The opioid epidemic has wreaked havoc in the United States, and drugs like heroin are commandeering this nationwide problem. Heroin is a narcotic that’s part of a class of drugs called opioids. Opioids, although effective as prescription painkillers, are also notorious for their addictive nature - so much so that opioid abuse, addiction, and overdose have been on the rise since the late 90s. To help those who have been affected by heroin addiction, our heroin rehab in Texas is joining the fight.

What Does Heroin Look Like?

Depending on how it is made, heroin is often produced as a white or brown powder or a black sticky substance that resembles tar. Depending on the source and the manufacturing procedure, the drug's color, texture, and purity can vary, making it challenging to distinguish without testing. Heroin can be smoked, snorted, or injected and is typically offered in little packets or capsules. It is important to be able to identify these substances, as it can be a telltale sign that someone is likely abusing them.

What Does Heroin Do?

Heroin binds to opioid receptors in the brain whenever it is administered intravenously, smoked, or taken in any other way. The drug then elevates levels of the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain, producing euphoria while activating the brain’s reward system. Not only does this high feel pleasurable now, but the activation of reward encourages further drug use, which eventually results in addiction.

Despite the evident problems to one’s physical health, mental well-being, and behavior, people who are addicted to heroin may be unable to quit without the help of heroin treatment centers like our Texas drug rehab. Denial also plays a key role in an addict’s neglect to reach out for heroin abuse help.

As a result, the loved ones of these individuals often must realize the signs for themselves to get the ball rolling in getting the person heroin addiction treatment. If you suspect that someone you know is struggling, there are certain signs of heroin addiction that can indicate the problem.

Heroin addiction signs can include:

  • A sleepy appearance
  • Unresponsiveness
  • Impaired judgment
  • Track marks on hands, feet, or arms
  • Changes in behavior, including increased secrecy
  • Increased irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Scratching or skin picking
  • Insomnia
  • Nodding in and out of consciousness
  • Needles, spoons, or other drug paraphernalia
  • Vomiting and nausea

Many signs of heroin addiction are also signs of heroin abuse, such as nodding in and out of consciousness. If your loved one is in denial, a certified interventionist at our heroin addiction rehab can help.

Why Is Heroin Illegal?

Heroin is outlawed primarily because of the harm it causes to society and to individuals. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has designated this drug as a Schedule I substance, which denotes that it has a high potential for abuse and no recognized medical purpose. Heroin abuse has a terrible effect on addicts, their families, and communities. Another substantial source of violence, crime, and corruption is the drug trade connected to the manufacture and distribution of heroin.

To safeguard the health and safety of the general population, governments all over the world have implemented policies that forbid the manufacture, distribution, and use of heroin. Narcotic enforcement authorities also work to stop the distribution and sale of heroin on the streets by stopping the trafficking of narcotics.

Heroin Addiction Help at Banyan Texas

Finding heroin addiction rehab centers that prioritize the patients’ personal needs as well as their health can be challenging. To determine the best course of action and ensure that patients are getting everything they need to recover successfully, specialists at our Banyan Texas rehab center conduct clinical assessments on patients to create their own treatment plans.

Usually, the first step in treating heroin addiction is medically monitored detox. Our detox center in Texas provides medically assisted detox for recovery from addiction to drugs like heroin that produce highly uncomfortable and painful withdrawals. Considering that it is common for relapse to occur during withdrawal, we prioritize detox in clients’ treatment programs to give them the best chance of long-term sobriety.

Following detox, patients can then jump into the therapeutic portion of our heroin addiction treatment programs, during which they may receive group therapy and individual counseling sessions led by our trained counselors. Some of these therapy programs include 12 Step programming, faith-based counseling, and telehealth services.

No matter how severe your drug addiction is, our Texas heroin treatment center can help. For more information on our inpatient heroin rehab programs or residential treatment, contact Banyan Treatment Centers Texas today.

Related Reading:

Cheese Heroin: The Snack That Doesn’t Smile Back

Heroin and Liver Damage

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At Banyan Chicago our goal is to make sure that anyone who needs treatment from drug and alcohol addiction are 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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