Misusing prescription or illicit opioids has a high risk of causing dependency or addiction. Heroin is one of the most common substances abused by individuals diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD). Driftwood Recovery provides residential and outpatient treatment for individuals diagnosed with OUD and co-occurring conditions. We use tailored services and integrative care plans to treat heroin addiction.
Understanding Heroin Addiction: Signs, Causes, and Long-Term Effects
Many factors play a role in the development of heroin addiction. Individuals with co-occurring mental or physical health conditions have a higher risk of becoming addicted to heroin and other addictive substances.
Some potential causes of heroin addiction include:
- Family history of substance abuse or mental health disorders
- Low self-esteem and negative self-worth
- Lack of social support
- Unhealthy family dynamics
- Chronic stress
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Past substance abuse
- Chronic pain or other co-occurring medical issues
Early intervention and treatment can reduce severe symptoms and withdrawal side effects. We offer comprehensive detox and withdrawal treatments for individuals with OUD. According to MedlinePlus, “Treatments for heroin use disorder include medicines to treat withdrawal symptoms, medicine to block the effects of opioids, and behavioral treatments.” We use an integrative approach to treatment, providing clients with physical and psychological support throughout treatment.
How Heroin Impacts the Brain and Body
Heroin and other opioids affect how the brain functions. Chronic heroin abuse may cause permanent changes in cognition and emotional or physical health. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Repeated heroin use changes the physical structure and physiology of the brain, creating long-term imbalances in neuronal and hormonal systems that are not easily reversed.” Personalized treatment plans address some of the long-term effects of heroin addiction.
A few known side effects of chronic heroin abuse include:
- Deterioration of white matter in the brain, affecting decision-making and behavior regulation
- Reduced ability to effectively manage stress
- Persistent withdrawal symptoms lasting weeks or months
We combine relapse prevention strategies, psychoeducation, peer support, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and psychotherapy to create comprehensive treatment plans for individuals diagnosed with OUD. Individuals who abuse heroin may exhibit certain behaviors, including social isolation and lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities. We treat common behaviors linked to heroin addiction, reducing the risk of relapse by addressing underlying issues contributing to substance abuse.
The Path to Recovery: Why Professional Treatment Is Crucial for Sobriety
Clinicians at Driftwood Recovery offer compassionate and empathetic care to clients experiencing OUD. We understand the complexity of treating opioid abuse and co-occurring conditions. Professional treatment programs provide people with high-quality care, personalized services, motivation for lasting change, and additional accountability.
Dangers of Unassisted Withdrawal from Heroin
Attempting abstinence from heroin without proper medical supervision and oversight may cause some people to develop severe and life-threatening side effects. Some of the dangers of unassisted detox from heroin include:
- Severe withdrawal symptoms
- Risk of respiratory issues
- Increased risk of relapse and overdose
- Excessive strain on the cardiovascular system
- Significant pain for individuals with chronic conditions
- Increased risk of self-harming behaviors
- More severe symptoms of co-occurring conditions
Heroin detox without the support and supervision of medical professionals has the potential to cause significant illness or injury.
Inpatient Heroin Addiction Treatment: Comprehensive Care at Driftwood Recovery
We provide comprehensive rehabilitation programs for treating OUD. Clients benefit from inpatient services, including heroin detox. We use personalized treatment plans to create a roadmap for lasting addiction recovery. Our inpatient programs provide withdrawal management services and give clients a safe space to practice essential coping skills for maintaining abstinence.
Outpatient Heroin Addiction Treatment for Flexible Recovery
Our outpatient treatment for addiction provides clients with flexible therapy options. We understand that many clients have personal and professional responsibilities. Outpatient services allow clients to attend comprehensive therapy sessions while managing everyday tasks. We use comprehensive assessments and screening tools to determine what level of care will best support each client.
Continuing Care for Sustainable Sobriety
Our programs offer aftercare planning and alumni services to create a smooth transition from structured treatment to continuing care. We refer clients to private and community-based providers with aftercare services that meet their unique needs. Continuing allows people to create routines and habits for sustainable sobriety.
Heroin Detox and Withdrawal: Safe and Effective Care
Expert monitoring and effective care create a safe environment for heroin withdrawal. Clients can access medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and other essential services to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of medical complications during treatment.
We help clients manage withdrawal symptoms by doing the following:
- Providing MAT when necessary
- Offering personalized treatment plans tailored to each client’s needs
- Providing medical supervision to ensure client safety
- Incorporating holistic therapies
- Offering nutritional guidance
- Encouraging physical exercise and other healthy lifestyle changes
- Providing emotional support through therapy and peer engagement
- Teaching mindfulness-based techniques for reducing stress and managing symptoms
Clients experience less severe symptoms and side effects during withdrawal from heroin if they have access to professional addiction recovery services and treatments.
Holistic Healing for Heroin Addiction
A whole-person approach to treatment provides clients with the best outcomes. Our clinicians combine evidence-based and complementary therapies to address heroin addiction and co-occurring conditions. Driftwood Recovery offers clients a welcoming space to heal and develop essential coping skills for long-term recovery.
Some of the holistic services and therapies used at Driftwood Recovery include:
- Yoga to strengthen the mind and body
- Acupuncture for stress relief and pain management
- Pain therapy treatments for managing chronic conditions
- Mindfulness-based therapies for improving self-awareness and building confidence
Our clinical team collaborates with clients to create effective treatment plans using evidence-based and holistic therapies.
Evidence-Based Therapies for Heroin Addiction Recovery
Some of the evidence-based therapies we provide include:
- Psychiatric care
- Group psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
We use evidence-based therapies to address symptoms of substance use disorder (SUD) and dual diagnosis.
Addressing the Root Causes of Addiction
We use comprehensive assessments to determine an accurate diagnosis and address the root causes of addiction. Our experts then use the assessment results to create a personalized care plan by combining evidence-based and holistic therapies. We tailor treatment to client needs and treat the root causes of addiction.
OUD can have multiple potential causes. For example, some people prescribed painkillers may become addicted to the medication and eventually transition to heroin if they develop a tolerance for prescription medications. Addressing the underlying causes contributing to substance abuse reduces the risk of relapse and improves the effectiveness of treatment.
Building Support Systems for Heroin Addiction Recovery
We encourage clients to build a comprehensive support system during treatment to facilitate ongoing sobriety after transitioning into aftercare. Loved ones often play a vital role in the recovery process. Family therapy, psychoeducation, and other support services prepare clients and their loved ones for long-term recovery. We also encourage peer engagement through our weekly support groups and community events.
Heroin addiction impacts millions of individuals and families every year. Expert treatment at Driftwood Recovery reduces the risk of complications during recovery and prepares clients to reintegrate into society. To learn more about our programs, call us today at (512) 759-8330.
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