Heroin Addiction Treatment
Heroin is a narcotic classified as a depressant and suppresses the central nervous system. When someone uses heroin, it activates opioid receptors in the brain, resulting in altered pain perception and a rush of rewarding, euphoric feelings. However, the use of opioids can cause nausea, constrict the pupils, and induce constipation. Long-term use of opioids can also cause psychological and physical dependence resulting in addiction. Unfortunately, heroin addiction rates continue to rise across the country, fueling the opioid crisis.
At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, our team recognizes that comprehensive drug addiction treatment is often the only way for people to overcome their heroin use. If you or a loved one is interested in our heroin addiction treatment program in Boynton Beach, FL, reach out to our Lighthouse Recovery Institute team today by calling 866-308-2090 or completing our online form.
How to Identify Heroin Use and Abuse
Generally, users do not consume heroin in pure form. Thus, the heroin sold on the street is often mixed or “cut” with other materials like sugar, baking soda, cocaine, or starch. Unfortunately, people also mix heroin with the substance fentanyl, which is potentially one hundred times stronger than morphine, resulting in overdoses and fatalities.
Common signs of heroin use include:
- Small pupils
- Track marks, which are needle marks on the arms or legs
- Nodding off or suddenly falling asleep
- Paraphernalia including burned spoons, syringes, aluminum foil with burn marks, or needles
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Cravings and painful withdrawal symptoms require heroin users to attend a medical detox when quitting heroin. Doctors administer medications, such as Ativan, Suboxone, or methadone that help alleviate post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).
Common heroin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Cold sweats
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Fever
- Dehydration
Types of Heroin Addiction Treatment
If you suspect someone you know is actively using heroin, Lighthouse Recovery Institute may be able to help. Our partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, in particular, are effective for holistic heroin addiction treatment.
Treatment plans at Lighthouse Recovery Institute focus on the underlying factors that lead an individual to heroin addiction. As a result, through drug rehabilitation, patients learn coping skills to deal with triggers to prevent future drug relapse. Helping individuals uncover those underlying issues resulting in their continuous, chronic use of heroin is our primary focus. Additionally, individuals meet with our licensed medical staff to discuss medical issues such as post-acute withdrawals.
After patients complete a heroin detox program, they can transition into addiction treatment programs at Lighthouse Recovery Institute’s heroin rehab. A range of treatment programs is available to help people achieve their recovery goals when they walk through our doors.
Addiction treatment options at Lighthouse Recovery Institute include:
- Intensive outpatient program – An intensive outpatient program (IOP) is ideal for individuals that are stable in their recovery. This level of care is also suitable for individuals who want flexibility in their drug rehab to schedule around work, school, or family obligations. Along with psychotherapy and access to support groups, people can leave their substance use disorder in the past.
- Dual diagnosis program – People with addiction may also struggle with mental health diagnoses like depression or anxiety. Dual diagnosis is an evidence-based substance abuse treatment that simultaneously addresses addiction and mental health issues. Our dual diagnosis program treats co-occurring disorders, thus providing a recovery foundation.
- Medication-assisted treatment – Our medication-assisted treatment program allows individuals to develop a plan with the doctor to assist with cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Thus, providing critical support to their early recovery.
Additionally, some individuals may require access to a nutritionist or desire to work on physical fitness. Another example of treatment options may include brain mapping or neuro-feedback. For some individuals, the benefits of these holistic options are a great addition to their drug rehabilitation, especially if they have a co-occurring disorder.
Also, our Lighthouse Recovery Institute team provides trauma therapy and grief and loss therapy. These therapies allow additional opportunities for individuals to process core issues and other underlying factors that often contribute to their chronic heroin drug use.
