What Is Heroin?
Heroin is a highly addictive, illegal drug. The drug is derived from the poppy plant, which is extracted to produce opium, which is refined to produce morphine, which is then chemically changed into heroin. It is nonetheless a widely abused narcotic in the U.S., no matter how well-deserved its bad reputation is for its severe risks.In addition to white or brown powder, tar heroin, and solid black chunks, heroin comes in various forms that are all consumed. Smoking, snorting, or injecting heroin into the skin, muscle, or veins are all methods of ingesting heroin.
The drug provides its powerful effects immediately regardless of the method of administration. Overdosing on heroin is always a possibility because the strength of any street narcotic varies so much from batch to batch.
Why Do People Abuse Heroin?
Heroin is misused for the immediate pleasure it provides, such as:
- A rush of euphoric feelings known as the “rush.”
- The sensation of being warm and tranquil.
- An enhanced sensation of well-being and confidence
- A heavy, sluggish feeling in the arms and legs
Treatment for Heroin Abuse
Professional therapy is often required to alleviate the effects of heroin addiction and dependence. The first hurdle in heroin recovery is dealing with withdrawal symptoms that appear once the drug is no longer present in the body.
Widespread discomfort in the bones and muscles, as well as difficulty sleeping are all indications of heroin withdrawal. Others include:
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
- Severe cravings for the drug.
- Freezing
Heroin withdrawal is rarely fatal, but it can be dangerous and unpleasant, leading many people who try to quit to relapse. To safely navigate the early stages of rehabilitation, supervised detoxification may be required. A medical treatment team will evaluate your symptoms during detox and provide drugs to help you feel better.Many folks go from detox to rehab to continue their recovery. Rehabs are residential treatment programs that vary in length depending on the needs of the patient. This eliminates external distractions, allowing you to concentrate solely on your recuperation.
Outpatient mental health, drug and alcohol treatment, and community supports can then be used to help you maintain your abstinence while you reintegrate back into society.
Some components of heroin addiction treatment remain consistent regardless of the setting, such as:
- Behavioral treatment – Behavioral therapy, which is available in outpatient, inpatient, and residential settings, aims to make you aware of your patterns so that you can change them for the better.
- Medication management – During various stages of heroin recovery, methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, and other medications are used. Some function by stimulating the same opioid receptors as heroin, while others block the receptors, making the effects of heroin ineffective.
Lookingfor Help?
Mallard Lake Detox Center is here to help you or someone you care about who is struggling with heroin addiction. Our comprehensive team of addiction professionals can assist you in overcoming your addiction and resuming a healthier, heroin-free lifestyle. Get in touch with us right away to discover more about heroin treatment programs that are right for you.
