Heroin addiction is a chronic medical problem that causes changes in the brain and renders the taker incapable of controlling their drug-seeking behavior despite knowing its negative consequences.
It is an analgesic opioid that comes from the Asian poppy plant.
How it causes addiction
When it is taken, it turns into morphine in the body. It gives the user strong feelings of pleasure and wellbeing. With this immense joy comes the craving for more, and similar to alcohol withdrawal for addicts that experience alcohol cravings, so do heroin addicts.
This drug is also known as smack, tar, or black tar in the market. It is abused in several ways, such as inhaled in powder form, smoked, or injected.
Symptoms of addiction
While addiction symptoms vary from user to user depending on the amount and frequency of drug taken along with the level of dependence, here are some common symptoms, as listed by Florida drug rehab centers.
- Depression
- Delusions
- Mood swings
- Hostility and paranoia
- Slurred speech
- Apathy
There are many others, actually far too many of these symptoms, which have alerted people to this drug’s far-reaching negative effects and spurred them into seeking treatment and rehabilitation for themselves or their loved ones at centers for drug detox in Florida.
Effects of heroin addiction
The most common effects are as follows:
- Collapsed veins
- Kidney or liver disease
- HIV or Hepatitis B and C
- Seizures
- Septicaemia
Left unchecked, this addiction usually leads to overdose and death.
Addiction Treatment
At any center for drug rehab in Florida, the first step to overcoming heroin addiction is medical detoxification. This process is definitely not a pretty one with some patients taking weeks to detoxify completely. Also, it is a painful process and best done under a team of expert professionals who will constantly supervise and monitor the patient.
In some cases where the severity of withdrawal is very high, doctors prescribe medicines that lessen it and help the body to adjust and adapt. For those experiencing asian glow when taking alcohol, you can check Get Sunset.
In most cases, dual diagnosis is done where the patient is treated for addiction as well as depression. This is because most users have underlying mental behaviors that lead them to drug abuse and this practice deals with both these problems with its two-pronged approach.
In most centers, both inpatient and outpatient treatments are provided. These are coupled with support groups and lifestyle changes to minimize the chances of relapse by the patient. Some heroin addiction treatment centers also promote exercising to enhance physical healing and organize exciting activities like rock climbing and hiking. While some centers offer basic amenities, some provide luxurious, relaxing settings to the patient.
Are you or a loved one addicted to heroin and looking for help? You will be relieved to hear that there are many excellent rehabs in Florida staffed with expert doctors and staff that will help you leave this addiction for good.
