Heroin Addiction
The popularity of certain drugs come and go according to their price and availability, but through the years, heroin has remained one of the most widely used illicit substances in the world. Through injecting, smoking or snorting heroin, thousands of people begin using the opiate drug every day, despite its addictive nature and the serious risks associated with it.
At Michael's House, we can help you if you're suffering from heroin addiction. Addiction to heroin can be a frightening experience, but you don't have to face it alone. We can help.
Why is Heroin Dangerous?
Heroin is very different from other drugs, like marijuana or tobacco. Heroin is unregulated and can be produced by anyone, anywhere. All you need is a little bit of knowledge, some caustic chemicals and a kitchen or bathroom. If for no other reason, then, heroin is exceedingly dangerous. Why? Because anything could be put into the heroin that you consume. Street heroin is routinely diluted, or "cut", with other chemicals, most of which are toxic to your body. Not only can these chemicals poison you, but different levels of purity of heroin mean that you never know if the heroin you take tomorrow is the same purity that you take today, which leads to an increased risk of accidental overdose.
How Addictive is Heroin?
Overdose and toxicity is not the only issue where heroin is concerned. Heroin is extremely addictive and after just a few days of regular use—especially use via injection with a needle—almost no one will escape physical addiction to heroin. A few weeks more, and most will develop a psychological addiction to the drug as well.
Heroin is one of the most addictive drugs in the world. Over 25 percent of those who use heroin irregularly, just on a "casual" basis, will become addicted to the drug. That percentage is higher than rates of addiction to other major drugs including cocaine and marijuana. In fact, only caffeine and nicotine are considered to be more addictive than heroin.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Addiction?
There are several classic symptoms and signs exhibited with those who are caught up in the midst of a heroin addiction. Those with family or friends who may be involved with heroin should learn to recognize these signs. This is the first step toward getting your loved one the help he needs as soon as possible. Tell-tale signs of heroin addiction and abuse include:
- Infections or scabs on the body
- Poor, unkempt physical appearance
- Lying to friends and family members
- Stealing money to obtain drugs
- Inability to keep commitments
- Long, unexplained absences from work, home, and/ or school
- Sudden deterioration of work or school performance
- Strained personal and professional relationships
- Chronic financial problems
- Legal problems due to behavior under the influence
What are the Hazards of Heroin Addiction?
Heroin is one of the most dangerous drugs in the world because of all the potential health hazards associated with its use. In addition to the general toll it takes on the body and the mind, there is also the exposure to infectious diseases, most prominently HIV/AIDS. The practice of sharing needles among heroin users has led to a high rate of HIV/AIDS as well as Hepatitis C and other blood borne diseases among addicts as well as their significant others.
Also, the unpredictability of the drug has led to many heroin overdoses. When an addict buys heroin off the street, they often do not know the strength of the dose they are receiving, or whether or not it has been mixed or "cut" with toxic materials.
Is Heroin Addiction Curable?
At this time, there is no known cure for heroin addiction. There are, however, a number of heroin addiction treatments available for those who are ready to break free from the drug. A successful heroin addiction treatment starts by addressing physical addiction to heroin with heroin detox. Once the addict is stable, heroin addiction treatment begins in earnest, addressing the emotional and psychological dependence upon the drug through a variety of therapies, support groups and more. Relapse prevention is a large focus of heroin addiction treatment and aftercare services like sober living provide further support and reinforcement after heroin rehab has been completed.
What Heroin Addiction Treatments are Available?
Some heroin addiction treatment facilities provide only heroin detox, while others offer a comprehensive detox and addiction treatment program. Still others require that you be free from a physical heroin addiction before you begin treatment. These different programs may be inpatient residential facilities that provide 24-hour assistance and treatment or outpatient programs that allow you to return home each night but have minimum attendance requirements.
Sober living facilities are available for those who successfully graduate from a heroin rehab facility and provide a continued, less intense heroin addiction treatment setting. For those new to sobriety, a sober living home offers a stable, safe place in which to build a strong foundation and practice relapse prevention and coping skills learned during heroin addiction treatment.
When is Heroin Addiction Treatment Necessary?
Whenever heroin addiction is identified and present, heroin addiction treatment is necessary. As soon as you recognize heroin addiction in your life or in the life of someone you love, it is essential that you take immediate steps to find a heroin rehab that offers both heroin detox and therapeutic heroin addiction treatment.
Like other medical conditions, heroin addiction is a chronic, medical disease and as such, early intervention and treatment provides the most likely chances for success. Don't wait to get treatment for heroin addiction.
How Do I Help my Loved One Get Treatment for Heroin Addiction?
Because few heroin addicts will admit to anyone that they have a drug problem and will want to continue using the drug at all costs, a drug intervention may be required. Interventions must be held only after consulting a professional interventionist and should take place in a safe, non-threatening location. Provided that the individual comes to grips with his addiction, the next step is drug rehabilitation and a treatment facility that understands the special needs of the heroin addict. In drug rehab, the individual will get help with their physical and psychological dependence on the drug and teach them the skills needed to re-enter their old lives without fear of relapse.
Heroin Addiction Treatment at Michael's House
Heroin addiction is a debilitating disease, but at Michael's House, we can help you break free. We specialize in treating all types of drug and substance abuse and addiction, and with our help, you or your loved one can receive the necessary medical treatment to recover from addition and return to a normal, healthy way of life. At Michael's House, we care about your continued success, and will do all we can to help you break your heroin addiction for good.
Michael's House is a residential drug treatment facility that is committed to rebuilding the lives of those who have become addicted to heroin. Through detoxification, counseling and overall drug treatment for the body and the spirit, Michael's House achieves great things for those who may have lost all hope. Contact Michael's House today at , and get a second chance on life.
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