Heroin Addiction Programs at Banyan Mass

Deriving from the Papaver Somniferum poppy plant, heroin was originally developed as a pain reliever in the 1800s and quickly became an addictive and dangerous substance. From day one, heroin has been a particularly dangerous opioid that has destroyed the lives of many. Those struggling with heroin addiction may have started directly with heroin or with other opiates such as painkillers. As the pain pills become harder to find, many addicts turn to this illicit substitute. But like other opiates, heroin is extremely dangerous. If you are struggling with this addiction, it is time to find heroin rehab that can help. Our treatment professionals at Banyan Treatment Centers Massachusetts are here to help.

Why Is Heroin So Addictive?

Heroin has a profound impact on the brain's reward system, making it very addictive. Heroin is swiftly converted into morphine after use, which then interacts with opioid receptors in the brain. The nucleus accumbens, and other areas associated with pleasure and reward, contain a large number of these receptors. Neurotransmitters like dopamine, which are connected to sensations of pleasure and reinforcement, are released in huge amounts when they are stimulated. Users seek out the intense, euphoric high that is brought on by this dopamine rush. The brain quickly comes to equate using heroin with this enjoyable experience, which fuels the need to use it again.

In addition, heroin addiction has a significant physical component. Long-term use causes tolerance to develop, requiring greater dosages to produce the same results. When the drug is not present in the body, withdrawal symptoms start to appear along with this tolerance. People use drugs longer because they are afraid of developing these unpleasant and upsetting side effects, which feed the addiction cycle. Heroin is one of the most addictive drugs ever created by humans due to its potent exhilaration and strong withdrawal symptoms.

Identifying Heroin Addiction

Being able to identify heroin use is crucial to overcoming it, and the sooner that happens, the better. This means staying vigilant of any physical, mental, or behavioral indications of drug abuse.

As heroin use worsens and addiction develops, users experience symptoms such as:

  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Irritability
  • Shallow breathing
  • Sweating
  • Small pupils
  • Nausea
  • Itching
  • Slurred speech
  • Nodding off to sleep

There are also behavioral changes that often take place when a person has an active heroin addiction. They may lose interest in hobbies or things that they once enjoyed. Other changes include increased secrecy or stealing. Heroin is a highly manipulative substance. Heroin works in the brain and nervous system, altering reward systems in key brain receptors. It also depresses the spinal cord and central nervous system, which can result in deadly overdoses.

If you are seeing signs of heroin abuse or addiction in a loved one, it’s time to help them by contacting a credible heroin rehab program. At Banyan’s Massachusetts Addiction Treatment Center, we are here to help patients overcome substance abuse.

Fentanyl vs. Heroin

The difference between heroin and fentanyl primarily lies in their potency levels. Heroin is a powerful opioid that is increasingly dangerous in today’s fentanyl-flooded opioid market. Many doses of heroin are dangerous on their own, causing overdoses that can be deadly. The situation is even riskier today, with fentanyl increasing the chances of overdosing. Many illegal drug makers have produced and sold fentanyl-laced heroin to their buyers because they believe it will strengthen the potency of their supply at half the cost.

A highly potent synthetic opioid, fentanyl is estimated to be 100 times more powerful than morphine and 50 times more powerful than heroin. It is a sought-after addition to illegal narcotics due to its exceptional power because even a small amount can dramatically amplify their effects. However, there is a significant risk of overdosing and potential death from this amplification.

Fentanyl is entirely synthetic, in contrast to heroin, which is derived from the opium poppy. This suggests that it is simple to synthesize in a lab setting, which adds to its wide availability in the illegal drug market. Due to its low cost of production and high potency, drug traffickers have found it to be economically advantageous to combine or substitute fentanyl for other opioids, such as heroin.

Globally, the incidence of opioid-related deaths has substantially increased since fentanyl entered the illicit drug market. Its quick onset and strong effects, which frequently result in respiratory distress and a subsequent overdose, can overwhelm even experienced users. Due to the potency of the drug, standard doses of naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, may not be sufficient to reverse the effects of a fentanyl overdose and may call for higher and repeated doses.

Heroin Detox

Detoxing from heroin involves withdrawals that can range in intensity. Withdrawals can happen quickly, even within hours of the last dose of heroin. At our rehab in Massachusetts, we help patients safely detox from heroin and other harmful substances. Our program includes monitored detoxification, offering patients the support they need to safely detox.

Symptoms of heroin withdrawal can include:

  • Nausea
  • Night sweats
  • Shakiness
  • Insomnia
  • Delirium
  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety
  • Runny nose
  • Seizures
  • Tremor

These symptoms may not always occur during heroin detox. It all depends on the specific patient. Length of heroin use, number of drugs used, patient health, and patient age all influence the severity of withdrawal and detox symptoms. Luckily, our rehab near Boston offers professional assistance to ease heroin detox.

Heroin Addiction Treatment at Our Banyan Rehab

We offer a variety of treatment options for heroin rehab in Massachusetts. For instance, many patients choose our intensive outpatient program. Our IOP option includes the necessary therapies for treating heroin addiction, including individual therapy and group therapy. We have designed our treatment programs with the patient in mind, working to help patients develop tools and skills of sobriety in their lives.

Heroin is a highly addictive opioid, but you do not have to let this drug control your life. At Banyan, we offer effective treatments that can help you recover. We offer a variety of treatment levels to put an end to this disease. Contact us today for help with heroin addiction and other substance use disorders.

 

Most Insurance Plans Accepted

At Banyan Massachusetts, our goal is to make sure that anyone who needs treatment from drug and alcohol addiction is able to get the help needed to assist them on the road to recovery. If you don't have insurance contact us to inquire about alternate methods regarding treatment for yourself or a loved one.

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