Heroin Addiction Treatment

Heroin Addiction Treatment – Where do You Start

Overcoming heroin addiction can seem daunting. The road to recovery is often filled with obstacles, setbacks and challenges that leave you uncertain about what lies ahead. But no matter how difficult the path may seem, you’re not alone on this journey. There is hope and support available to you to help you get sober and build the kind of future you deserve.

At Emerald Isle Health & Recovery, we recognize the courage it takes to confront heroin addiction and are here to provide the compassionate care you need to reclaim a life of purpose, joy and lasting sobriety. Our compassionate team of professionals will guide you through the recovery process and empower you with the tools and support necessary to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. Together, we can navigate the complexities of heroin addiction, celebrate your progress and foster a renewed sense of hope and resilience.

WHAT IS HEROIN?

Heroin is a potent, highly addictive semi-synthetic opioid made from morphine, a narcotic substance derived from the dried latex of certain poppy plants. When heroin enters the brain, it binds to opioid receptors to produce strong feelings of euphoria and pain relief. However, at high doses, it also suppresses respiratory function and can cause drowsiness, confusion and other effects that can lead to a deadly overdose.

Repeated use of heroin and other opioids can lead to tolerance, where larger amounts of the drug are needed to achieve the same effects. This tolerance can quickly progress to addiction and dependence, making it difficult for most people to stop using the drug without unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Due to its highly addictive nature, overcoming heroin addiction often involves a combination of medication-assisted treatment, counseling, support services and evidence-based therapies to help individuals recover and get sober.

SIGNS OF HEROIN ADDICTION

• Frequent “nodding off” or drowsiness
• Small, constricted pupils that look like pinpoints
• Track marks and bruises at injection sites
• Collapsed veins and scarring
• Drug paraphernalia (needles, spoons, burnt tinfoil, etc.)
• Excessive itchiness
• Sudden financial or legal problems
• Increased isolation from friends and family
• Lying, stealing and other suspicious activities
• Loss of interest in work, hobbies and responsibilities
• Flu-like withdrawal symptoms
• Other behavioral or psychological changes

WHY IS HEROIN SO ADDICTIVE?

Heroin is known for being a highly addictive drug. Understanding why this is can help shed light on some of the challenges that individuals face when trying to get sober and overcome heroin addiction so they can live a happier, healthier lifestyle free of dependency.

Rapid Onset and Intense Euphoria

Some of heroin’s addictive properties come from its rapid onset and ability to produce intense feelings of euphoria. When heroin enters the brain, it quickly binds to opioid receptors, which are involved in regulating pain and pleasure. This creates a strong reinforcement for continued drug use as individuals seek to replicate that initial experience.

Neurochemical Changes

Heroin use triggers significant changes in the brain’s reward system. In addition to binding to opioid receptors, heroin floods the brain with dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure. Over time, it also disrupts the production of other important neurotransmitters and the brain becomes dependent on the drug to function.

Development of Tolerance

With regular heroin use, the body adapts to its presence, and higher doses are required to achieve the desired effects. This contributes to the cycle of addiction, as individuals chase their first high and struggle to experience the same intensity of euphoria they once felt.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Heroin addiction is accompanied by a number of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when use is suddenly stopped or decreased. These may include flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, diarrhea, insomnia, anxiety, depression and irritability, along with intense cravings. The discomfort caused by withdrawal symptoms often drives individuals to continue using heroin to avoid the unpleasant experience, reinforcing the addictive cycle.

Environmental and Social Factors

The environment in which heroin use occurs can also contribute to addiction. Social and economic factors, peer pressure, exposure to drug use and limited access to resources for coping with stress or trauma can all influence an individual’s likelihood of developing and sustaining a heroin addiction.

At Emerald Isle Health & Recovery, we recognize that addiction is a complex condition influenced by various biological, psychological and social factors. For most people, it is incredibly challenging to break free from the grip of heroin and other opioids without professional guidance. Our team is committed to providing highly personalized care and support to help individuals overcome addiction and reclaim their lives. Together, we can navigate the path to recovery and embrace a brighter future.

