Treatment for Heroin Addiction Near State College, PA
Are you or a loved one using heroin? Perhaps you became dependent on opioids when taking a prescription opioid for pain and switched to heroin because it is cheaper and more accessible than prescription drugs. Or maybe you’ve started to find drug paraphernalia (hypodermic needles and syringes, for example) in your household and notice that your loved one has been isolating himself more than usual and that his mental and physical health are deteriorating.
Heroin is a potent opioid that has wreaked havoc on individuals, families, and entire communities for decades. If you are using heroin or suspect that a loved one is using it, treatment can help. St. Joseph Institute in Port Matilda, Pennsylvania, is experienced in easing the discomforts of heroin detox and helping our clients understand and manage the triggers that drive their use.
What is Heroin?
Heroin, scientifically known as diacetylmorphine, is a highly addictive opioid drug synthesized from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of certain varieties of poppy plants. Morphine itself is a powerful pain reliever used in medical settings, but when chemically altered to create heroin, it becomes even more potent and addictive.
Heroin goes by a variety of street names and slang terms used to disguise its identity in conversations and transactions. Some common terms include smack, junk, H, dope, brown sugar, skag, horse, China white, and tar.
How & Why is Heroin Used?
Heroin can be consumed in various ways, with each method carrying its own set of risks. The most well-known methods include:
- Injection: Intravenous injection provides the fastest and most intense onset of effects, as the drug enters the bloodstream directly. However, this method also poses the highest risk of transmission of blood-borne diseases and complications such as collapsed veins and infections.
- Snorting: Some individuals opt to inhale heroin powder through their nostrils. While this method may reduce the risk of blood-borne infections compared to injecting, it still carries significant health risks and can lead to nasal damage and chronic congestion.
- Smoking: Heroin can be smoked by heating the drug on foil and inhaling the resulting vapor. Smoking heroin produces a rapid but less intense high compared to injecting, and it can cause damage to the lungs and respiratory system.
- Oral ingestion: Although less common, some individuals consume heroin orally. This method results in a slower onset of effects and is generally less efficient due to the drug’s poor oral bioavailability.
With all of these negative effects, why do people use heroin in the first place? Because it provides a “rush” or “high” that feels like a surge of pleasurable sensation. This rush is usually accompanied by a feeling of warmth in the skin and a heaviness in the arms and legs. As the high fades, drowsiness sets in and mental and bodily functions slow.
Negative short-term effects can include dry mouth, nausea and vomiting, and severe itching. A heroin overdose can cause breathing and heart function to slow to the point of coma, brain damage, and even death.
How Does Heroin Addiction Develop?
Heroin addiction often begins innocently enough, with individuals experimenting with the drug for recreational purposes or seeking relief from physical or emotional pain. However, due to its powerful euphoric effects and the rapid development of tolerance, regular use can quickly spiral into addiction.
Repeated heroin use alters the brain’s chemistry, specifically targeting the brain’s reward system. The drug floods the brain with dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, leading to those feelings of euphoria and relaxation mentioned above. Over time, the brain adapts to the presence of heroin, requiring increasingly higher doses to achieve the same effects. This cycle of escalating use and tolerance ultimately leads to physical and psychological dependence.
What are the Signs of Heroin Addiction?
If you suspect a loved one may be heading toward heroin addiction, it can be helpful to know what to look for. Some common signs and symptoms include:
- Needle marks or track marks on arms or other parts of the body
- Rapid weight loss
- Constricted pupils
- Drowsiness or nodding off
- Secretive behavior
- Financial problems
- Withdrawal from social activities or obligations
- Mood swings and irritability
If you or a loved one needs help to quit using heroin, reach out to our team at St. Joseph Institute. It’s possible that your loved one may deny their use or get angry with you for pushing them to get treatment. If that happens, you might want to consider connecting with an interventionist, someone who can help you gather a small team to approach your loved one in an organized and loving manner.
What are Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms?
One of the most challenging aspects of heroin addiction is the withdrawal symptoms that occur when individuals attempt to stop using the drug. Heroin withdrawal can be intensely uncomfortable and even life-threatening in severe cases. Some common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches and pains
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and agitation
- Sweating and chills
- Dilated pupils
- Drug cravings
Many people avoid getting treatment because they fear the pain of withdrawal. At St. Joseph, our medical and therapeutic team supervise detox 24/7 to ensure the patient’s safety, and they provide medications and other treatments as needed to help alleviate the worst of the withdrawal symptoms. If you’re afraid of withdrawal, reach out to us. We can help ease your fears and get you started in our detox program.
What are the Long-Term Health Risks of Heroin Use?
Getting help for heroin addiction now will help reverse or mitigate the long-term health risks associated with heroin use. Heroin can have devastating consequences on both physical and mental health. Some of the most significant long-term health risks associated with heroin addiction include:
- Increased risk of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C due to needle sharing
- Respiratory problems, including pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Heart infections (endocarditis) and other cardiovascular complications
- Liver and kidney damage
- Cognitive impairment and memory problems
- Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis
What is Treatment for Heroin Addiction Like?
Treating heroin addiction often requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder. As mentioned above, treatment typically begins with detoxification to rid the body of the toxins from heroin and reduce cravings for it.
After detox, the long-term recovery journey begins. This may include:
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT combines behavioral therapy with medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone to help individuals manage cravings and reduce the risk of relapse.
- Behavioral Therapy: Various forms of therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and family therapy can help individuals address underlying issues, learn coping skills, and develop strategies for avoiding relapse.
- Support Groups: Participating in support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or SMART Recovery can provide individuals with valuable peer support and encouragement throughout their recovery journey. Clients at St. Joseph begin their 12-step journey in treatment, and we help them find local resources to continue this involvement after treatment ends.
- Aftercare Services: Once our clients complete our residential and/or intensive outpatient programs, we connect them with opportunities for long-term support, including involvement with our robust Alumni Program.
Don’t hesitate to contact our Central Pennsylvania facility if you are struggling with heroin addiction or love someone who is. We can help you find a path forward to long-term health well-being.
