Heroin is a highly addictive, illegal opioid drug that can cause great harm and disruption to a person’s life.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), heroin enters the brain quickly and binds to opioid receptors located in areas that control feelings and functions like pain, pleasure, heart rate, breathing, and sleep. Though heroin use can cause an initial rush of pleasure, it can also quickly lead to physical side effects, mental fogginess, and life-threatening complications, according to NIDA.
While a heroin addiction can be debilitating and dangerous, it’s possible to achieve long-term recovery with the right support and treatment. At Maple Heights Behavioral Health in Fort Wayne, Indiana, we provide compassionate, high-quality heroin addiction treatment for adults and seniors. For those who are struggling with acute heroin addiction symptoms, our treatment place offers a source of hope and the tools for positive change.
Signs & Symptoms of Heroin Addiction
Everyone’s struggles with heroin addiction are unique. For example, some people might turn to heroin use after developing an addiction to a prescription opioid, while others may begin using heroin directly. Multiple risk factors, which can be physical and environmental, may contribute to someone developing a heroin addiction.
Heroin addiction signs and symptoms can be physical, behavioral, and cognitive and may include:
- Itchy skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty thinking clearly
- Drifting in and out of full consciousness
- Heaviness in the limbs
- Sleep problems
- Needing higher doses of the drug to get the same effect
- Functioning poorly at work, home, or school
- Using the drug despite the negative consequences
- Withdrawal symptoms when you stop heroin use
Struggling with heroin addiction symptoms can make it difficult to function and live the life you want. But effective treatment is available, and getting help at a professional treatment place can make a big difference for your future health and happiness.
Heroin Addiction Statistics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, in 2020, more than 19% of opioid overdose deaths involved heroin. CDC also shares that many people who struggle with heroin use also abuse other substances, which can increase the risk for overdose.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports the following statistics on heroin use in the United States in 2021:
- About 1.1 million people age 12 and older used heroin in the past year.
- Among people age 12 and older, about 0.4%, or 1 million people, suffered from a heroin addiction in the past year.
- About 26,000 people age 12 and older used heroin for the first time during the past year.
Effects of Heroin Addiction
A heroin addiction can negatively affect many areas of your life, leaving you unable to fulfill your goals and enjoy the physical well-being you deserve. The painful and distressing effects of heroin addiction may include:
- Drug overdose
- Kidney damage
- Constipation
- Pneumonia and other lung complications
- Changes in menstruation
- Clogged blood vessels due to heroin additives
- Risk for HIV and hepatitis infection
- Problems at work or school
- Relationship difficulties
- Co-occurring mental health disorders
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
When you’re struggling with a heroin addiction, getting professional help can allow you to regain control of your life. With effective treatment, you can begin to thrive at work, repair important relationships, and protect your physical and emotional well-being.
Benefits of Heroin Addiction Treatment
A heroin addiction can be deeply disruptive to a person’s life and health. For this reason, heroin addiction treatment often focuses on improving your functioning and overall well-being so that you can begin to lead a happier and more productive life.
Often, a person’s heroin addiction treatment journey begins with detoxification. Detox allows you to withdraw from heroin with support from qualified professionals. Participating in detox can help you avoid returning to substance use in the early stages of recovery.
At our inpatient heroin addiction treatment center, we offer supportive therapy sessions, which can help you process your experiences and make beneficial changes in your life. In individual therapy, you can learn how to cope with difficult situations and avoid substance use. Depending on your needs, you may also participate in family therapy, which can be helpful for both you and your loved ones as you navigate the challenges of recovery.
Therapies Used in Heroin Addiction Treatment
Typically, heroin addiction treatment is most effective when it matches the unique needs of the person who is receiving care. At Maple Heights Behavioral Health, we tailor treatment to fit the needs, circumstances, and goals of each patient.
Incorporating a variety of treatment approaches is often the best way to promote long-term recovery from heroin addiction. When you receive care at our Fort Wayne hospital, our experts may recommend various services and therapies, such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Medical care and medication management services
- Groups, including daily living skills groups and goal-setting groups
By following a heroin addiction treatment plan that is customized to meet your needs, you can begin to heal from your struggles and work toward a brighter future.
Why Choose Our Heroin Addiction Treatment Center
At our Fort Wayne, Indiana, hospital, we offer a well-rounded set of therapies and services for each person who receives heroin addiction treatment. We also provide the expertise and support of a multidisciplinary staff that includes psychiatrists, registered nurses, recreational therapists, licensed professional counselors, and behavioral health technicians. Each staff member is guided by our mission to provide the highest-quality care for patients.
As part of our comprehensive services, every patient follows an individualized treatment plan that is based on multiple in-depth assessments. Throughout a person’s time at our treatment center, we strive to empower them and engage them fully in the treatment process. We also create a supportive aftercare plan for each patient so that they can move seamlessly on to the next stage of their recovery journey when the time comes.
To find out whether our heroin addiction treatment center may be right for you or a loved one, please contact our admissions team today. We offer support and assessments for potential patients 24/7.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Maple Heights Behavioral Health.