Heroin Addiction Treatment San Diego
Heroin is a powerful and highly addictive opiate drug. It influences the production of feel-good chemicals in the brain, resulting in a euphoric effect that temporarily relieves pain, anxiety, and tension, and increases feelings of contentment. The absence of negative “comedown” effects can make heroin seem like a harmless drug at first, but tolerance builds quickly, and the addiction rate for heroin is staggering—as many as 25% of heroin users become addicted.
Like other opioids, heroin is notoriously difficult to quit, even when it begins to wreak havoc on a person’s health, relationships, and ability to function. Heroin use and heroin-related overdose deaths have increased in recent years. According to the CDC, 15,000 Americans died from drug overdoses involving heroin in 2017 alone.
Read on for more information about heroin addiction, what it looks like, and how we treat it.
Signs of Heroin Use and Addiction
The signs and symptoms of heroin addiction vary from person to person. Some people fall apart quickly while others are able to keep their addiction a secret for years. If you suspect that someone you love has an addiction to heroin, you may be tempted to look the other way as long as they’re functioning well. But remember, the longer a person uses heroin, the harder it is to quit. Knowing the signs of heroin addiction can lead to important conversations that help save lives. Symptoms of heroin use and addiction include:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Constricted pupils
- Flushed skin
- Nodding off
- Extreme Itching
- Dry mouth
- Slow breathing
- Secretive behavior
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Burned spoons
- Needles/syringes
- Glass pipes
- Lying about drug use
- Track marks
- Scabs or bruises
- Long pants and shirts in warm weather
- Depression
- Hostility and agitation
- Paranoia
- Confused thinking
- Memory loss
- Weight loss
- Change in appearance
- Decrease in personal hygiene
- Borrowing money
- Decline in performance at school or work
Approaching the subject of addiction with a loved one can be distressing, but there are resources to help friends and family members. The sooner you can get your loved one into treatment, the better the chance they have of overcoming heroin addiction and escaping its damaging effects.
The Dangers of Heroin Addiction
Heroin addiction affects much more than a person’s brain and behavior. It can wreak havoc on their overall physical health as well. Some of the damaging effects of heroin use and addiction include:
- Liver disease
- HIV
- Hepatitis
- Kidney disease
- Blood clots (which can lead to stroke and heart attacks)
- Blood poisoning (septicemia)
- Seizures
- Overdose
- Death
When someone is addicted to heroin, their health will get worse gradually or quickly, but it will not get better without treatment.
Heroin Addiction Treatment at Alvarado Parkway Institute
Heroin addiction is a serious mental health condition that requires care from experienced mental health professionals. Attempting to quit cold turkey and alone not only increases the chance of relapse, but it’s also potentially dangerous. Heroin withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, and although none are fatal in themselves, some of the medical and psychological symptoms may result in life-threatening complications. Excessive diarrhea and vomiting, for example, can result in dehydration, elevated blood sodium levels, and ultimately, heart failure. Similarly, some people experience depression during heroin withdrawal, which if severe enough, can cause suicidal thinking. The best heroin addiction treatment programs include medically supervised detox in order to help patients safely through the withdrawal process.
At Alvarado Parkway Institute, we offer comprehensive heroin addiction treatment. Our customized treatment plans are designed to address the particular needs of each individual, and we provide varying levels of care through a range of inpatient and outpatient programs. Every person is different, so no two treatment plans look exactly alike, but each typically includes some combination of the following:
- Medical examination to assess health-related complications from heroin use and determine best strategies for detox
- Psychological evaluation to determine if there is a co-occurring mental illness
- Medication for safe detox and/or mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Individual therapy, which may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other methods for helping the patient learn to cope with triggers and manage stressful life events
- Group therapy to reduce feelings of isolation, offer peer support, focus on life-skills, and process issues related to addiction and recovery
- Family therapy to help mend broken bonds, restore communication, educate family members about addiction and recovery, and allow everyone the opportunity to express themselves in a safe environment
The addiction treatment programs at Alvarado Parkway help patients learn to manage cravings, identify triggers, cope with stress, reconnect with loved ones, and rediscover the joys of living sober.
Contact API
Fortunately, heroin addiction is treatable. At Alvarado Parkway, we’ve helped countless patients overcome their addiction to heroin and learn to live healthy, sober lives. For more information on heroin addiction treatment at Alvarado Parkway Institute, please call us at 619-333-7050.
