Heroin is a highly addictive opiate drug. The heroin epidemic in the U.S. has resulted in thousands of deaths, often impacting families in devastating ways. Why is heroin abuse so worrisome? The drug is far more addictive and carries more significant risks than many other illicit drugs. Yet, it is accessible, which has led to high rates of heroin addiction in many areas. At TruHealing Centers, we recognize those using this drug need profound help. We provide it.
What Makes Heroin Addiction So Dangerous?
As an opiate, heroin triggers the central nervous system. There, it creates a feel-good euphoria that can be intense. The brain is programmed to seek out positive experiences. That’s why cravings for heroin can be so intense and hard to overcome.
Over time, the use of heroin leads to dependence. At this point, the brain’s chemistry changes, and the way it functions and controls the body change. As a result, a person with dependence is unable to feel normal unless they take the drug. The body is reliant on it. When no drugs are available, intense cravings can occur. This may include symptoms such as:
- Intense pain
- Vomiting and nausea
- Agitation and irritability
- Difficult with focus and memory
- Anxiety and depression
There are some high-risk withdrawal symptom risks as well. Detoxing from heroin abuse may include the onset of seizures, insomnia, paranoia, and hallucinations. Some people also suffer from changes in heart rate.
Long-Term Effects of Heroin Abuse
Even putting aside the dependence and addiction, heroin abuse leads to many negative effects when the drugs are used over a long period. This includes damage to brain cells, creating an increased risk for concentration and memory problems. Some people have trouble with decision-making. Responding to stressful situations is difficult.
It is also possible to develop physical illness and disease from continued use. This may include damage to the heart, kidneys, and liver. These types of complications are harder to reverse.
Heroin addiction also leads to increased tolerance. That means a person’s body and brain get used to the drug. To get the same type of high, they have to take more of it or use it more frequently. This increases the risk of overdose, one of the biggest contributing factors to the heroin epidemic.
Heroin Addiction Treatment Can Help Right Away
As soon as heroin addiction treatment begins, some of the risks of overdose fade. Healing starts in the brain and body. It’s critical to recognize the signs of heroin abuse so treatment can begin sooner, reducing the risk of long-term implications. At TruHealing Centers, we offer a wide range of supportive programs to enable healing.
Because of the dangers of heroin addiction, detox is generally an important first step. During detox, the body’s dependence on the drug is broken, allowing for the cravings and withdrawal from not using it to subside. This gives people the control they need over their addiction.
For those who may be facing the heroin epidemic, we can help. We offer a range of resources to help families with loved ones facing the epidemic as well. Our heroin addiction treatment may begin with treatment such as:
- Heroin detox services
- Residential treatment programs
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Partial hospitalization program
- Outpatient treatment program
Invest in Treatment – Call TruHealing Centers Today
The heroin epidemic has hit many families, creating risks for health and life. Heroin addiction does not have to lead to tragedy. With our comprehensive heroin addiction treatment program at TruHealing Centers, you can feel empowered to take back your life. If you are struggling now with heroin abuse or a family member is, call us at [Direct] or reach out online.