Heroin Addiction
What is Heroin Addiction?
Heroin is a potent opioid drug that is most commonly injected intravenously. It binds to particular receptors in the brain that are normally activated by chemicals called heroin metabolites. When these receptors are engaged, dopamine levels in the brain surge, causing users to feel a sense of pleasure or euphoria.
When heroin enters the body, it is broken down into morphine. Heroin is often compared to prescription opiate painkillers like Vicodin, Percocet, Lortab, and oxycodone in terms of the effects it has on users.
Recognizing an Heroin Addiction
The most common signs and symptoms associated with heroin use are:
-Injecting heroin directly into the veins
-Smoking heroin in a pipe
-Mixing heroin with water and then injecting it
Heroin addicts who smoke the drug often mix it with other substances like fentanyl or Dilaudid in order to achieve a stronger high. However, this also increases the risk of an overdose.
After snorting heroin, it takes 7 to 10 minutes for the drug to enter the bloodstream and produce its effects. However, many users will inject heroin after snorting it to achieve an instantaneous high.
Withdrawal symptoms from heroin addiction can include insomnia, restlessness, and irritability. The need for heroin will often seem much more important to the addict than food or water, leading to severe malnutrition.
Heroin Addiction Treatment Programs
At Paramount Rehab Center, we use an evidence-based program rooted in the 12-Steps that includes many kinds of therapy. Each client is evaluated to determine an individual treatment plan based on our in-depth assessment, established protocols and our long experience.
If you are treated at Paramount Rehab Center, the length of your stay will depend on your progress toward your individual treatment goals. Your counselor will develop those goals with you and may also involve your family, when appropriate.
At Paramount Rehab Center, we understand how difficult it can be to withdrawal from heroin addiction which is why we offer treatments that include the use of medications such as Suboxone. Suboxone can help ease withdrawal symptoms by blocking the opiate’s effects and addressing pain issues, reducing anxiety and cravings.
Suboxone is used throughout the outpatient treatment process at Paramount Rehab Center in order to help patients:
- Engage in and focus on treatment because their withdrawal and cravings are eased
- Stay with treatment throughout the process
- More easily taper off medications and have a more customized treatment