Drug addiction is a serious issue in America, and some of the most dangerous drugs available today are heroin and other opiates. They are extremely addictive and incredibly dangerous, causing frequent overdoses and death among those who use these substances. A substantial rise in the amount of fentanyl, an extremely powerful synthetic narcotic, added to these substances has contributed to the rise in accidental overdose deaths, making it even more important to get help right away as these drugs become more and more dangerous over time.
If you or someone you know has become trapped in the cycle of addiction, there is help available. Addiction to heroin or opiates does not have to define your life. If you or a loved one are in need of help, there are quality rehab centers that can get you started on the journey to recovery.
Signs of Heroin and Opiate Addiction
Signs of Heroin Addiction
When someone is using heroin, there are visible signs that are a giveaway, especially when they are addicted. Because heroin is typically injected into the body using needles, the person may have visible needle or “track” marks. A heroin addict usually has slower breathing than average and may go in and out of consciousness. Other physical signs of heroin use include nausea, vomiting, itching, flushed skin, and constricted pupils.
In addition to the physical signs of heroin addiction, there are a number of behavioral signs that typically become apparent when someone is abusing this substance. These can include:
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Secrecy
- Lying
- Insomnia
The individual may also become withdrawn from friends and family, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, and experience a lack of focus or absences from work or school.
Signs of Opiate Addiction
Regarding opiates, signs of addiction may be subtle or obvious to yourself or your loved ones and include many of the same signs found in heroin users. Additional symptoms of opiate addiction include:
- Slurred speech
- Poor decision making
- Poor coordination
- Irritability
- Poor performance at work or school
Whether it’s heroin or other opiates, heavy use of these dangerous drugs can lead to an overdose, which can be deadly. Anyone showing the above signs of addiction is at risk for an overdose. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these symptoms as a result of drug use, then it is important to get help immediately. If left untreated, addiction to these powerful substances can quickly lead to death. It is extremely difficult for a person to stop using opiates on their own, especially when their body has developed a dependency on the drug. Professional help will likely be the only way for you to overcome addiction and get back to being healthy, so don’t delay treatment any longer.
Rehab for Heroin and Opiate Addiction
Several routes can be taken during rehab for heroin or opiate addiction. The first step is for the body to go through detox. Medication is sometimes used during this step to treat the symptoms of withdrawal and reduce cravings. However, this is only the beginning of rehab.
Therapies and other treatments for heroin and opiate addiction are crucial to the recovery process. Some quality rehab centers today will work with you to determine your goals, interests, background, and struggles. This will guide your treatment plan as you engage in therapies that are likely to be both helpful and engaging to you.
These therapies may include individual one-on-one therapy with a counselor. This type of individual therapy often includes specific treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or EMDR.
Holistic treatment centers may also include activities like art therapy, equine therapy, outdoor therapy, yoga, fitness, nutrition, and life skills classes. These serve to make treatment more exciting and customizable based on what your interests are. They also help you learn more about yourself and cultivate interests outside of using heroin and opiates. Drugs often consume a lot of your time and energy, so holistic treatments can help you discover or rediscover other activities that can take the place of the time you used to spend using. These activities can also help you work on your interpersonal skills and spark ideas for healthy coping skills that you can rely on when life inevitably becomes stressful.
Treatments for Heroin and Opiate Addiction
Several levels of treatment may be necessary to recover from heroin and opiate addiction. Rehab centers offer many of the following options:
The first step is often medical detox, where the body is cleansed of substances in a safe environment. Completing detox with the help of medical professionals has many benefits, including ensuring your physical health and encouraging you to keep going through the often-intense withdrawal stages.
Inpatient treatment programs with intense therapy and 24-hour supervision are often the next step after detox has been completed. Inpatient programs allow a person to get away from things that may trigger their drug use. By changing environments and living at a facility, a person can focus on their treatment and not have to worry about outside factors affecting their recovery.
Outpatient therapy is another option for rehab that allows a client to continue living at home which may be important for people who have work or children that they need to attend to. The client will continue to visit the rehab center several times a week for therapy or group sessions to talk about their recovery and what progress they have made. This allows for a large degree of support and structure with plenty of freedom for life’s responsibilities.
When you or your loved one are ready to get help to overcome addiction, the best rehab centers will have multiple care options and compassionate, knowledgeable staff members available to help you select the programs that will be most useful for your recovery.
Don’t Delay Treatment Any Longer
Heroin and opiates are very powerful drugs that have driven thousands of people to severe addiction. These are deadly substances that kill tens of thousands of people each year in the United States; that is over 100 people per day who often only intended to get their next high but instead overdosed on these dangerous drugs. If you or someone you know are experiencing such symptoms, right now is the time to get help.
Help is available now for anyone who is finally ready to beat their debilitating addiction to heroin or opiates. Rehab centers are available to help you get your life back on track, free of drug addiction and the pain that comes along with it. With a little bit of help, you can get started on the road to recovery. It’s never too late to begin healing.