Heroin Addiction
Tarzana Treatment Centers offers specialized drug treatment programs to address the various aspects of heroin addiction and recovery, including heroin detox. If you already know that you or a loved one needs help, please call us at 888-777-8565 or contact us by email here. If you need more information, read below.
Heroin Addiction
Heroin addiction is no longer associated with only the “junkie” on the sidewalk. News stories have filled the airwaves about high-paid models and pop superstars battling the problem. But just because the broader use of heroin is recent news doesn’t meant that it is a recent occurrence. Heroin addiction has affected a portion of the middle and upper class for decades. The addiction can begin with recreational use or as a result of tolerance to prescribed medications. But either way, it drains the soul from the addict and potentially ruins lives.
How it Starts
Recreational use of heroin generally does not last long before physical dependence and addiction takes over. The drug is so highly addicting that, unless it is rarely used, dependence is likely even for those not genetically predisposed to addiction. Heroin is not a “party drug”. Experimentation may begin with a group of recreational drug users, which can lead to a smaller group using together and finally to solo use. The addiction usually takes hold in the smaller group phase.
Some prescription pain killers can lead to heroin addiction. A patient experiencing chronic pain may be prescribed opiates for relief. In time, tolerance to the medication can result in higher doses and prescription drug abuse. Prescription addiction can then lead the patient to seek illegal means of obtaining more of the drug if the doctor is unwilling to increase dosages. When the patient discovers that heroin is less expensive and easier to obtain, the temptation to switch to heroin can be overwhelming.
The Result
The scenarios above are quite common, though not everyone has the same experience with drugs. Regular use will almost always result in physical dependence resulting in severe withdrawal symptoms during times of abstinence. The first step in recovery is acceptance of the problem followed by medical detoxification. Once the body is cleansed of heroin through drug detox a new life in recovery can begin with outpatient or residential drug treatment.
Tarzana Treatment Centers offers specialized drug treatment programs to address the various aspects of heroin addiction and recovery, including heroin detox. Please call us for drug treatment at 888-777-8565 or contact us by email here.
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