Heroin Addiction

Heroin Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Heroin is an illegal and potent opioid drug that can lead to addiction after a couple of uses. Unfortunately, heroin use is also incredibly risky, often leading to life-threatening overdoses. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), there were 5,871 heroin overdose deaths in the United States in 2022.[1]

If you or a loved one regularly abuses heroin, you are likely suffering from a substance use disorder. Some of the signs of heroin addiction include being unable to control how often you use it, experiencing urges and cravings for heroin, needing to increase the dose you use to experience the desired effect, and noticing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it.

Because heroin addiction is so dangerous, you should always seek help from a professional rehab center. Addiction treatment programs address heroin addiction using a combination of medical detox, evidence-based therapies, relapse prevention planning, and aftercare support.

At Palm City Wellness, we can provide you with the tools and support you need to overcome heroin use disorder. We offer individualized treatment plans and a high standard of care, ensuring you can achieve long-term recovery from heroin abuse.

In this article, you will learn:

• What makes you more likely to abuse heroin?
• What are the symptoms of heroin addiction?
• How do addiction treatment centers manage heroin use disorder?

What are the Risk Factors for Heroin Abuse?

There is no one cause for heroin addiction. That said, certain risk factors make you more likely to engage in heroin abuse. Knowing the risk factors can help you identify and manage underlying issues before you turn to drugs.

The risk factors for heroin abuse include:[2]

• Having a family history of addiction
• Untreated or underlying mental health issues
• Having friends who engage in heroin abuse
• Experiencing long-term loneliness or isolation
• Lack of family involvement during childhood and early adulthood
• Having access to drugs like heroin
• Being a part of the low socioeconomic status
• Suffering from physical health problems that require the use of opioid medications
• Having a history of drug and alcohol abuse

While these factors can increase your likelihood of engaging in heroin abuse, that does not have to be your story. If you address underlying mental health conditions, use healthy coping mechanisms, and surround yourself with a support system, you can prevent yourself from falling into negative behavioral patterns like substance abuse.

What are the Signs of Heroin Addiction?

If you are worried that you or a loved one has a heroin addiction, knowing the symptoms can help you determine whether it’s time for professional help. Heroin is an addictive substance that can quickly cause you to fall into a vicious cycle of substance abuse and withdrawal.

The main signs of heroin addiction include:[3]

• Spending a lot of time obtaining and using heroin
• Being unable to control how much or how often you use heroin
• Experiencing urges or cravings to use heroin
• Wanting to quit using heroin but being unsuccessful
• Dealing with social or interpersonal issues because of your heroin use
• Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities to have more time to abuse heroin
• Failing to meet responsibilities at home, school, or work due to heroin use
• Engaging in risky behaviors while using heroin, such as driving
• Needing to increase your dose of heroin to experience the desired effect
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using heroin

Unfortunately, overdoses are often a part of heroin addiction. It is also extremely common for heroin to contain lethal amounts of fentanyl due to cross-contamination and drug dealers looking to make extra money on an extra potent product. Because of this, it is best that you attend professional treatment for your heroin addiction as soon as possible.

How is Heroin Addiction Treated?

If you are on the fence about attending treatment for heroin addiction, knowing how it works could ease some of your worries. It’s important to remember that addiction treatment centers are not going to punish you for your substance abuse. Their job is to support you throughout the recovery process, keeping you as comfortable as possible.

During heroin addiction treatment, you can expect the following:

In-Depth Assessment

The first step in a heroin rehab program is an in-depth assessment. The treatment team will ask you questions about your physical and mental health as well as your history of heroin abuse. The information gathered will be used to create an individualized treatment plan based on your needs and goals for recovery.

Medical Detox

After your treatment plan is created, you will begin detox. Medical detox helps you overcome heroin withdrawal using FDA-approved medications that control your symptoms and cravings. For example, Suboxone or methadone might be used to ensure your symptoms remain at a minimum.

In addition to medication, medical professionals will consistently monitor your vital signs. If you need any treatments like IV fluids or blood pressure medication, you will receive them immediately. The goal of detox is to help you overcome withdrawal safely and comfortably.

Evidence-Based Therapies

After detox is completed, you will begin working on the behavioral and psychological aspects of heroin addiction. Individual and group therapy will be used to help you address the root causes of your substance use disorder, overcome trauma, manage underlying mental health conditions, and more.

Evidence-based therapies are used to treat heroin addiction. Examples of evidence-based therapies for substance use disorders include:[4]

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Motivational interviewing (MI)
• Contingency management (CM)
• 12-step facilitation therapy
• Family behavior therapy 

Relapse Prevention and Aftercare

Lastly, relapse prevention planning is used to ensure you have the proper tools to maintain sobriety after you complete treatment. You will learn about potential triggers for relapse, develop healthy coping mechanisms that work for you, and create a plan of action to use in case you experience a relapse in the future.

A major part of relapse prevention is aftercare, which includes services offered to you after you complete treatment. Examples of aftercare services include:

• Continued therapy
• Medication management
• Access to an alumni support group
• Referrals to outpatient and sober living programs
• Recommendations on local support groups
• Case management services like vocational assistance and other life skills training

Get Connected to a Top-Rated Heroin Rehab Center

Heroin is a highly addictive substance, which means you’ll need professional care to recover. At Palm City Wellness, we offer personalized and evidence-based heroin addiction treatment, making it possible for our clients to achieve long-term recovery.

Contact us today for more information on our heroin rehab center.

References:

1. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Drug Overdose Deaths 
2. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Cannabis and Other Drugs 
3. Psychiatry Online: DSM-5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorders: Recommendations and Rationale
4. Science Direct: Evidence-based practices for substance use disorders