Heroin Addiction Treatment

Heroin addiction has been a major issue in the United Kingdom for the past years, and it continues to impact the lives of several people. Hence, heroin addiction treatments have been widely available, allowing people to have easy access to both inpatient and outpatient programs, medical-assisted treatment, therapy, support groups, and aftercare services.

Heroin is seen as one of the most harmful and damaging drugs. Heroin can cause damage to many aspects of life, including general health, relationships, job performance, and social interactions.

What Is Heroin?

Heroin is a highly addictive and fast-acting opiate, which comes from opium – a natural substance taken from the seedpod of the opium poppy. Heroin is also known for its street names, such as Big H, Black Tar, Chiva, Hell Dust, Horse, Negra, Smack, and Thunder.

It usually comes in the form of a white or brown powder or as a sticky black substance called “black tar heroin.” While purer heroin is becoming more available, most of the heroin sold on the streets is mixed with other drugs or substances like sugar, starch, powdered milk, or quinine.

How Is Heroin Used?

Heroin is a powerful, illicit opioid drug that can be used in various ways depending on the user’s preference and tolerance level. Standard methods of ingestion include injection, snorting, or smoking.

Injecting heroin directly into the bloodstream delivers an intense and immediate high, allowing the substance to bypass the digestive system entirely. On the other hand, some users opt for snorting or smoking heroin from tin foil as they perceive these methods to be less harmful than injecting. Whether it is injecting or smoking heroin, both methods still carry significant health risks; when heroin is smoked or snorted, it rapidly enters the brain through nasal membranes or lung tissues, leading to a similarly fast-acting effect.

Effects Of Heroin On The Body

The effects of heroin on an individual can be both immediate and long-lasting, resulting in various physical and mental health consequences. Upon administration, the user typically experiences a rush of euphoria accompanied by sensations like warm skin flushing and a dry mouth.

However, these pleasurable sensations are not without their serious health risks. Long-term effects of heroin use can lead to severe complications such as respiratory problems, damaged veins due to intravenous drug use, or infections at the injection site. Blood-born viruses like HIV or Hepatitis C are also huge health risks of needle use. This highly addictive substance can quickly lead to drug dependence in a short period.

Furthermore, prolonged exposure has also been associated with decreased liver function, kidney failure, lung issues like pneumonia, and cognitive impairments.

What Happens When You Overdose Heroin?

Heroin overdose is a serious and life-threatening situation that can occur when someone takes too much of the drug, resulting in breathing problems and potential heart failure.

When heroin is used, it enters the brain quickly and binds to opioid receptors responsible for controlling pain and pleasure sensations. An overdose occurs when these receptors become overwhelmed by the amount of heroin in the system, slowing down bodily functions until they eventually stop altogether.

We offer a wide range of mental health programmes to suit everyone’s needs. This includes counselling for depression or anxiety, a 24-hour telephone helpline, and a range of workshops.

What Is Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction is a complex and serious problem impacting millions globally, frequently resulting in severe repercussions for both the affected individuals and their families. This condition is marked by an uncontrollable desire to obtain and consume the drug, regardless of the detrimental effects it may cause.

Signs And Symptoms Of Heroin Addiction

Recognising the signs and symptoms of heroin addiction is essential to break the cycle of addiction and prevent further damage to your physical and mental health.

If you see any of these symptoms, getting professional help immediately is important. Heroin addiction gets worse over time and can lead to overdose, which can often be deadly.

Engaging in heroin use despite its negative impact on major areas of life
Deceiving friends and family about heroin consumption.
Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop using heroin.
Facing severe withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance.

Increasing tolerance to heroin over time.
Engaging in risky behaviours
Experiencing physical and behavioural changes such as weight loss, watery eyes, nausea, slowed respiratory rate, fatigue, social isolation, lack of interest, and diminished motivation.
Developing mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

People who have heroin addiction become physically dependent on it and often experience fear of stopping because of the withdrawal symptoms they might face. These symptoms can start just a few hours after the last use.

Those who have been using heroin for a long time are at risk of serious health issues during withdrawal and should get help from medical professionals. Some of the most common heroin withdrawal symptoms include extreme sweating, nausea, muscle pain, insomnia, fever, and intense craving for heroin.

Heroin Addiction Treatment Options

This highly addictive opioid often entraps individuals in a vicious cycle of addiction. Breaking free from this condition necessitates a comprehensive and strategic approach. At PROMIS, our heroin addiction treatment encompasses every facet of recovery, from detox to aftercare.

Detox

Detoxification is one of the initial steps in overcoming heroin addiction. This process includes medical supervision and medication to ease withdrawal symptoms. Those in recovery require constant medical support to safely and comfortably navigate this difficult phase of detox.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

Medication-assisted treatment uses prescribed drugs like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone to help you with withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These medications block the effects of opioids or lessen withdrawal to help you concentrate on your recovery.

Therapy

Treatment programs usually combine medications with therapy. Therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing are often useful in this process. They could help you change your thoughts and behaviours that are associated with drug use, improve your life skills to manage stress, and deal with triggers that can lead to strong cravings for drugs, which may result in relapse and a return to compulsive use.

Residential Rehab And Outpatient Treatment

Residential treatment programs offer 24/7 care in a safe setting and allow you to get access to our highest level of care. On the other hand, outpatient programs provide flexible options, letting you keep daily activities while attending therapy and getting support. It is important to note that the decision between residential and outpatient treatment depends on personal needs, preferences, and available support.

Aftercare

Completing the initial stages of treatment is a significant achievement, but the road to recovery from heroin addiction is an ongoing journey. Our aftercare services are designed to support individuals as they reintegrate into their daily lives. Through regular check-ins, support groups, and continued counselling, our treatment plan fortifies the skills and insights gained during rehab to ensure a sustained commitment to a life free from substance abuse.

Helping A Loved One Going Through Heroin Addiction

Watching a loved one grapple with heroin addiction can be heartbreaking. However, your support can be instrumental in guiding them towards recovery. Here’s how you can effectively assist them in seeking professional treatment:

Educate Yourself

Before approaching your loved one, familiarise yourself with the complexities of heroin addiction. Understanding what it means to take heroin and the consequent physical and psychological effects can make your approach more empathetic and informed.

Open a Line Of Communication

Initiate a non-confrontational conversation, expressing your concerns and offering unwavering support. Avoid judgement or blame; instead, focus on your observations and your wish for their well-being.

Offer Assistance

Whether helping them research the best rehab centres, accompanying them to an initial consultation, or simply being there to listen, your proactive involvement can significantly impact their decision to seek treatment.

Stay Involved

Once your loved one decides to undergo treatment, remain actively involved in their journey. Attend family counselling sessions, visit them during their rehab stay, and be part of their aftercare plan, offering encouragement every step of the way.

Practice Self-Care

While it’s essential to support your loved one, taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is equally crucial. Engage in self-care routines and consider joining support groups for families of individuals battling addiction.

Begin Your Treatment For Heroin Addiction Today

If you or someone you know is trapped in heroin addiction, the time to act is now. Every moment spent in the effects of this drug deepens the pit of addiction, making the journey to sobriety increasingly challenging. But at PROMIS, we have a comprehensive treatment programme to help you stop using heroin and reclaim your lives.

Don’t let the shadows of addiction darken another day. Reach out to us and embark on a transformative journey to treat heroin addiction, rediscover a life of purpose, and step into a future brimming with hope and possibility. Your pathway to recovery is just a call away.