Fresno is facing an opioid drug epidemic. Prescription painkillers and illicit opioids are causing more deaths than ever before, and heroin is a significant contributor to this crisis.
If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, you can use this guide to make informed decisions about next steps. We provide a definition of heroin, explain the signs and symptoms of addiction, and explain the treatment processes available for a safe recovery.
What is Heroin?
Heroin, a substance found in the opium poppy plant, is one of the most commonly abused opioid drugs. It affects the brain’s pleasure system and blocks its ability to feel physical pain.
Heroin comes in various forms, ranging from white to dark brown powder or a tar-like substance. It can be administered through intravenous injection, smoking, or snorting.
What is Heroin Addiction?
Heroin addiction is a chronic, relapsing condition that alters the brain, leading individuals to engage in uncontrollable drug-seeking behaviors despite the negative consequences. Regular heroin use builds tolerance, requiring increasing amounts to achieve the same effects.
As usage escalates, physical dependence develops, resulting in withdrawal symptoms when drug use stops. This pattern of behavior is a common characteristic of drug abuse.
What Are the Symptoms of Heroin Addiction?
Although the signs and symptoms of opioid use disorder can vary from person to person, several common indicators are usually present.
Symptom severity depends on factors such as:
- The duration of heroin use
- The frequency and dosage of use
- The individual’s genetic makeup
Someone using heroin will typically experience an intense surge of euphoria, heavy limbs, skin flushing, and dry mouth. Following this initial high, the person often becomes extremely drowsy and may ‘nod off.’ This leads to a craving for more of the euphoric sensation, which may lead to physical dependence, and then addiction.
Some common signs and symptoms of heroin addiction include:
- Irritability, agitation, or hostility towards others
- Avoiding friends and family
- Increased sleep
- Lying about drug use
- Neglecting responsibilities (family, work, school, etc.)
- Lack of motivation and apathy
- Shortness of breath
- Slurred speech
- Constricted pupils
- Weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Flushed and warm skin
- Itching skin and scabs or sores from picking
- Track marks on the skin
- Extreme mood swings
- Anxiety and depression
- Paranoia
- Delusions, hallucinations, and disorientation
- Wearing long pants or long-sleeved shirts even in hot weather
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
What are Common Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms?
Attempting to quit heroin can lead to noticeable physical and behavioral changes.
Some of the most common withdrawal effects include:
- Dehydration: Severe vomiting and diarrhea during withdrawal can lead to dehydration, which, if left untreated, can be life-threatening.
- Overdose Risk: After a period of abstinence, the body’s tolerance to heroin decreases. If an individual relapses and takes the same dose they were accustomed to before detox, it can lead to an overdose, which can be fatal.
- Suicidal Thoughts: The intense emotional distress, depression, and mood swings that often accompany heroin withdrawal can lead to suicidal ideation in some individuals.
- Complications from Co-occurring Disorders: Individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders or medical conditions may experience exacerbated symptoms during withdrawal, increasing the risk of serious complications.
Some of the more rare and dangerous effects of heroin withdrawal include:
- Collapsed veins
- Liver or kidney disease
- Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia
- Pulmonary embolism, blood clots, heart attack, or stroke
- Infections like HIV, Hepatitis B or C, or others
- Skin infections or abscesses at injection sites
- Seizures
- Septicemia
- Overdose
- Coma
- Death
In addition to physical and emotional symptoms, many heroin users experience relationship problems, financial difficulties, and legal issues due to their drug use. It is critical to seek treatment as soon as possible to reduce the severity of these signs and symptoms.
How Do You Know If You Need Heroin Addiction Treatment?
Wondering if a substance use disorder treatment program, including heroin addiction treatment, might be suitable for you?
You may want to consider detox and subsequent drug and alcohol treatment if you identify with any of the following:
- Experiencing problems at work or school, including chronic absenteeism
- Facing financial difficulties, legal challenges, or other issues related to heroin addiction
- Lying to family and friends about the extent of your drug use
- Craving heroin
- Needing heroin to feel normal
- Isolating yourself from sober friends and loved ones
- Experiencing severe mood swings
- Losing interest in your appearance
- Abandoning activities you previously enjoyed
- Failing to quit heroin despite attempts to stop
What is the Treatment for Heroin Addiction?
An addiction to heroin can have devastating effects on you and your loved ones. However, there is hope—addiction can be overcome with the right treatment.
You have several options for heroin addiction treatment in Fresno, including a range of comprehensive and holistic options.
The following are three of the most common options so you can make an informed decision.
1. Detox Treatment
Overcoming heroin addiction typically requires professional help to achieve long-term recovery. This often involves attending a heroin addiction treatment center for inpatient rehab, beginning with a medical detox program.
Medical detox helps manage the withdrawal symptoms in a safe, medically supervised environment, providing a crucial foundation for further treatment. Medication-assisted treatment, such as methadone or suboxone, may also be used to support the detoxification and recovery process.
2. Inpatient (Inpatient) Care
Inpatient treatment may be difficult as it involves time away from friends and family, but this separation is essential. Being in a structured, drug-free environment can help you focus on recovery without the triggers and distractions of your old life.
Most residential/inpatient settings include comprehensive education, therapy, and support to equip you with the tools necessary for a happy and fulfilling life in recovery. They also provide mental health treatment to address any co-occurring disorders, ensuring a holistic approach to your recovery. Relapse prevention strategies may be integrated into the program to help you maintain long-term sobriety.
3. Outpatient Treatment
To maintain sobriety in a supportive environment, many patients turn to outpatient treatment centers. This takes a holistic approach to ensure underlying issues — including co-occurring mental health conditions — get an appropriate level of attention.
Outpatient substance use disorder treatment encompasses a wide range of services tailored to meet your specific needs. Treatment options include detoxification, medication-assisted treatment, and various therapeutic approaches.
The best outpatient treatment programs offer comprehensive support, ensuring you have access to high-quality care. With a combination of individual and group therapy, addiction education, and life skills training, you can build a strong foundation for lasting sobriety.
Consider the Heroin Detox Program at My Time Recovery
At My Time Recovery, we understand the challenges of heroin addiction. That’s why we’ve designed a comprehensive program to create a structured treatment environment for those seeking recovery.
We offer inpatient rehabilitation in Clovis and surrounding areas to safely manage heroin cravings and dangerous withdrawal symptoms. We also provide various behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and contingency management, to address the psychological aspects of addiction.
If you or your loved one is battling heroin addiction in Fresno, contact My Time Recovery for help. Our team of professionals is committed to supporting you as you get started with your recovery journey, providing the care and guidance needed to reclaim your life.
