Heroin is one of the most addictive substances in the world. It’s especially dangerous because it creates powerful cravings after just a few uses. Its addictive qualities have made it one of the most widely-used opiates in the US. Fortunately, there is help. A heroin addiction program will focus on the reason behind the addiction and give patients healthy coping skills to maintain their sobriety. Moreover, heroin addiction treatment uses cognitive-behavioral therapy to counteract the negative habits and thoughts that heroin addiction creates.
At Arkview Recovery Center, we can help you safely get through detoxing and begin the healing process. We will base your treatment on your current condition and the severity of your addiction. If necessary, medical staff will administer FDA-approved drugs to help you through your withdrawal symptoms.
Don’t let heroin addiction continue unchecked. To get you or a loved one help for heroin addiction, call 717.744.0756 today to speak with our compassionate staff about our heroin addiction program.
Why is Heroin so Addictive?
Heroin is a powerful opiate made from morphine, which is a natural substance extracted from the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum. Heroin binds with the mu-opioid receptors in the brain and signals the neurotransmitters to release massive amounts of dopamine and endorphins. As a result, you get the well-known euphoric rush.
First-time users may not form an addiction right away if they use small amounts for pain relief. However, it’s a slippery slope.
The pleasurable effects and calming state that heroin creates are impossible to recreate without more heroin. If individuals with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder use heroin, they are more likely to form an addiction after one or two uses.
There is an ever-present risk of overdose with heroin, especially if users have suicidal thoughts or tendencies. For that reason, Arkview Recovery Center is here to help Pennsylvania residents break their addiction through our heroin addiction program.
Heroin Addiction Side Effects
Heroin addiction has mental and physical side effects that can begin within a few hours after their last dose. The severity of symptoms depends on the length of abuse and the amounts taken. Physical symptoms include:
- Uncontrollable cravings
- Sweating
- Chronic constipation
- Small pupils
- Nausea
- Shallow breathing
- Slurred speech
- Reduced sex drive and performance
- Pain sensitivity
Heroin addiction effects on the brain are evident in the shutdown of dopamine production. Dopamine is responsible for more than just feeling good. In addition, it’s responsible for motor function, heart rate, kidney function, cognitive abilities, and other vital processes. Your brain will not produce more dopamine until heroin is out of your system completely, which can take weeks to months.
Without normal dopamine production, you will begin to feel powerful cravings and withdrawals until you take more heroin. Consequently, long-term use can create heroin use disorder. This is a chronic relapsing disease that drives patients to continue using, even to the detriment of their own health. Moreover, users may sometimes harm or steal from friends and family to get their fix.
Sadly, a large percentage of the population will not seek help for their addiction out of shame concerning the stigma of addiction. This can produce dangerous circumstances if they relapse during withdrawals and don’t consider their lower tolerance levels. Relapsing during peak withdrawal symptoms often leads to overdose and death.
Arkview Recovery Center: The Heroin Addiction Program To Treat Every Stage of Addiction Recovery
At Arkview Recovery Center in Mechanicsburg, PA, our heroin addiction program is available to residents in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Lancaster, and surrounding areas.
When you first arrive in our beautiful and spacious new facility, a team of therapists and medical professionals will evaluate your condition. We will fit you with the right heroin addiction program based on the severity of your addiction.
Our addiction treatment programs can help you with every stage of your recovery:
- Pharmacotherapy
- Detox program
- Residential treatment program
When you are ready to begin a heroin addiction program, call 717.744.0756 today to speak with our caring staff about our heroin addiction treatment program.
Kyle is Lead Therapist at Arkview Recovery Center. He holds a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has years of experience working directly with individuals who suffer from addiction and mental health disorders. Being in long term recovery himself, Kyle is very passionate about the recovery process. He is heavily involved in the local recovery community in which he enjoys his commitments to service and giving back. His specialty is in group therapy and developing clinical staff. Kyle brings to Arkview a holistic approach to recovery, specializing in mindfulness, reality therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
