Heroin is a highly addictive opiate derived from the opium poppy. People have used opium since the 16th century, but scientists first created heroin for medical applications in the mid-1800s. At that time, researchers discovered it to be the strongest drug in its class and even more addictive than opium or morphine. The opioid umbrella now includes heroin, along with synthetic drugs like fentanyl and oxycodone. Heroin addiction treatment can help you or someone you care about. You don’t need to remain in the grip of this dangerous drug.
The caring staff at The Right Step Houston is ready to provide you with facts about heroin and support you in your journey toward recovery.
5 Facts About Heroin
Whether you or someone you love is the one struggling with heroin misuse, knowledge is power. Some people turn to heroin after becoming dependent on a prescription painkiller like oxycodone. Others are introduced to the drug socially and are surprised to find that they’ve developed a tolerance, which often leads to increased use and addiction. Regardless of how someone ends up entangled with heroin, they deserve to be free and clear. The Right Step Houston can help.
1. The Human Brain Has Opioid Receptors
These receptors—particularly those linked to pain and pleasure, heart rate, sleep, and breathing—bind with heroin. This connection provides the euphoric feelings that become harder to achieve without increasing the amount of heroin taken.
2. Heroin Disrupts Brain Chemicals
Chronic heroin use disrupts the hormones and neurotransmitters that regulate brain function. This disruption has a cascade of consequences because the communication system between the cells of the nervous system becomes dysregulated.
3. Your Brain Forgets How To Do Certain Things When Heroin-Dependent
You may find that you no longer can feel any pleasure without heroin. Memory, decision-making, and the ability to focus also become impaired.
4. Heroin Overdose Can Happen at Any Time
Because heroin is unregulated and users don’t know the strength or purity of what they’re taking, it’s impossible to predict its effects. Heroin has an impact on autonomic systems such as breathing and heart rate. Taking too much heroin can dangerously slow these systems, leading to overdose.
5. You Can Recover From Heroin Addiction and Live a Long, Happy Life
It’s often frightening to consider stopping the drug that seems to be a lifeline to you. But it’s not—it’s the opposite. Recovery is your lifeline—you can achieve wellness with professional help and a support network. At The Right Step Houston, you’ll find the support of peers going through the same challenges, an experienced and caring staff, and evidence-based protocols and therapies.
What To Expect From Our Heroin Addiction Treatment Program
Treating heroin addiction starts with you. When you’re truly ready to commit to recovery, the likelihood of a positive outcome increases. Below are some of the things you’ll likely encounter in a heroin rehab center.
- Medically managed detox – On-site withdrawal under the care of a physician and other addiction specialists makes the process less painful and reduces the risk of early relapse.
- Evidence-based therapies – Proven behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are often the standard of care at a reputable heroin addiction treatment center.
- Rehab options – Having choices empowers you in the process. You can decide if inpatient or outpatient treatment is best for you, whether you want to enroll in a gender-specific rehab, and what supportive therapies to engage in while in treatment. Having a say in how your rehab unfolds increases your long-term success.
- Aftercare programs – As an alum of a rehab program, you can find continued support in an aftercare program that helps acclimate you to life after discharge.
- Dual diagnosis treatment if needed – If you have a co-occurring mental health challenge, a dual diagnosis program is the best way to address both drug misuse and mental health.
You’ve got options and autonomy. Plus, The Right Step Houston staff can support you with information, advice, and a well-considered treatment plan.
Call The Right Step Houston to Get the Support You Deserve for Heroin Addiction
At The Right Step Houston, we offer various treatment options to help you achieve the sobriety and recovery you deserve. From evidence-based therapy programs to family therapy and individual counseling, our team will support you every step of the way.
It’s easy to connect with us. Call 1.844.768.0169 or submit our online form to take the first steps on your journey to recovery. Let us help you find your best and healthiest path forward.