Heroin Addiction in Boca Raton (877) 804-1531
Heroin is a drug with a severe potential for abuse and addiction. Heroin is the fastest-acting of all the opiates. Classified as a Schedule I substance by the DEA means heroin has no medical purposes and has the highest potential for abuse. Heroin addiction can lead to serious mental and physical health conditions and is known to cause death caused by overdose.
Seek treatment today. Call Drug Treatment Boca Raton at (877) 804-1531 for help finding treatment centers.
The Rise of Heroin Addiction
Heroin abuse is on the rise in unprecedented numbers. According to The Partnership at Drugfree.org, about 100 people die each day from overdosing on this drug. Those who abuse legitimately obtained prescription painkillers are prime candidates to use to illegal drugs when the legitimate supply is no longer available.
Heroin Addiction or Abuse Signs
When this drug enters the brain it is converts back into morphine. The morphine binds onto cells in the brain known as opioid receptors. These receptors are located in the pleasure center areas of the brain. Morphine stimulates the pleasure centers, giving feelings of euphoria to the user. When the brain is unable to produce the pleasure center chemicals (namely, dopamine) on its own, the user becomes dependent on using the drug to stimulate these areas of the brain. This is physical addiction.
The psychological addiction to this drug is more difficult to understand and science is still working to fully illuminate the mechanisms behind it. Essentially, opiates affects brain chemistry and structure, impacting an individual's ability to cope with life without heroin. Though it is clear that prolonged use of this drug changes brain chemistry, it isn't clear how it changes brain chemistry or how such effects can be reversed.
Heroin use signs include:
- Physical: Shallow breathing, dry mouth, dilated pupils, droopy appearance, limbs look heavy, oversleeping, slurred speech, weight loss, runny nose and eyes, needle track marks visible on extremities, skin infections, cuts, bruises, scabs
- Mental: Major changes in behavior or actions, confusion, hyper alertness, sudden sleeping and aggressiveness
- Social: Lying, avoiding eye contact, missing school or work, neglecting hygiene, deteriorating physical appearance, loss of motivation, apathy, isolation from loved ones, spending time with people who have drugs or drug habits, loss of interest in hobbies and favorite activities, stealing money, borrowing money constantly, stealing other items, hostility, covering limbs to hide needle marks.
Heroin Abuse Health Effects
- Fatal overdose
- Infectious diseases
- Vein collapse
- Heart problems
- Skin infections
- Constipation
- Gastrointestinal cramping
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Pneumonia
- Clogged blood vessels
- Vital organ damage
Heroin Addiction Treatment Options
Heroin treatment is best conducted in residential treatment centers. A medical detox under the supervision of qualified addiction specialists is the first step in eliminating the body of all addictive substances in a comfortable and safe manner. Detoxing from opiates without medical personnel is dangerous and could prove fatal.
Once a medical detox is complete, a detox maintenance program should be in place for relapse prevention due to cravings. Using Suboxone or Methadone under medical supervision, dispensed on a regular basis, controls a former addict's cravings, so they do not relapse.
Residential addiction centers have aftercare programs addicts need so they can continue sober living after completing residential treatment. Aftercare programs are crucial to the successful recovery and to prevent relapse. Support groups, sober-living houses, outpatient counseling and drug testing are all important reasons to choose a residential rehab which offer comprehensive programs.
Choosing a residential heroin addiction rehab with a medical detoxification program, integrated inpatient treatment programs and aftercare programs is a phone call away. Call Drug Treatment Boca Raton at (877) 804-1531 to discuss how we can help you or a loved one find treatment facilities. We will discuss specific details and are always happy to help. Help is only a phone call away, call us now.