Heroin is one of the most addictive substances on earth and is capable of altering your brain physiology to the point that detox may be impossible on your own. Our heroin rehab program at Gulf Breeze Recovery will not only help you detox from opioids but help you acquire the necessary tools to transform your life after completing rehab. Call us at 833.551.2304 to speak to one of our team members today!
What Are the Symptoms of Heroin Use and Signs of Heroin Abuse?
When a person uses heroin, they often experience an intense euphoria. Body processes unilaterally slow down, reducing respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, and pausing digestion, creating a full-body sense of warmth and relaxation.
However, dependency can form quickly, even after a single use. Because tolerance can be established rapidly, the amount of heroin required to achieve the initial high will also increase, leading heroin users to resort to illicit or risky behaviors such as combining heroin with other drugs or alcohol to achieve a similar high.
Signs that you or a loved one are developing a heroin abuse problem include the rapid presentation of withdrawal symptoms, including:
- General unexplained malaise
- Fatigue
- Disorientation
- Delirium, even paranoia
- Body aches and pains
- Digestive distress (nausea, changes in appetite, diarrhea, or constipation)
- Mood changes, including anxiety, restlessness, or irritability
- Insomnia
- Restlessness and other erratic behaviors
- Intense physical cravings
- Resorting to high-risk or illegal behaviors to obtain heroin and/or other drugs
Although some users may present with distinct track marks in their forearms when taking heroin intravenously, the social stigma surrounding this symptom has increased the likelihood of dosing via alternate injection sites between the fingers or toes. Others resort to sniffing, snorting, or smoking heroin.
How Are the Symptoms of Heroin Abuse Treated in Rehab?
Most opioid users must first undergo a physical detox. During this time, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, panic, insomnia, digestive distress, body aches, and muscle spasms are likely to emerge. These symptoms can be made easier by completing detox in a dedicated medical facility where clients can receive a mixture of pharmaceutical supports and spa treatments such as massage to make the client more comfortable. This phase generally lasts five to ten days, though it may vary based on the client’s usage history’s length, frequency, and nature.
After physical detox is completed, clients must examine the underlying causes for their heroin use and acquire tools to treat the reasons they developed a substance use disorder in the first place. Each individual will require a different, tailored protocol to support their recovery, which may include any combination of the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Group therapy
- Neurofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Mindfulness coaching
- Diverse support therapies, including art therapy, yoga, and other ways to encourage the mind-body connection
Rehab is very tough work, so it can help to receive these treatments at a private facility, where clients can receive adequate rest and fully focus on their recovery. As it may take months to detox from heroin abuse fully, some clients complete structured outpatient programs, allowing them to receive ongoing counseling and medical support while returning to their day jobs and other responsibilities. The ultimate goal is to acquire more healthful coping strategies, so clients may successfully circumvent triggers and avoid relapse while successfully phasing back to regular life.
Find Out More About the Heroin Rehab Program at Gulf Breeze Recovery
Heroin detox and rehabilitation are very challenging, but help is available no longer how long you have struggled with a substance use disorder. Speak to one of our Gulf Breeze Recovery team members today at 833.551.2304 for information on how to take your first critical steps towards permanent sobriety.