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With advances in technology, online counseling, telehealth and teletherapy services are becoming more common and effective forms of mental health treatment. Addiction treatments were once restricted to in-person meetings, but can now happen anytime and anywhere with a reliable internet connection. The Recovery Village offers teletherapy treatment for those who are struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Cocaine Addiction
Since cocaine is a very addictive substance that can change how the brain works if it is being used regularly, the user can have difficulty quitting without the needed help and support from health care professionals and the persons loved ones. To prevent further harm from using cocaine, it is important that the warning signs of cocaine addiction can be immediately identified.
When a person uses cocaine, they can notice the effect of the substance quickly. However, it will also fade fast, ranging from five minutes to half an hour. It depends on how the drug was consumed and how fast it was absorbed into the persons bloodstream.
Cocaine can create the feeling of being high because it can block dopamine from getting recycled. This means that artificially, it can increase dopamines activity and makes the person feel euphoric.
When a person is high, they can be overly excited and talkative. They have a high level of self-confidence and few inhibitions. They dont find the need to eat or sleep when they are under the drugs influence.
But when the effects of the substance diminish, the person can feel the exact opposite. They may notice the need to eat or sleep more. They are depressed and irritable without the drug. Since cocaines effects are quick to disappear, a person whos becoming more and more addicted to it can use it in a binge pattern. They can take one dose after another.
Thyroid Function And Opioid Addiction
Heroin addiction and pharmacotherapy have not been associated with clinically significant alterations in hypothalamicpituitarythyroid-axis function in humans. While there have been no reports of clinically evident thyroid dysfunction due to heroin addiction or methadone therapy in drug-free, medication-free state, some abnormalities in thyroid function have been reported in association with different stages of the addiction and its treatment some of these abnormalities included increased total T3, increased total T4, and increased thyroxine-binding globulin .
Louis R. Caplan MD, in, 2009
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Signs And Symptoms Of Heroin Addiction
The signs and symptoms of heroin addiction will vary among users based upon genetic makeup, amount of drug used, frequency of use, and dependency on the drug. The most common symptoms of heroin addiction include the following:
- Depression
- Scabs or bruises as the result of picking at the skin
- Delusions
- Possession of burned spoons, needles or syringes, missing shoelaces, glass pipes
- Stashing drug in various places around the home, car, and work
- Periods of hyperactivity followed by periods of exhaustion
- Inability to fulfill responsibilities at work or school
- Increased sleeping
- Apathy and lack of motivation
- Slurred speech
- Wearing long pants and shirts, even in warm weather
- Going on the nod during conversations
- Forced, pressured speech
- Track marks on arms and legs
- Warm, flushed skin
Effects
Effects Of Heroin Addiction
The effects of heroin abuse will differ from person to person, depending upon the length of abuse, amount of heroin used, the presence of other substances, and individual makeup. Severity of symptoms tend to get worse the longer the drug is abused. The most common effects of heroin addiction may include:
- Liver disease
- Skin disease and abscesses around injection sites
- Infections of the valves and lining of the heart
- HIV or Hepatitis B and C
- Chronic pneumonia
- Blood clots, leading to stroke, pulmonary embolism, and heart attack
- Kidney disease
- Risks of contracting chronic illnesses
- Risks for blood-borne pathogens
Withdrawal Symptoms
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What Is Heroin Withdrawal
Heroin impacts the brain reward system, increasing the users tolerance to the drugs effects over time.
The user eventually needs higher doses to reach the same high as before. When someone addicted to Heroin stops using, withdrawal symptoms set in.
People battling Heroin addiction often keep using to avoid painful symptoms of withdrawal. Abusing Heroin produces effects similar to Painkillers like Oxycodone and Hydrocodone, only stronger.
Withdrawal from Heroin is often more intense than those of prescription Painkillers.
Featured Centers Offering Detox for Heroin
Recovery Unplugged Lake Worth Detox & Rehab Center
Lake Worth, FL
What Are The Treatment Options For An Addicted Person
Dont be scared, there are quality, affordable treatment options available for every unique individuals situation. While we typically suggest an inpatient or a residential treatment program as thats where weve seen the best results, there are other levels of care as well.
In a residential program, patients live in a closed, supervised environment, although no one is ever held against their will and patients are free to leave at any time. Treatment is not a punishment, but rather a gift. If youre reading this today, youve already been given the gift of desperation, whether its for yourself or for a loved one.
