Identifying Heroin Addiction

Because of its sheer destructiveness, heroin addiction is relatively easy to identify. Very few heroin addicts are able to maintain the appearance of a normal lifestyle while using, and the physical effects of heroin are hard to disguise. What’s more, after prolonged use, users typically abandon most efforts that would conceal their addiction, as their priorities have shifted so completely toward their addiction.

Signs of heroin addiction vary based on the state of the user—whether he or she is intoxicated (“high”) or, as is more often the case, in withdrawal. After repeated use, generalized symptoms appear, including unsettling changes in personality and physical appearance.

Heroin addiction is painfully apparent in long-term users. The scars of their addiction are visible in every aspect—social, spiritual, psychological and physical—of their being. Families in crisis, careers destroyed, potential wasted: these are the legacies of long-term heroin use.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, heroin’s toxicity isn’t limited to the actual active ingredient. Illicit heroin often contains contaminants or additives that can result in permanent damage to the lungs, liver, kidneys and brain.

Heroin users often drink alcohol, smoke and use other illicit drugs, frequently to counter the effects of withdrawal while they find their next fix. As a result, heroin users can display a range of symptoms that reflect their poly drug use.

If you are finding that you fit into any of the categories above, then we can probably provide you with some help.  Above It All Treatment and Recovery Center can design a program around you to stop the addiction and ease your withdrawals.  We can help you pick yourself up and start treading down the long road to recovery.  We are here for you. Contact us today.

Heroin Drug Rehab Treatments

If you or a loved one is considering heroin rehab, it’s important you understand the road ahead. When it comes to addictive substances, heroin is at the top of the list. Overcoming an addiction to this substance poses a great deal of difficulty, due mostly to the severity of the withdrawal process. While physicians have shown great success in treating heroin addiction through methadone substitution, a number of alternative methods have come about with increasing popularity among addiction specialists.

Act Quickly

An addict’s chances of success post drug heroin rehab are heightened exponentially when the issue is addressed quickly. Addicts with years of abuse under their belts face a much more intense recovery process and higher risk of relapse.

Methadone Facts

As referenced above, Methadone has been used historically with great success in treating heroin addicts. The substance is a synthetic opioid that works to control cravings by way of blocking the effects of heroin on the body. As such, withdrawal symptoms can be virtually eliminated.

Alternatives

Alternative therapies are gaining popularity throughout the addiction treatment community. Many professionals are beginning to use buprenorphine and dihydrocodeine en lieu of methadone, due to their lessened risk of dependency. Dihydrocodeine has become especially popular due to it’s affordability, lowered safety risks and effectiveness.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy is a vital aspect of the rehabilitation process, with addiction specialists universally praising it’s effectiveness in treating heroin dependency. However, these treatments are found to be most effective when used in combination with methadone or an equal medication substitute.

Preparation Is Key

Recovery is never easy. Though most of the withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin addiction generally die off after a week or so, cravings and general distain can hold one for weeks, months and even years following rehabilitation. Cravings are the most common cause of relapse… as such, continued therapy and medical care is always recommended in order to successfully overcome this type of addiction.

Force A Smile

Stay positive and think happy thoughts. With a strong will and determination, many have proven that heroin addiction can be overcome. 

Getting The Most Of Your Heroin Rehab Experience

If you’re considering entering, or have recently entered a heroin rehab facility, you are already on the road toward the fulfilling, happy and sober lifestyle you deserve. Though this road holds many trials and challenges, there are a few things you can do during your rehab stay to keep yourself headed on the right track.

If you have yet to choose your heroin addiction treatment facility, it’s important to research your available options to ensure it’s suitable to your needs. Not all rehabs are the same. As such, locating a facility that can properly address your recovery in a way that makes sense to you is vital in helping you move forward from your addiction.

Most heroin rehab programs require patients to enroll in a detoxification program prior to entering treatment. Though detox is often viewed as a scary ordeal, the process is actually used as a way to wean addicts off drugs in a safe, comfortable and medically monitored fashion. In this fashion, addicts are able to combat many of the withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin addiction, thus paving the way for a productive and healthy recovery in treatment.

Once you’ve entered treatment, the most important aspect is participation. Addicts with no vested interest in recovery hold little chance in realizing sobriety. Though programs vary, the majority encourage individual and group therapy as a way to work through the addiction. By allowing yourself to express your thoughts and feelings to others, not only are you working to benefit your own condition, but the condition and environment of those around you.

Think positive! Recovery is a life long process involving many ups and downs. Keep your head up and your ears open. By making a decision to actively participate in your initial recovery, you will be setting yourself up for a life of opportunity and wonderment.

Heroin Recovery – Treatment And Understanding

Because heroin is one of the more mentally and physically addictive substances in existence, it’s no surprise that heroin addiction is one of the more challenging addictions to address. As with most substance addictions, heroin abuse involves many emotional and psychological aspects. Though, when these elements are combined with the extensive physical dependency found in most addicts, the challenges or treatment are raised exponentially.

Step 1 – If an addict has agreed to seek help for their addiction, the first step in the recovery process is detoxification. Heroin withdrawal symptoms hit a peak roughly 2- 3 days after last use, and include body aches, vomiting, insomnia, diarrhea and cold flashes. Due to the severity of this process, it is always recommended that an addict enter a detoxification facility prior to attending rehab.

Step 2 – Once the detox treatment is complete, the addict will be provided with a list of treatment options to help continue the recovery process. Look into the drawbacks and benefits of various medications and psychotherapy options and determine which would be most beneficial for the individual in question.

Step 3 – Draw up a treatment plan centered around the individual’s personal preferences and treatment decisions. Studies show a much higher rate of success in addicts who choose individualized treatment programs as opposed to something more “cookie cutter” in nature.

Step 4 – Most heroin rehab facilities encourage patients to keep a daily journal throughout their recovery. In this way, addicts will be able to address emotions brought about in therapy sessions and other aspects of their recovery.

Step 5 – Be patient with your patient. Heroin recovery is a life long process continuing well beyond the confines of a treatment facility. By making a conscious choice to stay loving, positive and committed, you will not only serve well-being of the addict, but yourself as well.