Heroin addiction is a growing problem in the United States, but some people who use the drug are in denial. So how do you know when it’s time to start heroin rehab in Prescott? And is drug rehab really necessary, or can you just quit on your own?
These are great questions, and having the answers can help you make an informed decision for yourself or a loved one. The short answer is that drug rehab is open to anyone who wants to get better. It doesn’t matter if you’ve used heroin a couple of times or hundreds of times.
Furthermore, quitting heroin on your own is extremely difficult. The withdrawal symptoms are intense and can cause you to relapse right away. Not to mention, detoxing on your own can be dangerous. Having the right support will keep you more comfortable and greatly improve your chances of making a successful recovery.
Here is everything you need to know about starting a heroin rehabilitation program in Prescott AZ.
What is Heroin? Why Do People Use the Drug?
Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine, a natural substance that comes from the poppy plant. It is used in many different ways, such as snorting, sniffing, injecting or smoking. It can also be mixed with other drugs like cocaine or fentanyl.
In fact, this report found that 80 percent of people who inject drugs have fentanyl in their systems, yet only 18 percent intended to take the drug. This means that a large portion of heroin is now cut with fentanyl. Just 2 milligrams – the equivalent of a few grains of salt – can kill a person.
Heroin is a depressant drug, meaning it slows down the brain and nervous system. Some of the immediate effects include relaxation, euphoria and relief from physical pain. Heroin is highly addictive, and as the body adapts to it, it craves the drug to feel normal. Once dependent, nothing else matters but getting the drug.
Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Use
Since heroin wears off quickly, people often seek additional doses because they want to keep feeling good. This prompts them to use the drug again, usually until they are dependent. Without professional support, it’s very difficult to break the habit.
Here are some signs and symptoms of heroin use:
Behavioral symptoms:
- Paraphernalia
- Lying or being deceptive
- Constant scratching
- Social withdrawal
Physical symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Runny nose
- Itchiness
- Small pupils
- Nausea or vomit
- Scabs, sores and other skin problems
Cognitive symptoms:
- Trouble thinking clearly
- Confusion
- Poor judgment
Psychosocial symptoms:
- Euphoria
- Mood swings
- Anxiety
- Self-siolation
Long-Term Effects of Heroin Use
Most people cannot use heroin on occasion. The drug is too addictive, and the body immediately craves it. Chronic heroin use is damaging to a person’s health and well-being. Some of the long-term effects that can result are:
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Liver and kidney damage
- Hepatitis B and C
- HIV/AIDS
- Chronic unemployment
- Financial ruin
- Homelessness
- Thoughts of suicide
- Strained relationships
- Arrest and incarceration
- Overdose and death
When is it Time for Heroin Rehab in Prescott?
There is a misconception that a person needs to be at their lowest point to seek help. Not only is this not true, but also believing it can be harmful. Rehabilitation services exist on a spectrum, meaning that there are various levels of support.
For example, if you’ve used heroin several times and believe that you’re forming a dependency, you can seek help immediately. This will prevent you from going down a deeper path, and you can discover new, healthier ways to cope with stress.
Of course, rehab centers are also equipped to treat those who are at rock bottom. You may need more intensive care in the form of medical detox and inpatient rehabilitation, but the support is there. As long as you’re willing to put in the work, you can get the help you need.
Can I Quit Heroin Cold Turkey?
We do not recommend quitting heroin cold turkey. Suddenly stopping this drug can put your body into a state of shock, causing severe symptoms like dehydration, confusion, depression, suicidal thoughts and poor decision making. Sadly, some people try to quit heroin on their own and end up relapsing. When they do, they end up taking too much and overdose.
Medical detox is the recommended way to come off heroin. First, there are medications available that can help you safely detox from the drug. These medications are safe and FDA approved, and they make the detox process more tolerable.
Furthermore, medical detox facilities put people in a safe and modified environment where they are more likely to succeed. It’s much harder to quit when you’re in the same environment, with many different triggers. Finally, medical detox facilities have staff available to provide various support services, ensuring each individual gets the attention they need to be successful.
What Happens after Heroin Detox?
Once the detox portion of treatment is complete, which is usually about a week or so, you can move onto an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation program. This is an integral part of recovery, as you need to understand what led you to abuse heroin in the first place. Perhaps you were covering up uncomfortable emotions from past trauma or self-medicating symptoms of mental illness.
Therapy will also teach you how to recognize your triggers, develop healthy coping skills, build genuine relationships, increase self-confidence and more. In other words, detox helps you quit heroin but therapy helps you build the foundation for a sober life.
At Wolf Creek Recovery, we encourage people to take responsibility for their new life! We get clients up and moving through recreation therapy and support healthy lifestyle choices like eating well, getting enough rest and pursuing hobbies. We also encourage participation in social groups like the 12 steps and group therapy.
Heroin Rehab in Prescott AZ: The First Step Towards a New Life
Heroin is a dangerous drug that claims many lives each year. And now, since fentanyl is often added to heroin, people who use the drug don’t know what they’re ingesting, putting their life at risk each time. Fortunately, heroin does not have to be the rest of your life. There is hope after addiction, and it starts by making a choice.
Wolf Creek Recovery can refer you to a local detox center that will work with you to get you off heroin. Remember, there are a number of therapies and medications that will make this process easier and more tolerable.
When you complete detox, you can start one of our outpatient programs. This allows you to get the support you need while returning home to your family at night. And, as you recover from your addiction and learn new skills, you can gradually take on more responsibility in your everyday life. To start your recovery, contact Wolf Creek Recovery today.