For a more detailed guide to addiction treatment options, see our Treatment Services page.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Heroin Addiction
Early on, there may be no symptoms of opioid use disorder, especially if the person is going to great lengths to hide their use. As the use increases, it can get harder to hide. Signs and symptoms of heroin use can include:
- agitation or drowsiness
Other signs of heroin use can include:
- changes in appearance or decline in personal hygiene
- changes in behavior, like sudden secrecy or aggression
- money issues, such as missing money or needing more and more money without any logical reason
- problems at school or work
- risky or dangerous behavior
One of the hallmarks of addiction is a person not being able to stop using a substance, despite any negative consequences or multiple attempts to stop and not being able to.
If you yourself are using, you might realize that you need to ingest more and more heroin to achieve the same pleasurable feeling you used to get with less of the drug.
Why Is Heroin Rehab So Important
Drug addiction is similar to conditions like cancer or heart disease. Ignoring it doesnt make it go away, it requires intensive and professional medical intervention. Nor can the condition usually be treated at home. Just like there is no shame in seeking medical assistance for conditions like diabetes, there is no shame in asking for help from a heroin rehab facility.
Addiction is also similar in that it needs ongoing attention and work to avoid relapse. People need to build a strong foundation to achieve lifelong sobriety. Heroin rehab is the first step toward laying out the groundwork and establishing this foundation.
Aftercare, such as an IOP program or outside meetings, plays just as critical of a role. In the same way, people dont stop taking their medications for heart disease, people shouldnt stop pursuing support for their recovery.
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Treatment For Heroin Addiction
Withdrawal makes Heroin addiction a difficult cycle to break, but beating your Heroin addiction is more than possible. Drug rehab centers offer inpatient and outpatient recovery programs for Heroin detox.
Inpatient detox involves 24-hour attention from medical professionals at an addiction treatment center, increasing the odds of recovery from moderate-to-severe Heroin addiction.
Outpatient recovery programs require patients to meet regularly with doctors for checkups and mental health counseling. Recovering addicts in outpatient programs can stay at home and maintain their daily routines, but the odds of maintaining sobriety arent as high.
Break free from addiction.
- About
Jeffrey Juergens earned his Bachelors and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. Jeffreys desire to help others led him to focus on economic and social development and policy making. After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. Jeffreys mission is to educate and inform the public on addiction issues and help those in need of treatment find the best option for them.
Clinically Reviewed:
Theresa Parisi
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All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heroin Addiction Overdosing And Rehab
According to SAMHSA, there are 564 options available for people in Pennsylvania who are searching for drug treatment and recovery programs. These options include:
- Inpatient rehab Inpatient treatment requires a 28-day inpatient stay and it typically includes detox services.
- Intensive outpatient treatment IOPs may run for about 12 weeks and they include attending regular appointments during the evening hours 3-5 times per week.
- Partial hospitalization programs PHPs or day treatment programs operate during the day. They offer an intensive level of care for people with addiction.
- Traditional outpatient rehab This type of treatment typically only involves therapy sessions as often as 3 times per week.
- Sober living homes While sober living homes do not offer treatment in-house, they do provide safe places for people to live while they recover.
Also Check: What Makes Crack So Addictive
Heroin Addiction Treatment Options
Treatment is possible for heroin addiction. People can lead happy, healthy, and sober lives after recovering.
The most successful treatment programs include a combination of medically supervised detox, behavioral therapies, medication, and relapse prevention.
Heroin treatment options include:
Inpatient Treatment
The detox phase is often followed by inpatient treatment. Inpatient or residential treatment involves living in a treatment facility full-time, usually for at least 30 days and possibly up to 90 days.
Participants receive around-the-clock supervision and access to medical and support services. This type of treatment eliminates environmental and social risks people face when they are not immersed in treatment.
Inpatient treatment includes a structured routine that usually incorporates:
- Daily therapy
Therapy
Therapy is an important part of drug addiction recovery. Therapy is administered on an individual and group basis.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most successful therapeutic approaches for treating heroin addiction. CBT helps people figure out what triggers their heroin use and gives them tools for coping with these triggers.
Family behavioral therapy often plays an important role in someones recovery. This is especially true for adolescent heroin users.
Family therapy helps a persons support system learn how to set boundaries and work through problems that contribute to their loved ones heroin use.
Support Groups
Inpatient Treatment Vs Outpatient Treatment For Heroin Addiction
When selecting a heroin treatment center, you have the option of choosing between inpatient and outpatient treatment. Individual treatment needs are naturally going to vary, and there are certain benefits to both types of treatment for heroin addiction that may inform the decision for treatment type.
