Heroin is a highly addictive, illegal, rapidly acting opiate that is synthesized from morphine. Morphine is derived from the seeds of the opium plant, poppy. As such, any drug that is derived from opium poppy plants is classified as an opiate. Heroin is classified as a Schedule I Controlled Substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which is defined as a substance “with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” Heroin can be abused in different ways such as intravenously (injected), inhaled (snorted), and/ or smoked. The method of ingestion does not affect the speed at which heroin crosses the blood-brain barrier. The National Institute on Drug Abuse asserts that habitual use of heroin can lead to both short and long-term changes in one’s brain. Due to its highly addictive qualities, any person that uses heroin repeatedly, regardless of any predisposed potential for developing a drug addiction (e.g., family history of addiction, exposure to drugs at a young age, mental health disorder, etc.) is at risk for developing a physical and psychological addiction to heroin.

Treatment

There are a variety of treatment methods used to help an individual recover from an addiction to heroin. The typical treatment process for heroin addiction is comprised of three stages: the detox stage, formal treatment program, and aftercare. All three stages are equally important, as each is fundamental to the recovery process. 

1. Detox: detox is the process that rids one’s body of all foreign substances. Though the withdrawal symptoms (e.g., insomnia, anxiety, vomiting, tremors, diarrhea, etc.) that typically manifest when detoxing from heroin are rarely life threatening, they can cause severe discomfort, as such a medically assisted detox is advised to assist with mitigating the adverse withdrawal symptoms.
2. Treatment Program: substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment programs are conducted in either an inpatient setting or an outpatient setting. Due to the physiological effects of heroin abuse, individuals struggling with heroin addiction are advised to attend an inpatient treatment program. Inpatient treatment programs require its participants to reside at the treatment facility for the duration of the program. High quality substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment programs provide its participants with tailored treatment plans. Depending on one’s needs, these treatment plans include certain FDA-approved medications (e.g., methadone or buprenorphine) as well as a wide variety of therapeutic treatment modalities, some of which could include any combination of: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal therapy (IPT), mindfulness-based therapy, creative arts therapies, and more. 
3. Aftercare: during the formal treatment program an individual will develop an aftercare plan with his or her clinical team. This serves as a personalized resource that provides individuals with both detailed and broad guidance, often including suggestions for how to navigate challenges post treatment, strategies for relapse prevention, and more. 

It is important to note that though the treatment process is broadly made of up the same three stages, there is an array of options within each stage. The different options within each stage allow leeway for modifications to ensure the nuanced needs of everyone are sufficiently and precisely accommodated. 

For Information and Support 

If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding substance abuse and/ or addiction, we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long-lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment-related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one. We can be reached by phone at 424-258-6792. You are also welcome to contact anytime us via email at admissions@hhtxc.com.