Legacy Healing Center Blog

Signs of Heroin Addiction

Heroin is a highly addictive drug and abuse is extremely common. Luckily, there are effective forms of treatment to help individuals overcome their addiction to heroin. For people who cannot quit on their own, heroin addiction treatment for New York City residents is available to help achieve long-term sobriety to foster a healthy life.

Individuals suffering from heroin addiction may exhibit apparent physical, emotional, or behavioral signs. Some of the physical symptoms include:

•  Sudden sleepiness, especially nodding off
•  Track marks, scabs, and sores
•  Tiny “pinpoint” pupils
•  Unhealthy weight loss
•  Depressed and antisocial behavior
• Secretive about their drug use, like wearing long sleeve shirts to hide their track marks

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What Is Heroin Rehab Like?

For those wishing to stop their heroin use, professional heroin addiction treatment for New York City residents can help them resume a healthier, productive life long-term. Heroin rehabilitation is similar to any other drug rehab, using a combination of behavioral therapies to change negative behaviors and patterns, and using medications to manage withdrawals. If there is a co-occurring disorder, some rehabilitations will help treat those concurrently.

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

When a person becomes physically dependent on heroin and suddenly stops using it, they will experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include diarrhea, achy muscles and bones, chills, and vomiting. Many people will quickly start using again to offset these unpleasant side effects.

Heroin Detox New York City

The first step to professional recovery from heroin addiction is a period of medication-assisted detoxification. Medical detox can significantly manage withdrawal symptoms that are very uncomfortable and dangerous if done alone, and it can help assure a successful detox without relapse.

Inpatient Heroin Addiction Treatment

After detox is complete, there are various heroin addiction program options to continue with a more extended treatment period and increase the chances of long-term recovery. One of these is inpatient or residential treatment, in which you reside in the facility and receive treatment 24/7. This is a good option if you feel your home life does not support your recovery.

Outpatient Heroin Rehab

If staying outside your home for an extended time is not a viable option due to work or home obligations, outpatient care may be a good choice. This includes a partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). You would continue to live at home or n a sober living home outside of treatment hours. You would participate in all the treatment activities of an inpatient program but would go home in the evenings.

Medications Used in Heroin Rehab

Several medications are used to help individuals overcome heroin addiction and increase the likelihood of long-term sobriety. Besides the drugs used during a medical withdrawal, two medications lower cravings and other unpleasant symptoms. One is Methadone, which binds and activates opioid receptors without the euphoric high. It helps relieve withdrawal symptoms and cravings while a person works on recovery.

The other medication is Buprenorphine, which also binds to opioid receptors but activates them less intensely. This drug helps heroin users remain more comfortable during the earliest stages of their recovery and block heroin cravings.

Heroin Relapse Prevention

One of the most significant components of long-term sobriety success is effective aftercare and routine follow-ups with treatment providers. After someone has completed a rehab program, they must return to their regular lives where they might be tempted to start using again. Aftercare helps individuals reinforce the lessons they learned during treatment and apply them to everyday life. It also helps them face new triggers or issues head-on while providing a network of sober peers.

If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction and looking for heroin addiction treatment near New York City is available at Legacy Healing Center. We believe in treating the person as a whole, treating the body, mind, and spirit. We also specialize in treating co-occurring disorders to get to the root of the addiction and increase your chances of long-term recovery. If you are ready to start living a healthier, drug-free life, please do not hesitate to call us at 888.534.2295 today. Our addiction specialists are here to answer your questions any time, day or night.