HEROIN USE IN ARIZONA

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 2019 surveys on drug use and treatment services, heroin use in Arizona is above the national and regional average. Between 2002 and 2019, heroin use more than doubled in the state, increasing from 0.16% to 0.41% of people 12 years or older who have used the drug. In recent years, fentanyl use has also skyrocketed and is contributing to a surge in overdose-related deaths in the area. A number of substance use prevention coalitions across Arizona are working together to combat this problem, but high-quality treatment services are also important to help individuals get sober and regain control of their lives.

At Emerald Isle Health & Recovery, we provide a range of essential services for treating heroin addiction, including evidence-based therapies, mental health care and holistic support systems. By providing effective and accessible treatment options, we can offer those struggling with heroin or fentanyl use the best chance at achieving lasting recovery, reducing the devastating impact of this epidemic on our communities.

FINDING THE BEST TREATMENT FOR HEROIN ADDICTION

If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin addiction, we want to give you the best chance at achieving lasting recovery. When it comes to getting sober, there are some important things to look for in a suitable treatment program, such as evidence-based therapies, holistic healing, ongoing support services and personalized mental health care for co-occurring disorders. You’ll find all of this and more at Emerald Isle Health & Recovery as we work with each client to develop a personalized recovery plan that works for them.

EVIDENCE-BASED THERAPIES

The best heroin addiction treatment centers base their services on evidence-based therapies. This term means that their staff will only recommend and utilize proven strategies to help you heal, such as individual and group therapy, family therapy, dual diagnosis treatment and more.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

Individual therapy is an evidence-based strategy for self-exploration and healing. One-on-one therapy sessions provide a safe and healing space for individuals to work through their problems and address the underlying issues that drive addictive behavior. By working with a counselor or therapist during rehab, you’ll gain insights into your patterns of thinking, develop new coping strategies and build a strong foundation for lasting recovery. At Emerald Isle, individual therapy plays a pivotal role in empowering clients to overcome heroin addiction.

FAMILY THERAPY

All too often, addiction jeopardizes our more important relationships and causes rifts in families. An essential part of the recovery process includes mending the gaps that addiction causes in the family structure. In family therapy, clients and their families work together to heal the wounds caused by substance use, rebuild trust and repair the bond they once had. These family members also serve as a primary source of support after rehab, making them an invaluable resource for helping individuals stay sober in the long term.

HOLISTIC HEALING STRATEGIES

Getting sober and walking the path of recovery requires a holistic approach. At Emerald Isle, we understand the importance of addressing the mind, body and spirit in the healing process. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of holistic services designed to complement traditional therapies and support your overall well-being. Our holistic approach includes activities such as yoga, meditation, art therapy and mindfulness exercises to promote relaxation and personal growth, allowing you to reconnect with yourself and develop healthy coping strategies. By integrating these holistic services into your treatment plan, you can avoid relapse and experience a more balanced and fulfilling recovery journey.

CRISIS INTERVENTION

As individuals work on their recovery, they are healing from the inside to the outside. However, the brain that was dependent on drugs to function properly will continue to experience cravings even after treatment. This can lead to a crisis situation and even trigger emotional or mental health concerns. At Emerald Isle Health & Recovery, we offer crisis intervention services to support our clients’ mental well-being should the need arise.

DUAL DIAGNOSIS CARE

According to the National Institute on Mental Health, over 20.2 million American adults struggle with substance use. Among this population, roughly 7.9 million also have a co-occurring mental health concern such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. In many cases, people turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with their mental health symptoms, so dual diagnosis treatment that addresses these underlying conditions is an important part of the treatment process. If you’re using heroin to numb the feelings associated with your mental health symptoms, together we can find a more positive way to help you cope.

DO I NEED TO DETOX BEFORE BEGINNING TREATMENT?

