"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
HEROIN ABUSE & ADDICTION RECOVERY
If you’re battling with heroin addiction, you’re not alone — almost a million Americans have abused heroin in the past year, which is a drastic increase in the past decade. [1] It’s easy to feel isolated or hopeless when you’re struggling with a substance abuse disorder, but we’re here to tell you that you don’t have to fight this battle on your own. Read on to learn more about heroin abuse, its signs and symptoms, and how our heroin addiction recovery programs can help you reclaim your life.
What is Heroin?
Heroin is an opioid processed from morphine, which is synthesized from the opium poppy plant. Heroin binds to the opioid receptors in the “reward center” of the brain, causing it to release dopamine, which leads to a rush of pleasurable sensations like warmth, relaxation, and sedation.
Although some opioids can be legally prescribed by a doctor to relieve pain, heroin is considered highly addictive and has been illegal in the United States for almost a century. Because it doesn’t take long to build up a tolerance to heroin, people who abuse this drug will gradually need more of it to receive the same effect, making it easy for an overdose to occur.
Heroin can be white, brown, gray, or even black powder. Pure heroin is most commonly white, but other colors indicate that it has diluted with another substance. More recently, street heroin has been cut with fentanyl, another opioid that has an even stronger effect than heroin, which makes overdose even more of a concern. Heroin can be sniffed, injected, or smoked.
Heroin Detox & Withdrawl
Physical dependence on heroin leads to severe side effects when the usage suddenly stops, which is why many people who try to detox from heroin on their own end up turning back to the drug for relief from its withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms of heroin withdrawal (also known as “dope sickness”) can include: Extreme sweating, and cold sweats, Muscle and bone aches and pains, Cramps, Insomnia and sleep issues, Vomiting, Diarrhea, and more. These symptoms can begin to appear mere hours after the last time heroin is used, can peak within 48 hours, and may continue for weeks or months afterwards. Their severity will depend on medical history, genetics, how long the person has been abusing heroin, and their method of using. Since these symptoms come on so quickly after a person’s last heroin use and can range from uncomfortable to dangerous, it’s tough — and, for some, impossible — to go through all alone. That’s why it’s so important to seek help when trying to quit heroin. A team of trained addiction specialists will have the tools to help make heroin withdrawal easier and safer for those suffering from withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment for Heroin Addiction
Overcoming heroin addiction might seem like an impossible task, but it can be done — and you won’t have to do it all on your own. At Native Journey, we’ll be beside you every step of the way. We offer compassionate care in a safe environment, where we’ll help you find the root cause of your addiction, uncover your relapse triggers, and teach you the skills you need to live a fulfilling life in sobriety.
If you or a loved one are struggling with heroin addiction, reach out to Native Journey today at 480-590-6066 or click below to learn more about our treatment options.