Heroin is one of the most addictive street drugs available today. It’s also one of the deadliest.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, heroin was a popular street drug. Now, more than four decades later, we are still dealing with the same issues. The United States has reached the point where opioid abuse has become an epidemic with heroin as a primary culprit. In fact, heroin and its sibling fentanyl are deadlier than ever. At our Discovery Point Retreat addiction recovery center in Dallas, Texas, we treat many clients who suffer from heroin addiction.
There are two things all clients seem to have in common: First, they were initially drawn to the substance’s initial euphoria. Second, unresolved personal issues and/or co-occurring mental health conditions served as the driving force behind the addiction. What they all eventually come to realize is just how highly addictive and dangerous heroin can be. If you or a loved one are addicted to heroin, get help today. Contact us at 855-306-8054.
We’re here to make heroin treatment as accessible and affordable as possible — and are in network with many insurance providers. Not sure about your coverage? We can help.
The United States has a complex history with heroin. Discovered around the turn of the 20th century, heroin was initially viewed as a ‘miracle drug’ that would be a safer alternative to the opium abuse epidemic affecting the country in the late 1800s. Unfortunately heroin proved more addictive than pure opium as it is estimated to be 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine, from which it is derived.
The 1970s and 80s saw a rise in the popularity of heroin use. More than four decades later heroin abuse is still one of the most common forms of drug addiction found in all areas of the country. Opioid abuse is one of the most pressing public health and safety issues of modern times with heroin among the primary contributors. This is at least partially due to the common progression of opioid abuse from prescription painkillers into more illicit street drugs.
Current heroin addiction levels may also be bolstered by other forms of opioid abuse. Fentanyl specifically, which can be up to 1000 times stronger than morphine, has contributed to a surge in lethal opioid overdose. Fentanyl is often used to doctor substances like heroin to produce a more powerful and addictive product, further increasing the prevalence of heroin dependence.
With street names such as “horse,” “H” and “smack,” heroin is a powerful opioid derived from morphine. Initially used for medicinal purposes, heroin was once widely prescribed by doctors to address pain, cold and flu symptoms, and sleep aid. It was also used in lieu of codeine or morphine prescriptions as a means of combating addiction to those two widely abused opioids. However, because these substances are all opiate derivatives and affect the mind and body similarly, the medical field eventually moved away from medicinal use of heroin due to its highly addictive nature.
In terms of appearance, heroin can take solid and liquid form. It is most commonly found in powdered form, appearing either white or brown. It can also be found as a black, sticky substance known as black tar heroin. Heroin abuse looks different depending on the form it takes. It is often snorted, smoked, or mixed with a liquid and injected. Some users may combine heroin and cocaine, a concoction known as a ‘speedball.’
Because they share common roots, prescription opioid medicines such as OxyContin and Vicodin are similar in molecular structure to heroin and may produce similar physical and psychological effects. Misuse of prescription opioids may eventually lead to heroin use as pills become more difficult to get or less effective.
The signs of heroin use are usually characterized by an initial rush of euphoria that quickly wears off. Other immediate side effects include nausea and vomiting, a feeling of heaviness, itching, dry mouth, slowed heart rate and “nodding out” (that is, alternating between consciousness and semi-consciousness). As use continues a tolerance may develop, causing less powerful effects or shorter highs. This leads many to seek out the drug more frequently or in high dosages. While initial heroin abuse habits may be easy to conceal, as addiction sets in warning signs may be more evident.
These signs of heroin addiction include:
Long-term effects of heroin use can cause serious damage to your mental and physical health. This includes:
The heroin abuse epidemic has shown the devastating effects of addiction — including the very real risk of overdose and death. Because it’s difficult to identify the actual contents of street drugs — which can be adulterated by a wide variety of substances — it’s also difficult to estimate their potency. Doctoring of substances may not be immediately evident as doing so may not change the consistency or color. Not only can using these altered substances amplify heroin dependence, they can easily cause a potentially lethal overdose.
Recognizing the signs of heroin overdose could save a life. As with most opioids these symptoms include:
Heroin overdose can be particularly dangerous because it is under-reported. While people may use with friends, in the instance of an overdose, those who are around may be hesitant to call 911 for assistance. This stems from a fear of legal ramifications for possession and drug use. Because so many heroin abuse related deaths are avoidable with proper medical care, many states have instituted policies and laws to encourage witnesses and bystanders to intervene and get medical help for the victim. Additionally, medications like NarCan which can reverse the effects of an overdose are more easily accessible.
