Why Heroin Is So Addictive and How to Quit
What Makes Heroin So Addictive?
If you have ever struggled with heroin addiction yourself or tried to help an addicted friend or family member, you have probably wondered why heroin is so addictive and how to quit. The addictive nature of heroin has been evident for many decades, but many people still do not fully grasp just how risky even a single-use can be.
How Heroin Affects the Brain
If you want to understand why heroin is so addictive and how to quit, you need to start with the brain. Unlike many other drugs, heroin has a profound impact on the brain of its users, actually altering the brain chemistry in a number of different ways.
After a while, the choice to use or not use heroin gets taken away by these changes in brain chemistry, and that is why it is so critical for those who are addicted to seek professional help. The DIY approach to heroin detox is unlikely to be successful and likely to do further harm, so do yourself a favor and give the experts at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab a call.
Detoxing From Heroin Addiction
If you have ever tried to stop using heroin on your own, you know how difficult and dangerous the detox process can be. A sudden cessation of heroin use can set the stage for several withdrawal symptoms, ranging from the merely uncomfortable to the downright dangerous. Here are some of the classic withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin detox:
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhea
- Mood changes
Heroin Addiction Treatment Methods
For those addicted to heroin and other opioids, prompt action is required to break the chains of dependency and give the user a new lease on life, and finding the proper treatment method will be absolutely critical.
There are several approaches to quitting heroin, and those treatment efforts must be tailored to the needs of the individual addict. Here are some of the most common heroin addiction treatment methods, so you can choose the approach that is likely to work best for you or someone you care about:
Inpatient treatment
For those addicted to heroin, intensive treatment is often needed, and that treatment may take place in a residential inpatient treatment facility. Getting treated in an inpatient facility allows the heroin addict to focus entirely on their recovery, giving them time to reflect on where they have come from and where they hope to go.
Medically assisted treatment
Medically assisted treatment, or MAT, is a unique form of heroin detox, one that can reduce the power of the withdrawal symptoms and allow addicts to stay comfortable and safe as their bodies begin to heal. Many medications are used in the MAT environment, each of them designed to blunt the pain of withdrawal.
Supportive treatment
Getting clean from heroin addiction is no easy task, but the end of detox is only the start of an entirely new process. Staying clean can be just as much of a challenge, and that is why WhiteSands offers several support systems and aftercare programs designed to give recovering addicts the strength they need throughout their recovery.
Heroin Detox and Rehab at WhiteSands
Whether it is injected, smoked, or snorted, heroin is one of the most addictive and dangerous drugs known to man, and the risks have only increased in recent years. The heroin currently sold on the street is far more potent and far more deadly than what was available just a few decades ago.
If someone you care about has been using heroin, it is essential to get them into treatment right away, and every day you wait could be putting them at greater risk. If you are ready to get help for yourself or someone you care about, we encourage you to pick up the phone and give the staff at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab a call today. We are experts in the treatment of heroin addiction, and we can provide you the tools needed to break free of your drug dependency and take back control of your life.
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
