense than the early symptoms.
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Late Symptoms: Late symptoms occur from around days three to seven. The symptoms aren’t as intense as they were during the peak period, but are often still present. Some of the most common include fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and concentration difficulties.
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There are several things that influence the duration of the withdrawal symptoms and how intense they are. This includes how long the person has been addicted to heroin, the individual’s overall health, and whether they have taken any other drugs.
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Remember that heroin addiction treatment is the best route to get through the withdrawal process. With medication-assisted treatment, the symptoms will be dramatically lessened, and you’ll have access to care at any time of the day.
What Does a Heroin Detox Involve?
A heroin detox is a scary prospect for many people with addictions. Knowing what to expect from the process can make taking that first step a little easier.
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Initial Assessment
The first step is always an evaluation. At this stage, a medical professional will conduct a thorough assessment of your heroin use, physical health, mental health, and previous experiences with detoxing and heroin addiction treatments.
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The Detoxification Process
The next step involves getting the patient comfortable in a setting, whether it’s in a rehab center or their home. Then, the detoxification process can begin. The most effective approach involves medication-assisted treatment, which uses medication to reduce the intensity of symptoms. During this time, medical professionals monitor the patient’s vitals, provide comfort, ensure they are hydrated and well fed, and offer psychological support.
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Post-Detox Planning
Once the detox part is over, which usually takes around a week, it is time to start planning the next step. This might mean going home and keeping up with an outpatient treatment program. Or, it could mean staying in an inpatient rehab. At Recovery in the Pines, we offer both options.
This recovery period often includes behavioral therapies and support groups to facilitate a long-term recovery.
The Benefits of Seeking Heroin Rehab
Are you still unsure about heroin rehab? Perhaps you are worried about the heroin withdrawal symptoms. Here are some of the undeniable benefits of pushing through the treatment process and coming out the other side.
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Improved Health: One of the most obvious benefits is that you'll dramatically improve your health. You will reduce your risk of infections, organ damage, and overdose, potentially saving your own life. Plus, your mental health will dramatically improve after recovery.
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Better Relationships: Heroin addictions get in the way of healthy relationships, often causing their breakdowns. By getting clean, you get the chance to recover those relationships and connect with the people you love most.
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A Chance at a Fulfilling Life: Once you recover from a heroin addiction, you will feel like a whole person once more. Endless opportunities await you. You may be interested in pursuing hobbies you'd forgotten about, or restarting a career. Plus, your finances will vastly improve!
Embrace Sobriety with Our Heroin Rehab Center
Are you ready to embrace a long-lasting recovery? Don't let heroin's effects take control of your life any longer. With our comprehensive and effective treatment plan, we will guide you through the recovery process so that you come out the other side more motivated than ever before.
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Whether you are ready to start your recovery journey or you simply want to learn more about our treatment for heroin addiction, do not hesitate to get in touch. Either email us, call us, or fill in our online contact form today.