Heroin Addiction Treatment

Heroin is a central nervous system depressant which comes from the Asian opium poppy. Heroin is one of the most dangerous drugs in the world. Few drugs carry with them so many potential hazards for the user - psychological, physical and social. Even with all the will power in the world, almost no person can break the cycle of heroin addiction by themselves. Professional help, in the form of a long term drug treatment program is by far the best possible option for recovery from heroin addiction. Heroin addiction treatment is readily available in the United States because heroin is such an addictive drug. Heroin's pain relieving and medicinal properties have been known for centuries, but its' devastating long-term effects on the human body have only come largely to light during the 20th century. As the medical and drug community began to realize the harmful effects of prolonged or continued use of heroin, drug treatment centers have offered programs specifically designed to help addicts alleviate themselves of the grip of the drug. Through heroin addiction drug rehab, individuals looking to recover can find treatment, support, and information to help them live sober lives.

Heroin has immediate effects once administered, usually noticeable within a couple of minutes. When heroin is administered, the user will feel a sudden rush of euphoria and a warming of the body along with heaviness of the extremities. After the rush, heroin users will experience a feeling of drowsiness, struggling to keep their eyes open as they vacillate between wakeful and drowsy states. This is referred to as nodding off, when the heroin user will fall asleep for seconds, and then wake up. Under the influence of heroin, breathing is labored and speech is slurred. The user's heart rate can become irregular and slow to the point of arrest, signs of accidental overdose. Heroin overdose is indicated when the depressive effect heroin has on breathing and heart rate cause the user to stop breathing altogether. Last year, an estimated 400,000 people were admitted to hospital emergency rooms due to accidental heroin overdose. Hundreds more don't make it to the hospital and without medical care; overdoses are fatal, thus creating a sense of urgency regarding drug treatment for heroin addiction. The abuse of heroin is determined by the user's tolerance to the drug. The longer the time period of abuse, the more heroins is needed for the addict to obtain the same rush of euphoria, increasing the potential of overdose. Because of the huge amount of heroin that may be needed in the case of long term addiction, drug treatment may be absolutely necessary concerning withdrawal from this highly potent, often deadly drug.

Heroin addicts can feel a high for periods of several minutes to hours, depending on tolerance and the amount of heroin administered. One of the bigger reasons heroin addicts continues their addictive behavior despite negative consequences is the withdrawal symptoms. This is the main reason experts in the field of addiction highly recommend long term drug treatment for heroin addiction. Heroin addicts in withdrawal commonly experience severe drug cravings, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cold flashes, muscle pains, and overall severe flu-like symptoms. These symptoms generally take effect a few hours after the last administration, but peak in severity between 48 and 72 hours. Depending on the severity of the addiction, heroin withdrawal can take a few days and for some, several weeks. In most cases, heroin withdrawal is not fatal for otherwise healthy individuals. However, for addicts in poor health and suffering from other medical conditions, withdrawal can be severe enough to cause death and every precaution should be available at the treatment center to avoid medical problems during the detox phase.

Heroin addiction is a major contributor in the HIV/AIDS epidemic as many heroin addicts share infected needles in their desperate attempts to get the next high and avoid the uncomfortable and painful withdrawal symptoms. Many metropolitan areas have incorporated a needle exchange program where addicts can exchange their used needles for new, clean ones. Addicts can also get information on safer shooting methods, literature on addiction and in most cases support for recovery if they're ready to get clean. This program is highly controversial as many opponents feel that while it helps to keep many infected needles off the streets, it does not address the bigger problem of addiction that drug treatment does. The debate rages on in society, among treatment professionals, and in forums around the world. In the mean time, millions of people struggle with heroin addiction and need treatment.

Heroin addiction is very difficult to overcome since it causes both psychological and physical dependence. The first step is always detoxification, when the addict will go through the withdrawal process under the care of professionals who can monitor the progress of the detox and try to make it as safe and comfortable as possible for the addict. The detoxification process is essential for recovery from heroin addiction because the physical dependence must be eliminated before treatment for the psychological recovery can begin. Like any other addiction, heroin addiction can be treated. With the proper care and if the addict attempts to maintain a positive and determined attitude, sobriety can be achieved. In any case of addiction, the addict must be completely determined to get clean before the miracle of sobriety can happen. This process can be expedited when the addict is facing legal issues, or if loved ones take a firm stand regarding no longer enabling the addict.

For those who are fortunate enough to come to terms with their heroin addictions, many drug treatment options are available, but research has shown that long term treatment has an overwhelmingly better outcome than short term treatment in the case of heroin addiction. The sense of urgency that is needed to obtain drug treatment for heroin addiction cannot be overstated, as overdoses to the drug are so commonplace. If you or a loved one is suffering from a heroin addiction, seek treatment as soon as possible as to avoid even the slightest chance of a deadly overdose.

HEROIN FACTS