Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug that is derived from morphine. It is one of the most destructive drugs available, leading to many short and long-term side effects on a person’s mind and body, and can even lead to death by accidental overdose. If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin abuse, there are substance abuse treatment programs in PA from Gemini Recovery that can help with recovery.
Gemini Recovery is here to help clients change their lives for the better. Our warm and caring team of addiction specialists provides a wide variety of treatments and therapies that ensure genuine recovery and long-term sobriety. We believe that anyone can overcome an addiction to heroin with the right guidance and support. If you want to take the first step towards a healthier future, contact us at 888.341.2524 or reach out online today to begin your recovery journey.
Understanding Heroin Addiction
Heroin is a recreational drug derived from morphine, which, unlike its source, has no approved medical use. It is usually available as a brown or white powder or as a black, sticky, tar-like substance. It can be injected, snorted, or smoked, and it can quickly lead to addiction even after just one or two uses. Heroin works by attaching to the opioid centers in the brain and delivering a surge of euphoria, making it highly vulnerable to misuse.
Prolonged heroin abuse can wreak havoc on someone’s mind and body, leading to many negative side effects, including:
- An increased risk of contracting diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, or blood poisoning
- Collapsed veins at the injection site if heroin is injected
- Facial pustules, skin infections, or skin abscesses
- Gum inflammation
- Cold sweats or itching
- Respiratory issues, problems breathing, or pulmonary infections
- Cognitive issues, memory loss, compromised decision-making ability, decreased mental performance, and deterioration of brain matter
- Behavioral changes
- Insomnia or problems sleeping
- Weakened immune system
- Kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease
- An increased chance of death due to overdose
Apart from physical and mental issues caused by heroin addiction, there can also be considerable damage to someone’s personal and professional relationships. Under the influence of addiction, someone may focus solely on getting their next dose to the detriment of all other areas of their life. If someone is struggling with heroin abuse, it is best to find a trusted addiction rehab facility like Gemini Recovery in order to get them the help that they need.
What Happens in Heroin Addiction Rehab?
When someone is seeking to recover from heroin addiction, the first step will be to detox their system from all traces of the drug. Prolonged heroin use can lead to a physical dependency on the substance. Because of this, when they try to stop using the drug, they will experience withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Mood swings, anger, rage, frustration, or irritability
- Sleep disturbances such as restlessness or insomnia
- Muscle or bone pain, uncontrollable shaking
- Sweating or cold flashes
- Digestive problems such as diarrhea or vomiting
- Increased blood pressure or heart rate
- Intense heroin cravings
Detoxing from heroin can be dangerous and should never be attempted without proper medical supervision. At Gemini Recovery, medication-assisted treatment is available in order to ease the effects of withdrawal. Thanks to this intervention, clients can focus fully on their therapy in order to achieve genuine recovery.
No addiction treatment program will be complete without the inclusion of therapies in order to address the psychological aspect of addiction. Through therapy, clients can learn to deal with their triggers in a more constructive manner, resulting in a decreased chance of relapse.
Find Heroin Addiction Treatment Programs in PA at Gemini Recovery
Gemini Recovery offers a wide variety of addiction treatment programs, including heroin addiction treatment. Our team of experienced specialists provides the right guidance and support in order to help clients achieve lasting abstinence. If you or a loved one is in need of quality addiction care, contact us at 888.341.2524 or reach out online to learn more about what we can offer.
