Heroin is a dangerous drug. So, treating an addiction to heroin should be taken very seriously. Using the drug wreaks havoc on one’s physical and cognitive health, and it is also very difficult to stop using the drug once addiction has set in.
Enrolling in a heroin addiction treatment program will provide the best chance to recover successfully. Statistics show that detoxing from heroin on your own has a high relapse rate. Having the right tools, resources, and professional staff to help you through the process will ensure that your treatment and recovery work for you.
Even with treatment and recovery, there can be lasting effects of heroin use. Learn more about heroin abuse treatment and what both the short and long-term heroin side effects can look like by contacting Virtue Recovery Las Vegas today at 866.520.2861. A treatment team member is standing by to answer any questions you have.
What Are Heroin Side Effects?
There are many side effects of using heroin. They may be immediate or develop over time. Others are long-lasting.
Some effects happen when taking the drug, such as:
- Injecting the drug intravenously with a non-sterile needle can cause infections at injection sites
- Smoking or taking the drug orally can cause severe lung and digestive issues
- Reactions to other drugs or substances that get mixed with heroin unknowingly, like fentanyl
Following use of the drug, individuals may experience:
- Numbness from pain
- A state of unconsciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dulled senses
- Hindered breathing
Some effects are more long-term following prolonged use of the drug. These can affect both physical and cognitive abilities and include:
- Lung issues
- Infections in both tissue and blood
- Clogged blood vessels
- Severe constipation
- Trouble sleeping
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Issues with sexual performance
- Menstruation issues in women
- Memory loss issues
- Compromised critical thinking
- Chemical imbalance in the brain
- Developing poor decision-making and problem-solving skills
- Trouble managing stress
- Inability to control impulses
Heroin use can have life-long and even deadly consequences, but it is not recommended that an individual attempt to quit independently. Seeking professional help and treatment is the best option for overcoming heroin addiction.
Getting Help for Addiction with Heroin Abuse Treatment
For those using the drug, the risk of a heroin overdose is high. This is why seeking help for an addiction as soon as possible is so important. The physical and psychological dependence that takes hold due to becoming addicted can lead to a fatal outcome.
Fortunately, there are different levels of treatment available to overcome an addiction. Outpatient programming benefits those not needing 24/7 care or as a next step following residential care.
While heroin use is dangerous, stopping drug use can also be hazardous. The side effects of withdrawal are severe and best managed with the help of a professional program and the accompanying team. Withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Sore muscles
- Bone and joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cravings
- Drastic changes in appetite
- Weight loss or gain
Treatment programs can be customized with therapeutic modalities like group and individual, behavioral, and experiential therapies.
Enroll in Heroin Abuse Treatment at Virtue Recovery Las Vegas
Prolonged drug use increases the risk of causing lasting harm and makes it harder to recover. Don’t delay getting the help you or a loved one needs to live healthier without drugs and alcohol. Virtue Recovery Las Vegas offers flexible outpatient treatment programs that work with each individual’s unique needs and schedules.
Contact the professional treatment team at Virtue Recovery Las Vegas – Substance Use Disorder today at 866.520.2861 to learn more about treatment options. A heroin addiction can be successfully treated, and our team is here to help.
FAQs on Heroin Addiction Treatment
What are the treatment options for heroin addiction?
Treatment options for heroin addiction include medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with medications like methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, along with behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management.
How long does heroin addiction treatment last?
The duration of treatment varies depending on the individual’s needs but typically involves several months of therapy and ongoing support to maintain recovery.
What is medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for heroin addiction?
MAT combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, improving the chances of long-term recovery.
Can heroin addiction be treated on an outpatient basis?
Yes, heroin addiction can be treated on an outpatient basis through intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and regular outpatient therapy, depending on the severity of the addiction.
What are the signs that someone needs treatment for heroin addiction?
Signs include compulsive drug use, withdrawal symptoms, neglect of responsibilities, and changes in behavior or physical health.
How effective is heroin addiction treatment?
Heroin addiction treatment can be highly effective when tailored to the individual’s needs and includes a combination of medication, therapy, and support.
Are there any holistic therapies included in heroin addiction treatment?
Yes, holistic therapies such as yoga, meditation, art therapy, and acupuncture may be included to support overall well-being and recovery.
What role does family support play in heroin addiction treatment?
Family support is crucial, as it helps rebuild trust, improves communication, and provides a supportive environment for recovery.
How does heroin addiction treatment address co-occurring mental health disorders?
Integrated treatment plans address both heroin addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders simultaneously to ensure comprehensive care.
Is detoxification necessary for heroin addiction treatment?
Yes, detoxification is often the first step in treatment to safely manage withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision before beginning comprehensive therapy.
Resources
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/heroin
https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/heroin
https://medlineplus.gov/heroin.html
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/heroin-use
