Heroin Rehab in Prescott

Treatment for Heroin Addiction in Arizona

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Heroin is a powerful type of narcotic, also known as an opioid, that is extremely addicting. Once ingested, it quickly enters the brain where it reduces feelings of pain and produces a “rush” of euphoria. Those who misuse, abuse, or become addicted to heroin typically face a number of negative effects but find themselves unable to stop using the drug without professional help.

Our founder, Brendan McDonough, understands what it takes to break the cycle of dependence and addiction because he has been there himself. At our Prescott heroin rehab center, we provide all of the tools you need for successful healing and long-term sobriety.

Continue reading to learn more about our heroin addiction treatment program, or contact us directly at (800) 680-7738 to speak to one of our professional intake counselors. 

How Heroin Addiction Starts

No one starts using a drug with the expectation or desire to develop dependence, let alone addiction. Often, heroin use begins as experimentation. It can also occur after an individual is prescribed certain opioid pain relievers, such as Vicodin® or OxyContin®. These prescription medications produce very similar effects to heroin, and the misuse of such drugs can—and frequently does—lead to heroin use.

Often, addiction begins as increased tolerance. This occurs when a person needs more and more of the drug to produce the same feeling of being high. Tolerance often leads to or occurs alongside dependence, which is when a person begins to feel withdrawal symptoms when not using heroin. After dependence comes full-blown addiction, in which a person prioritizes heroin use over other aspects of his or her life and is unable to quit despite the negative consequences.

Heroin Addiction by the Numbers

• According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 15,000 people died of heroin-related overdose in 2018 alone, a rate of almost 5 deaths for every 100,000 Americans. More than half of these deaths involved heroin combined with other synthetic narcotics. By comparison, less than 2,000 heroin-related deaths were recorded in 1999.
• In 2018, 2.2% of adults ages 26 or older reported having used heroin at least once in their lives.
• Opiates, mainly heroin, account for roughly 18% of admissions for addiction treatment in the United States.

What Are the Short- & Long-Term Effects of Heroin?

Heroin is commonly used because of the “high” it produces, or an overall sense of euphoria or pleasure frequently described as a “rush.” However, it also causes a number of negative short- and long-term effects.

Some of the short-term effects of heroin include:

• Heaviness in the arms and legs
• Skin flush
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Poor mental functioning/confusion
• Severe itching
• Semi loss of consciousness

When used over a prolonged period of time, heroin can also lead to:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Constipation
• Abdominal cramps
• Collapsed veins (when injected)
• Damaged nasal tissue (when snorted)
• Abscesses
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Heart problems
• Pneumonia and other lung problems
• Depression
• Antisocial behavior
• Sexual dysfunction (men)
• Irregular menstrual cycles (women)
• Brain damage
• Infectious disease (HIV, hepatitis, etc.) from shared needles

Additionally, heroin overdose occurs when a person ingests/uses fatal amounts of the drug, leading to slowed or stopped breathing. This, in turn, causes hypoxia, or a severe decrease in the amount of oxygen reaching the brain, which leads to permanent brain damage, nervous system damage, coma, and death.

Call (800) 680-7738 or contact us online to get started on your recovery today.

Signs of Heroin Abuse & Addiction

Recognizing the signs of heroin abuse and addiction can be notoriously difficult, even when you suspect that your own use has gotten out of control. If you are starting to think about cutting back on your use or have been unable to cut back or quit despite repeated attempts to do so, this is a good indicator that the situation has gone beyond your control. If you find yourself constantly concerned with your next high or obtaining more of the drug, this is another sign that you may need professional treatment.

If you believe someone you love may be struggling with heroin addiction, look for the following signs:

• Unexplained changes in behavior
• Erratic or aggressive behavior
• Social withdrawal
• Track marks on the skin
• Wearing long sleeves/pants in hot weather
• Increased secretiveness
• Lying
• Missing money/valuables
• Loss of employment
• Relationship problems
• Lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities
• Flu-like symptoms (muscle aches, runny nose, vomiting, etc.)
• Depression and anxiety
• Restlessness
• Changes in sleeping patterns (especially insomnia)
• Frequent yawning/fatigue
• Legal problems

These and other symptoms can indicate that a person is on a slippery slope from use to dependence to addiction.

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

One of the primary indications that heroin use has transitioned into abuse is the presence of withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug. Heroin withdrawal is notoriously painful, and many people who attempt to stop using the drug are unable to do so due to the immense difficulty of going through withdrawal.

Some of the common heroin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Depression
• Dysphoria
• Bad mood
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Diarrhea
• Runny nose
• Body aches
• Frequent yawning
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Those undergoing withdrawal will often also experience intense cravings and may be unable to prevent relapse.

Know How to Recognize the Signs of a Heroin Overdose and Take Action

A heroin overdose is a serious medical emergency that can be fatal if not treated promptly. Recognizing the signs of an overdose and knowing how to respond can save a life.

Common Signs of a Heroin Overdose

• Unresponsiveness: The person is unconscious and unresponsive to stimuli.
• Slow or shallow breathing: Breathing may be very slow, irregular, or absent.
• Pinpoint pupils: The pupils of the eyes are extremely small.
• Blue or purple fingertips or lips: This indicates a lack of oxygen.
• Choking or gurgling sounds: These may occur if the person is vomiting or choking on their own saliva.

What to Do in Case of a Heroin Overdose

If you suspect that someone is experiencing a heroin overdose, follow these steps:

• Call 911 immediately: Do not hesitate to call emergency services. Time is of the essence in these situations.
• Stay with the person: Monitor their breathing and level of consciousness until help arrives.
• Keep the person warm: Cover them with a blanket to prevent hypothermia.
• Do not leave the person alone: Stay with them until emergency medical personnel arrive.

If you are ready to learn more, call (800) 680-7738 today. We accept most major insurance providers and can assist you in verifying your benefits. 

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