859-681-7823Widely known for its highly addictive properties as well as its powerful sedative effects, heroin has earned its reputation as a brutally destructive drug. In the wake of the recent opiate epidemic—including fentanyl addiction—it is vital to learn about the dangers of opiates like heroin. Lexington Addiction Center is proud to provide treatment options to those suffering from heroin dependency. Heroin addiction treatment in Lexington, KY, can help a person reclaim their freedom from addiction and move forward with their life in a healthy manner.
What Makes Heroin So Addictive?
Heroin is classified as an opiate. Opiates are derived from the opium of the poppy plant. These drugs make up a wide variety of prescription pain medications on the pharmaceutical market. Unfortunately, they also make up as many of the major illicit narcotics like heroin and fentanyl.
Prescription opiates include well-known pharmaceuticals like morphine, hydrocodone, oxycontin, codeine, and methadone. These drugs are used to treat pain, as opiates are known for their strong pain-relieving and sedative properties.
Sadly, as with many pharmaceuticals, many people begin their addiction with a legitimate prescription. Through injury or surgery, many non-users will be prescribed a drug like hydrocodone in order to cope with their pain. Over the course of taking this medication, even though originally given out as a legitimate prescription, many people will develop full-blown addiction.
Once the legitimate prescription runs out, many people are left with nowhere else to turn. With intense cravings and powerful withdrawal symptoms, many choose to go to the streets in order to get the “fix” that they now crave. This leads many non-users into developing a full-blown addiction in a very short period of time.
With the potential to hook any person, regardless of their age, background, economic, and social status makes heroin one of the most terrifying drugs on the planet. Our heroin addiction treatment in Lexington, KY aims to combat this growing crisis and provide hope for recovery.
Is Heroin Dangerous?
Heroin is one of the most dangerous drugs in existence today. Highly addictive, heroin slowly erodes away the lives of its users. It impacts one’s life, loved ones, personal health, economic stability, career path, and finances. As a result, these things can be slowly stripped away as one sinks deeper and deeper into heroin addiction.
Aside from the negative impacts that heroin can have on a person’s life, heroin is inherently dangerous as an opiate. When ingested—either orally or intravenously—-heroin acts quickly on the body’s central nervous system. The drug quickly shuts down many major motor and brain functions. This results in a “euphoric” and sedative state that often sees users standing, sitting, or lying motionless for hours.
The risk of stroke, heart attack, and suffocation is greatly increased with the use of heroin. Additionally, the risk of overdose is particularly high with heroin. Oftentimes, knowing the “proper dosage” can be highly difficult to predict. This often leads to users taking too much of the drug, thus overloading their body and resulting in overdose.
On top of the aforementioned dangers of heroin use, the rise in fentanyl production and use across the United States has worsened the opiate epidemic. Many distributors now cut their heroin with fentanyl in order to maximize their profits. This also maximizes the danger for unsuspecting users. This is because fentanyl is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and up to 100 times stronger than morphine. Treatment for heroin addiction becomes even more critical in the face of these heightened risks.
Additionally, fentanyl is undetectable. This means users will have no idea whether or not fentanyl is present, as well as how potent the dosage is. Unpredictable, highly addictive, and remarkably potent, these attributes and variables make heroin one of the most dangerous drugs on the planet.
Signs of Heroin Addiction
Learning the signs and symptoms of heroin use can help one to identify better whether or not friends, family, or other loved ones are using it. This can be key in helping them to get the assistance they need to get their lives back onto a healthy path. For those in need, our Heroin addiction treatment in Lexington, KY is available to provide the necessary support and resources.
While many people experience different symptoms and may show different signs when using heroin, there are a few key attributes to be mindful of when trying to identify a user.
Heroin use signs and symptoms may include but are not limited to:
- Lying about use
- Pulling away from friends, family, and other loved ones
- Loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities
- Erratic behaviors
- Impulsive actions
- Anxiety
- Disorientation
- Agitation or irritability
- Weight loss
- Open or recent wounds, sores, or scabs
- Delusions
- Paranoia
- Decreased productivity at work or in school
- Lack of attention to personal hygiene
- Regular respiratory infections
- Itching
- Nodding (appearing to lull in and out of consciousness
- Possession of paraphernalia
Recognizing the signs of heroin addiction use is crucial in helping loved ones receive the support they need to overcome addiction. If you suspect someone is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Our heroin addiction treatment center in Lexington is equipped to provide comprehensive care and support, ensuring individuals have the resources they need to reclaim their lives and embark on a path to recovery.
Treatment for Heroin Addiction at Lexington Rehab Center
In our Heroin addiction treatment in Lexington, KY, we believe in effective treatment that lasts. When one arrives at our center and seeks rehab for heroin, they are evaluated by our staff to best determine the proper treatment plan conducive to their successful recovery.
Once we have established the appropriate plan of action, our clients work one-on-one with a staff member in order to best determine what course of treatment would benefit them most. Next, treatment begins. We offer a plethora of treatment options and modalities in order to ensure that each one of our clients receives the care that they deserve.
We are proud to offer at our heroin addiction treatment center in Lexington the PHP (partial hospitalization program), IOP (intensive outpatient program), and OP (outpatient programming) options. Regardless of one’s individual situation or trauma, we can fit their lifestyle. Additionally, we offer a number of services and resources to our clients including:
- Trauma therapy
- Family therapy
- 12-Step recovery/life skills
- Holistic therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment
By offering multiple pathways to wellness, we help to maximize the success of our clients. As such, this will ensure they receive all the means necessary to achieve full and lasting recovery. Our heroin rehab programs are designed to provide comprehensive support and care tailored to each individual’s needs.
Begin Heroin Addiction Treatment In Lexington, KY
Here at Lexington Addiction Center, we are waiting with open arms to give you the tools necessary to overcome heroin addiction. Our heroin rehab program is designed to meet your specific needs, and our compassionate team of professionals will help you every step of the way during your recovery journey.
We understand how difficult overcoming addiction can be. Likewise, we know that through effective, evidence-based therapies and treatment, a person can heal and begin their life free from the hardships of dependency. Rehab for heroin is a crucial step in this healing process, providing the necessary support and resources for recovery.
There has never been a better time to reclaim your independence from addiction. Contact us today, and take the first steps in your journey to lasting recovery with our heroin addiction treatment in Lexington, KY.
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Set yourself free from the struggles of addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Reach out to our treatment team in Lexington, Kentucky today.