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Keep Negative Influences Away
After experiencing the challenges of detox and withdrawal, the last thing you want is your friend or family member returning to heroin use. While you cant control their life, you can suggest they avoid people and places that may encourage drug use.
Help them find new hobbies and meet new people. Without heroin in their lives, they likely have more free time than they have had in a long time since many people addicted to heroin often spend their free time pursuing their next high. Make sure their free time is filled with positive influences as a preventative measure to experiencing setbacks.
Also, its a good idea to ensure that drugs and drug paraphernalia are cleared out of the house to avoid tempting the individual to resume use.
Heroin Withdrawal And Detox
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Common Questions About Rehab
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Also Check: How Long Does It Take To Become Addicted To Oxycodone
Dangers Of Expecting The Worst In Heroin Withdrawals
The expectations that people have about their future can have an impact on what they actually experience. If they expect that the symptoms of heroin withdrawal will be severe then this is what they are likely to experience. This is because they will be overly focused on what is happening with their body, and they will notice every twinge. Their fear of these symptoms will increase their severity because it causes the individual to tense up. When people feel tense it causes an escalation in discomfort and this will have a snowball effect. This is why it is so important that people feel positive about the withdrawal process. They are not going to have to face anything that they are not capable of dealing with.
Avoid Triggers And Keep Cravings In Check
Knowing your triggers is a vital part of recovering from any addiction. It may take some creativity, but avoiding the things that make it too hard to stay away from drugs will make all the difference.
Its important to continue avoiding your triggers even after you have been sober for a while. It can be easy to get overconfident and believe you will never go back to your old habits. However, this is a trap many people fall into. If youre in a support group, youll probably see this happen at least once.
Read Also: How To Lose Weight When Addicted To Food
Find A New Hobby Or Passion
When you do anything enjoyable, your brain releases a chemical called dopamine, and thats what makes you feel good. Dopamine is released when you do drugs, so when you stop giving your brain that supply, it will tell you that it needs dopamine.
The best way to overcome this is to find something newor maybe something oldthat you enjoy doing. It could be exercise, like walking, boxing, rock climbing, dancing, or a hobby like building things, painting, or making music. Building these new healthy, enjoyable habits will be key to dealing with drug addiction.
Home Remedies For Dope Sickness
Home remedies for dope sickness can help someone who chooses to avoid professional treatment in order to attempt to detox at home. While there is no at-home-cure for heroin withdrawal symptoms, there are ways to increase the chance that an at-home detox is a success.
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When Is Heroin Rehab Necessary
Sometimes its hard to tell when rehab is necessary for certain types of substances. It isnt so difficult when trying to determine when heroin rehab is necessary. Heroin addiction is an intense and destructive condition that brings users to their knees.
While someone might be able to maintain and seemingly control their use for a time, addiction usually takes over at some point. Some people can quit using and stay drug-free on their own but others need the support of heroin rehab to get started.
Heroin addiction isnt as simple as a bad habit after a while, it becomes a way of life. People cant just quit using or switch off their addiction with some positive thinking and a dose of willpower. Recovering from heroin addiction requires a complete adjustment to thinking and behavior that is next to impossible for many to achieve on their own.
Seeking professional help is a critical step in the right direction for people struggling with heroin addiction. Heroin rehab provides necessary support to overcome the physical and psychological grasp of the drug. Rather than fighting an uphill battle on their own, people find themselves surrounded by supportive and understanding peers.
How To Overcome Cocaine Addiction
Some of the serious side effects of cocaine addiction include lung damage, seizures, headaches, heart attack, and even HIV through the sharing of needles. If you want to avoid all of these, you have to learn how to overcome cocaine addiction.
Those who are beginning to recognize the signs of addiction may decide to quit, but theyre not sure how to stop using cocaine. The road to recovery may seem difficult if you dont know how to overcome a cocaine addiction.
Fortunately, like any other addiction, it is possible to break the cycle. Keep in mind, it is not an easy journey, and it may take a combination of approaches to make the actions stick. To help, the following are 8 tips for people who want to know how to stop using cocaine.
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Advice From People Leaving Treatment
In 2016, Recovery Brands conducted a survey that asked people leaving a treatment center what clinic attributes they believed to be the most vital things to examine when looking at a program. The top consideration was the programs payment policies, for example insurance accepted, financial support, and payment options. They also placed a high importance on the facilitys offerings a lot more upon leaving treatment. Individuals considering treatment should examine a centers financial policies as well as program offerings to help with their facility choice. Read More