With the right help and support, you can overcome heroin addiction. However, first it is important to rid your body of drugs or alcohol through detox so you can start treatment with a clear mind and a clean slate. While some people might feel tempted to “white-knuckle it” and stop using heroin cold turkey, this is not usually the best course of action. Heroin causes a range of withdrawal symptoms that can make it difficult to quit on your own, such as:

• Anxiety and depression
• Body aches or pains
• Goosebumps
• Hot and cold flashes
• Disruptions to sleep patterns
• Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Shakiness
• Anger, sadness or other extreme moodiness
• Headaches
• Muscle cramps or spasms

Undergoing detox in rehab can keep you comfortable while ridding your body of harmful substances. Before beginning treatment at Emerald Isle Health & Recovery, our team of licensed professionals will evaluate your need for detox and recommend a treatment facility so you can get through withdrawal safely and effectively with minimal discomfort.

MEDICATION-ASSISTED TREATMENT

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is an effective, evidence-based technique for helping individuals get sober and overcome addiction to heroin and other opioids. Medications such as methadone and Suboxone (buprenorphine) are prescribed under medical supervision to help minimize withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings and support long-term recovery. These drugs work by acting on opioid receptors in the brain without causing the feeling of being high to restore a sense of stability and balance, giving people the opportunity to focus on their sobriety, engage in therapy and rebuild their lives.

At Emerald Isle Health & Recovery, our experienced addiction professionals work closely with individuals to develop a comprehensive treatment plan which may include the use of these medications. We understand the unique needs of each individual and are committed to providing safe, effective and personalized care to support your successful recovery. Two of the most popular drugs used for MAT are methadone and Suboxone.

METHADONE TREATMENT FOR HEROIN ADDICTION

Methadone is a long-acting opioid that alleviates the symptoms of heroin withdrawal. It is effective because it acts on the same receptors in the brain that other opioids do to stabilize the body, reduce cravings and prevent withdrawal symptoms from occurring. However, only a doctor can prescribe methadone and the safest place to undergo this treatment is in a residential rehabilitation center. There, your care team can monitor your progress daily and help you safely and comfortably taper off of methadone when the time is right.

SUBOXONE TREATMENT FOR HEROIN ADDICTION

Suboxone, a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone, is another treatment your doctor might prescribe for opioid use disorder. Like methadone, Suboxone works by acting on the opioid receptors in the brain to diminish cravings and alleviate withdrawal symptoms, but it also blocks the effects of heroin to increase the likelihood of sustained recovery. Our team will help you determine which medication will work best as a part of your treatment program.

HEROIN ADDICTION AND YOUR PHYSICAL WELLNESS

In addition to mental health concerns, research proves that people who abuse heroin face many challenges to their physical wellness. You may or may not know that a health problem exists, so detoxing from heroin at home could present an unforeseen danger.

Some of the ailments evidenced by those who struggle with heroin use are:

• Respiratory problems (asthma, lung infections)
• Abscesses
• Diabetes
• Organ damage to the liver or kidneys
• Heart issues
• Physical injuries sustained during falls or other accidents

At Emerald Isle Health & Recovery, we prioritize not only your mental wellness but also your physical health throughout the treatment process. Our comprehensive approach addresses the physical ailments associated with heroin addiction, providing specialized support to restore your overall wellness. By integrating medical professionals, addiction specialists and therapists into your treatment team, we can provide a holistic approach that addresses the complex interplay between physical and mental health.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD RECOVERY TODAY

If you’re ready to reclaim your life from heroin addiction, we’re here to help. Emerald Isle Health & Recovery is one of Arizona’s top substance use and mental health treatment centers. Our compassionate and dedicated team of therapists, addiction specialists and other health professionals can empower you to overcome your dependency and build a strong foundation for lasting recovery. We will provide you with the healing, supportive environment and evidence-based methods you need to work toward a brighter, healthier future.

To get started, call us today at 855-613-0620 to speak to a member of our admissions team. As one of the best heroin addiction treatments centers around, we are on your side!