Heroin Treatment

Recognizing Heroin Use & Addiction

Heroin use affects the central nervous system by attaching to opioid receptors, blocking pain, and stimulating the brain's reward system to induce euphoria and mood elevation.

 If you suspect that someone is abusing heroin, look out for the following signs:

• Physical Signs:
  • Constricted pupils
  • Drowsiness and nodding off
  • Needle marks or bruises (if injecting)
  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Slurred speech
  • Track marks on arms or other body parts
• Behavioral Changes:
  • Excessive weight loss
  • Isolation from family and friends
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Neglecting personal hygiene
  • Sudden mood swings
• Psychological Symptoms:
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Euphoria
  • Confusion
  • Going on the nod (in and out of consciousness)
  • Impaired cognitive function
  • Increased irritability or agitation
• Withdrawal Symptoms:
  • Dehydration
  • Diarrhea and vomiting
  • Dry mouth
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle and bone pain
  • Nausea
  • Restlessness
  • Shivers and goosebumps

Long-term effects of heroin include insomnia, collapsed veins in people who inject the drug, infection of the heart lining and valves from the cutting agents in heroin, constipation, stomach cramping, and more. Despite these severe side effects, a person with heroin addiction will struggle to quit without the support of a professional heroin addiction treatment program.

Recognizing these signs is crucial for getting individual help as soon as possible. Heroin use can lead to serious health consequences and addiction if left untreated. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these signs, Banyan has numerous heroin addiction treatment centers located across the country where individuals with substance use disorders can get help.

Heroin Addiction Treatment Programs

Seeking heroin addiction treatment is essential for recovery. Many individuals delay treatment due to denial or fear, increasing the risk of permanent health issues. Acknowledging the need for help is the first step toward lasting sobriety.

Initial Assessment

At Banyan Treatment Centers, patients admitted into our heroin rehab program will first undergo a comprehensive clinical assessment by our trained staff members. This thorough evaluation allows us to create an individualized treatment plan tailored to each patient's unique needs and determine the most suitable level of care. Most patients will begin their journey with our heroin detox program.

Heroin Detox Process

Following completion of their health assessment, patients typically proceed to our heroin detox program at our rehab treatment center, where our medical team, licensed to provide proper medication and care, oversees the treatment of withdrawal symptoms. Without this medically assisted detox, patients face uncomfortable withdrawals during recovery, making at-home detoxification perilous and ill-advised. While essential, heroin detox poses its own challenges, with withdrawal symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to serious health risks. The severity and duration of these symptoms vary based on factors such as addiction gravity, polysubstance abuse, and medical history. Detoxification comes with challenges, including withdrawal symptoms that vary in severity based on addiction severity, polysubstance abuse, and medical history.

While these heroin withdrawal symptoms are mostly manageable with help, there are some cases of more serious issues arising during a heroin detox. Especially if someone has underlying physical or mental health problems, a medically monitored detox is recommended.

How Long Do Heroin Withdrawals Last?

Heroin withdrawal typically follows an acute phase lasting 5 to 10 days, with the most severe symptoms occurring early. Individuals often go into the post-acute withdrawal phase, also known as PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome), after the acute phase. Individuals may continue to have occasional symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, weariness, and difficulties concentrating during the duration of PAWS, which can extend for several weeks to months. Some people experience lesser symptoms that progressively get better over time, while others may find the symptoms of PAWS to be more persistent and disruptive to everyday life. Both the duration and intensity of PAWS can vary greatly. It is crucial to have support networks in place to help people manage and overcome these obstacles.