Heroin addiction has become an epidemic in the United States. It’s estimated that 4.9 million Americans over the age of 12 have used heroin at least once in their life, and many have become addicted.
While it can be difficult to break free from heroin addiction, it is possible with the help of professional rehabilitation centers. Let’s take a closer look at what heroin rehab entails and why it’s important for those suffering from addiction to seek help.
What Is Heroin?
Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine, which itself is derived from opium poppy plants. It typically comes in powder form but can also be found as a black sticky substance called “black tar heroin.” The powder can be snorted or smoked, while “black tar” heroin must be injected into veins for maximum effect. It goes by many street names, including smack, H, skag, and junk.
How Does It Work?
Heroin binds to opioid receptors throughout the body that are involved in pain perception. This interaction between the drug and these receptors causes brain chemistry changes, resulting in euphoria and relaxation. However, this effect doesn’t last long—the user will quickly become physically dependent on using more of the drug to maintain their desired level of intoxication.
Long-term Effects of Heroin Use
Prolonged use of heroin can lead to severe physical dependence that can result in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when users attempt to quit or reduce their dosage abruptly. Additionally, long-term heroin use can cause psychological issues such as depression or anxiety and various health problems, including kidney disease and weakened immune system functioning.
What is Heroin Rehab?
Heroin rehab provides individuals with a safe place to detoxify from their heroin addiction under medical supervision and psychological counseling and support. The ultimate goal of rehab is to provide patients with the tools they need to lead sober lives after treatment.
This includes helping them identify triggers that could lead to relapse, teaching them how to cope with stress without relying on drugs, and providing access to resources such as job training or housing assistance if needed.
What Does Heroin Rehab Involve?
Heroin rehab typically begins with an initial assessment by a physician or psychologist who evaluates the patient’s physical and mental health and history of substance use.
Based on this assessment, a personalized treatment plan is created that may include medication-assisted therapy (MAT), psychotherapy, group therapy sessions, individual counseling sessions, and education about healthy lifestyle changes and coping skills. Patients may also be given access to holistic therapies such as yoga or mindfulness meditation, which can help reduce cravings for drugs while improving overall well-being.
How Long Does Heroin Rehab Last?
The length of heroin rehab depends on each individual’s unique situation; some people may require more intensive treatment than others, depending on their dependence on the drug or any co-occurring mental health issues. However, most programs last anywhere from 30 days up to 90 days or longer, depending on the individual’s needs.
Some programs also offer aftercare services, such as ongoing counseling or support groups for recovering addicts who are transitioning back into society after completing the program.
Heroin addiction is a serious problem that requires professional help and support to achieve lasting recovery. While detoxification and medication-assisted therapy are effective methods for treating heroin addiction, they should always be combined with other forms of counseling, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or 12-step programs like NA, to ensure long-term success.
There are also residential rehabilitation facilities for those with severe addictions where individuals can stay while receiving treatment around the clock from qualified professionals specializing in treating substance abuse disorders. Regardless of which treatment you choose for yourself or your loved one, make sure you seek professional help as soon as possible so that recovery can begin positively.
Related Posts:
- Drugs As A Cure And As A Curse: How To Use Them Correctly
- What Happens In Rehab For Drugs?
- How To Help a Family Member Properly Deal With Addiction
- Delusions vs. Hallucinations
- How To Help Your Teen Overcome Addiction