Heroin Help
Heroin, a highly addictive and frequently fatal substance, claims thousands of lives each year. Though the risk of overdose remains in the back of heroin users’ minds, the formidable withdrawal symptoms prevent many people from successfully abstaining. Thankfully, you can find safe and successful heroin help through heroin rehab centers, such as Silver Sands Recovery.
If you worry that you or someone close to you is suffering at the hands of heroin, help is available. Silver Sands Recovery provides customized rehabilitation plans designed to reclaim the fulfilling life you led before heroin addiction. We can refer you for medically supervised detox to ensure withdrawal is comfortable and safe. With the common goal of long-term sobriety, Silver Sands aims to support you on this journey toward a healthy, confident life.
Signs of Heroin Addiction
The ability to recognize the signs of substance use can often be challenging for friends and family. The individual suffering may not understand the gravity of their condition. Many people who use heroin were previously prescribed opioids for pain. Given the highly addictive nature of opioids, the individual’s increased tolerance and inability to continue receiving prescription drugs unintentionally lead them to heroin. Though the signs differ based on the individual, common indications that you or a loved one by be suffering from heroin abuse include:
- Difficulty remembering
- Depression
- Irritability
- Drowsiness
- Changed behavior
- Missed obligations
- Disheveled or changed appearance
Effects of Heroin Use
Long-term or even brief heroin use can have detrimental effects on one’s health. Heroin negatively impacts both physical and mental wellness. One cannot reverse much of this destruction; therefore, discontinuing use is the first step towards a healthy life.
Physical Dangers of Heroin Use
Heroin gradually damages vital organs and tissues, leading to dangerous health conditions. Over time, heroin use can cause:
- Liver and kidney disease
- Increased risk for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C (those who inject heroin)
- Endocarditis (infection of the heart valves and lining)
- Damaged nasal tissue from nasal heroin use
- Erectile dysfunction
- Collapsed veins from injection
- Lung disease and pneumonia
- Death from overdose
Risk of Heroin Overdose
Heroin overdose occurs more frequently than many may know. The number of overdose deaths involving heroin has increased nearly five times over the last decade. Overdose is an often fatal consequence that affects long-term heroin users and new users alike. If immediate action is taken, a lifesaving medication called naloxone can block the effects of heroin. Some individuals are fortunate enough to receive naloxone within the brief window it must be administered, whereas many are not. The life-changing decision to seek heroin help for addiction eliminates the grave risk of overdose.
Heroin Help with Withdrawal Symptoms
With chronic or heavy use, an individual becomes physically dependent on heroin. The body stops producing its own chemicals and becomes dependent on the substance. Withdrawal is the body’s way of reacting when heroin is no longer introduced to the system. Common withdrawal symptoms include tremors, chills, sweats, abdominal pain, nausea, depression, agitation, insomnia, tachycardia, and muscle spasms. The severity of heroin withdrawal symptoms varies depending on the duration of use and dependence. These uncomfortable effects peak then subside; however, they can persist for weeks to years after recovery. Due to the powerful withdrawal symptoms associated with stopping heroin, many individuals find it challenging to remain sober and often return to substance use. Professional help can guide you through the withdrawal process toward a fulfilling life of recovery.
Heroin and Mental Health
Heroin alters brain chemistry and disrupts the brain’s ability to produce natural opioids, dopamine, among other neurotransmitters. This occurrence makes heroin withdrawal particularly difficult, as abruptly stopping the introduction of these pleasure brain chemicals can cause severe depression. Enlisting the help of qualified professionals is instrumental in addressing the psychological aspects of heroin addiction. There is also evidence that heroin can damage the white matter of the brain. Behavior regulation and decision-making are affected by this brain material.
Heroin Addiction Treatment Options
Silver Sands Recovery offers several treatment methods designed to help you achieve the healthy life you deserve. We deeply believe that every individual and every addiction is unique; therefore, each treatment plan is customized specifically for your needs. Our qualified staff will complete a comprehensive evaluation to determine which combination of techniques will provide you with success. Silver Sands’ proven treatment programs include:
- Detox Services Referral
- 12 Step Rehab
- Extended Care Treatment
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- Outdoor Therapy
- Holistic Addiction Treatment
Medically Supervised Heroin Detox
To ensure optimal comfort and safety throughout the heroin withdrawal process, we recommend a medically supervised detox. Abruptly stopping heroin use can result in an uncomfortable and dangerous withdrawal syndrome.
With the help of Silver Sands, a medically supervised detox will provide you with a successful first step toward recovery. During this critical process, medications such as methadone or buprenorphine may be administered and steadily tapered down to help manage the withdrawal symptoms. The duration of this process is based on the individual but typically lasts from 5 to 14 days. The peak of withdrawal is the critical time where relapse tends to occur. By enlisting a professional rehab center to guide you through detox, you can confidently break the chains of heroin addiction.
Dual Diagnosis
Substance dependency and other mental health conditions often affect individuals concurrently. Heroin use can worsen existing mental illness or potentially cause mental health disorders, including PTSD, anxiety, personality disorders, and depression. Silver Sands believes it is important to simultaneously address both substance dependencies and psychological conditions to achieve sobriety successfully. Our admission process screens all clients for mental health disorders and treats co-occurring conditions through our dual diagnosis program.
Professional Heroin Help at Silver Sands
It is absolutely possible to regain control of your life after heroin use. Professional medical detox and compassionate support will help you break the chains of addiction. Silver Sands Recovery is eager to provide you with a safe space to transform your life. Contact our specialists to begin your admission process today.
