HEROIN ADDICTION REHAB TREATMENT AT BANYAN

Heroin Addiction Treatment at Banyan

Heroin is a synthetic opioid made from morphine, a substance that comes from the pods of certain types of poppy flower.^[1] It is commonly sold as a white or brown powder or as a black, sticky substance, which often contains impurities.

While the drug is illegal in the United States, its use and abuse has increased dramatically in recent years, with 162,000 people dying from an overdose of the drug between 1999 and 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).^[2] In addition to the risk of overdose, using heroin also brings the risk of contamination, with drugs such as fentanyl.

Although not everyone who uses heroin will become addicted to the drug, because of its highly addictive nature, it's common for people to develop opioid use disorder and to experience symptoms of increasing tolerance and withdrawal when they try to stop use.^[3]

If you or someone you love is currently struggling with heroin, addiction treatment is immediately available. Banyan Treatment Centers offers evidence-based treatment for opioid addiction, including medically supervised detox and a full continuum of care. Our treatment programs range from full to partial hospitalization as well as outpatient programs that provide ongoing support for long-lasting recovery.

Heroin Abuse: At Risk Groups

In an ideal world, no one would use heroin, as the drug is both illegal and unsafe. The dangers of heroin go beyond its initial physical effects, which can make a person feel euphoric, then drowsy and confused.

Because of the effects of the drug and its highly addictive nature, people in certain high-risk groups or with special medical conditions should especially avoid using heroin. For instance, those with a history of substance use disorder may be at an increased risk of developing a dependence on the drug.^[4]

Combining heroin with other types of drugs can also be particularly dangerous, as the interactions may make a person more likely to overdose or develop extreme physical symptoms.^[24] The drug can also exacerbate the symptoms of certain mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety.^[5]

Because of the risk to the fetus, heroin use is also particularly dangerous when a person is pregnant.

Using heroin can cause respiratory depression, meaning a person's breathing slows down and becomes very shallow.^[6] In some instances, breathing slows so much that oxygen is unable to reach the brain, leading to hypoxia. Hypoxia can lead to a coma and increases the risk of overdose.^[7] People with respiratory conditions or who have overdosed in the past are at particular risk when using heroin.

Signs of Heroin Addiction

The signs of heroin addiction can take several forms. A person may exhibit physical, behavioral and psychological symptoms when living with opioid addiction. Recognizing the signs of an addiction can help you seek treatment for yourself or someone you love.

Physical Signs

The physical signs of a dependence on heroin include the initial short-term effects of using the drug, as well as longer term results.

Short-term signs include:

• Pinpoint pupils
• Nodding off
• Itching

With continued use, a person may develop:

• Track marks from the needle
• Constipation
• Weight loss

Behavioral Signs

Symptoms of heroin addiction also include behavioral changes. A person's personality may seem to change as their use of the drug continues.

Common behavioral changes can include:

• Increased isolation
• Greater secrecy
• Financial difficulties
• Neglecting responsibilities

Psychological Signs

Addiction to heroin also impacts a person's mental health, leading to psychological changes or exacerbating mental health conditions. Some psychological signs of addiction include new or worsening:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Irritability
• Mood swings

Finally, a key indicator of heroin addiction is the development of withdrawal symptoms when a person attempts to stop using the drug. Opioid and heroin withdrawal can be life-threatening, meaning professional help and assessment is crucial.^[8] Treating heroin withdrawal symptoms is often the first step on the path to recovery.

The Importance of Heroin Detox

Heroin detox is often the first step during addiction treatment. During detoxification, the body withdraws from the drug, which can lead to some unpleasant effects, such as nausea, diarrhea and pain.^[9] Medically supervised detox, or withdrawal management, can help a person feel more comfortable throughout the process.^[10]

During medically supervised detox, monitoring helps the body remain stable and reduces the risk of dehydration and other ill effects. Medical supervision can also help to ease drug cravings and reduce the risk of relapse.^[11]

How Heroin Addiction Is Treated

After detoxing, heroin addiction treatment can begin. The initial step is to undergo an assessment, which allows a medical provider to get a thorough understanding of a person's relationship with heroin or other substances as well as a portrait of their mental health.

From there, the medical professional will put together an individualized treatment plan, which may include medication assisted treatment with methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone as appropriate.^[12] Therapy may also be offered, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing or group therapy.

Many people start out in a full-time residential care program, then progress to partial hospitalization, outpatient or after-care recovery programs.

Levels of Care for Heroin Addiction Treatment

The levels of care for heroin addiction treatment range from fully supervised detox to telehealth, depending on the person's needs and the severity of their addiction.

Medical Detox

Often the first phase, medical detox provides a person with 24/7 supervision to help them stabilize, manage their withdrawal symptoms and begin the transition to full addiction treatment.

Residential Treatment

Many, but not all, people begin treatment in a fully residential setting, meaning they eat, sleep, and live at the treatment center. Residential treatment provides a structured environment that eliminates triggers while providing professional and peer support.

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

After successfully completing residential treatment, some patients will move into a PHP, during which they stay at the treatment center during the day, but return home or to a sober living facility in the evening.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Another option, either directly following a residential program or PHP, is intensive outpatient treatment. During this, a person visits the treatment center several times a week to receive clinical support as they develop and practice coping skills.

Telehealth Treatment

Since not everyone lives within driving distance of a treatment center, some people will choose virtual or telehealth therapy once they've completed residential treatment. Telehealth treatment offers flexibility and access while encouraging ongoing accountability and continuity of care.

The Role of Mental Health and Co-Occurring Disorders

Heroin use and addiction often overlaps with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder.^[13] For example, ongoing heroin use has been linked to an increased risk of major depression.^[14]

For people with heroin use disorder and a mental health condition, dual diagnosis treatment leads to improved outcomes while reducing the risk of relapse.^[15]

The Importance of a Strong Support Network

Ongoing support, from family, peers, a sober living facility and the local community is critical for a person's continued recovery. After leaving our treatment center, it's important that our alumni know that they are always welcome to return, whether they need support for relapse prevention or additional therapy.