Treating heroin abuse and addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all. As with all forms of substance abuse disorders, heroin addiction is often rooted in unresolved past trauma or mental health issues that need to be addressed for true healing in recovery. Because everyone’s journey with addiction is different, the path of recovery is just as unique. How heroin addiction is treated largely depends on you or your loved one’s specific needs.
Discovery Point Retreat is a leading heroin rehab in Dallas, TX. Our comprehensive, individualized approach to treatment means we take the time to get to know our clients and their specific needs. Because we focus on more than just the surface level symptoms and behaviors associated with heroin use our clients are more likely to achieve lasting success in recovery.
Heroin treatment at Discovery Point Retreat begins with a full assessment including a physical exam and psychological evaluation. This allows us to get to know you and your needs so we can map out the best treatment regimen for you. Information gathered during this intake process also allows us to monitor your progress and make adjustments as necessary to help you reach your goals.
From here clients move into medically-assisted detox. During this time our experienced team of healthcare professionals provides 24-hour support and supervision to help alleviate symptoms and address any medical concerns that may arise. We use non-invasive EarlySense Continuous Monitoring technology to ensure your peace of mind as you rest and prepare for the next stage of your recovery journey. Typically the detox stage is between seven and ten days but that time may vary depending on your health needs. We also begin addressing the psychological factors of heroin dependence through group and individual therapy sessions at the detox level to help facilitate total healing of the mind, body, and spirit.
Inpatient heroin rehab is recommended for most clients. Separating yourself from the people and places associated with your heroin abuse habit gives you the space necessary to heal and grow. Unlike other treatment centers that can feel sterile and suffocating, Discovery Point Retreat inpatient treatment centers provide a home-like environment. Our ranch-style properties are warm and welcoming, encouraging communal engagement and mutual support from peers who understand exactly what you’re going through. Inpatient heroin rehab focuses on addressing the roots of addiction and empowering clients with better coping mechanisms and life skills.
Each personalized inpatient heroin treatment program uses evidence-based, trauma-informed therapeutic modalities to get to the source of your addiction.
These modalities include:
With the expert guidance of our clinical team and support from recovery coaches and peers, you can learn to overcome addiction in a safe, recovery-focused environment. Completing inpatient heroin treatment with Discovery Point Retreat sets you up for long-term success in sobriety.
The recovery journey doesn’t end with inpatient treatment. Discovery Point Retreat heroin rehab programs include outpatient levels of care to help ease the transition into long-term sobriety. Whether you began your journey with Discovery Point Retreat or transferred in from a different heroin treatment program, our outpatient programs can help you achieve your long-term recovery goals.
Discovery Point Retreat offers Partial Hospitalization Programs, Intensive Outpatient Programs, and Outpatient Programs. Each of these levels of care offers varying levels of direct contact with your treatment team depending on your needs.
Partial Hospitalization is the most similar to inpatient rehab with clients receiving eight hours of treatment five days a week before returning home or to a sober living center at the end of the day. This early stage of outpatient heroin rehab maintains a focus on establishing new, healthier habits and breaking old patterns. Clients transitioning from our residential treatment to a partial hospitalization program with us benefit from continuing their journey with the same compassionate, whole-person approach to care.
Intensive Outpatient Programs at Discovery Point Retreat are a step down from PHP treatment. During this level of heroin rehab we focus on strengthening the foundations of your sober future. IOP treatment emphasizes relapse prevention and mindfulness. At this phase of recovery you move toward more independence and building the future you deserve. This includes going back to school, finding employment, or pursuing other goals. We’re here to support you each step of the way in every way we can.
For support in maintaining your sobriety long-term, Discovery Point retreat offers outpatient heroin treatment programs. This level of care is ideal for clients who have already completed higher levels of care and are ready for greater levels of independence in recovery. Outpatient programs primarily focus on maintenance and staying focused on your long-term sober goals. Group and individual therapy is still available at this stage of care but on an as-needed basis. This allows you to check-in with your treatment team as little as once per month or as often as you need to stay on the right path. As challenges arise or you find yourself needing some extra support, your Discovery Point Retreat family is here to lift you up and help you through it.
Heroin dependence and addiction can feel like an inescapable cycle of highs and lows. Breaking free of that cycle to find a better future in sobriety is the best decision you could ever make for yourself and your family. Sobriety opens doors and creates opportunities you never dreamed possible. It clears the way to earnest healing and growth, putting your power back in your hands. If you’re ready to begin your journey to rediscovering yourself, or if you just want to get more information about what we offer, reach out to Discovery Point Retreat today. Our compassionate, experienced, and knowledgeable admissions team will walk you through everything you need to know about heroin rehab, including insurance benefits and payment options. Don’t waste another day– call 855-306-8054 now.
