The devastating effects of heroin are experienced across the country among those with heroin addiction issues and their family members every day. Heroin can take a substantial toll on the health, well-being, and even the lives of those with an addiction to heroin. A heroin addiction treatment program guides people that have an addiction to the drug through the treatment process and into life-long recovery.
Learn more about what to look for in a heroin treatment program. Then, reach out to a recovery center near you today.
How Heroin Addiction Develops
Heroin is an opioid drug that comes in a number of forms. People typically think of heroin as an injectable drug, but it can also be snorted or smoked. Some people mix heroin with other drugs to feel different effects
People can become addicted to heroin with a single use of the drug. It is highly addictive and incredibly dangerous. Many people use other opioids, such as prescription pain relievers, before turning to heroin. Statistics from several sources indicate that a high number of people that started their drug use did so by abusing prescription drugs. The abuse of prescription drugs occurs when people either misuse their own prescription drugs or they purchase or share prescription drugs. This often leads to the need for oxycontin addiction treatment or treatment for opiate addiction.
Heroin addiction is an epidemic across the U.S. The addiction issues are not limited to a specific age group. Instead, heroin addiction affects individuals of all age groups and across all income levels. The addiction to heroin often leads to overdose visits to the emergency room and to heroin overdose deaths. Fortunately, many people are able to reach out for treatment to help them build a strong foundation for recovery.
The Short Term and the Long Term Effects of Heroin Use
There are a wide variety of effects related to heroin use, even in people that use it for the first time. People that continue to use heroin likely face increased dangers, up to and including death.
Some short-term effects of heroin use include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe itching
- Feelings of heaviness in the arms or in the legs
- Flushing of the skin
- Mental functioning disturbances
- Going back and forth between consciousness and unconsciousness
Some long-term effects of using heroin include:
- Experiencing chronic insomnia
- Developing liver or kidney disease
- Experiencing lung complications such as pneumonia or other illnesses
- Collapsed veins after injecting heroin
- Infection of the lining or valves of the heart
Some other issues related to the effects of heroin addiction include clogged blood vessels that may cause permanent damage. Some individuals might engage in risky behaviors like unsafe sex or driving while under the influence. A heroin addiction treatment program can help prevent serious negative consequences relating to drug use.
What Can I Expect in a Heroin Addiction Treatment Program?
Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery’s team members understand the fears associated with entering treatment for heroin addiction. However, our heroin treatment program is the first step on the road to long-term recovery. During treatment, you’ll rid your body of the drugs and prepares you to start your recovery.
Patients in our heroin addiction treatment program benefit from personalized treatment plans that include comprehensive addiction treatment therapies. Your addiction treatment therapies may include case management and peer support, cognitive-behavioral therapy, a dialectical behavior therapy program, or other therapies.
Contact us at 833.448.0127 to get started on the journey to healing. You can learn to live a life free of heroin or other dangerous drugs. We offer the support that you need when in recovery. Call us today now to learn more about our heroin treatment.