Heroin Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

The drug epidemic has been running rampant in our country for years. From alcoholism to severe drug use, it seems more and more are developing substance use disorder by the day. One of the many substances impacting people is heroin, but what exactly is heroin? Why is heroin addiction prevalent in the US? What are the risks of using it, and is treatment possible? Let’s tackle some of those questions today.

What Is Heroin?

According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), heroin is a quick-acting, highly addictive opioid. This opioid is made from morphine, and it usually comes in a “white or brownish powder, or a black sticky substance known as ‘black tar heroin.’”

Heroin can be used in many ways. It can be injected, sniffed, snorted, and smoked. However, it’s not uncommon for people to mix it with cocaine or other drugs. Furthermore, in today’s day and age, it’s also common for it to be laced with fentanyl, making it even more dangerous.

Why Is Heroin Addiction So Prevalent in the US?

Heroin addiction is prevalent in the US because it continues to be a major problem. In 2021 alone, about 1.1 million people above the age of 12 reported using heroin, and approximately 9,173 died from a heroin-involved overdose. Even just one person struggling or one life lost is one too many. Until we get a better handle on the problem and increase access to treatment, heroin addiction will continue to be prevalent.

Risk of Overdose Among Individuals that Use Heroin

When struggling with substance use disorder, overdose becomes a significant risk. While new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a decrease in opioid-involved deaths, the numbers were still alarming, falling in at 81,083 people. Of course, heroin or opioid use disorder is not the only substance that puts people at risk for overdose. Anyone struggling with this beast of disease will be at risk for overdose.

Short and Long-Term Effects of Heroin Addiction

Of course, people often use heroin and other opioids because of the pleasurable sensations it can cause. However, some other short-term effects to be aware of include:

• Excessive sleepiness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe itching
• Changes in breathing and heart rate
• Dry mouth
• A sense of weightiness to one’s limbs
• Impaired cognitive function
• Warm flushing of the skin
• Falling in and out of consciousness
• Intense feelings of pleasure and euphoria

Long-Term Effects of Heroin Addiction

Consistent substance abuse with heroin can also cause many long-term effects, some of which may include:

• Insomnia and other sleep problems
• Problems with bowel movements
• Abscesses
• Sexual dysfunction
• Respiratory problems
• Liver and kidney disease
• Collapsed veins or damaged nose tissue, depending on usage
• Heart lining and valve infection
• Changes in menstrual cycles
• The development of mental health conditions

Long-term effects like these can cause you so many problems, especially if left untreated without proper health care. We encourage you to seek the proper health care for yourself today.

Effects of Heroin on the Brain

Heroin doesn’t only impact the body – it also has profound effects on the brain and even the nervous system. According to the NIDA, opioids – like heroin – can cause neurochemical changes in the brain stem, hindering the body’s national functions like breathing and heart rate. It may also reinforce drug-using behaviors due to changes in the limbic system and might “block pain messages transmitted through the spinal cord from the body.”

Similarly, repeated heroin use can change the physiology and physical structure of the brain, leading to neural and hormonal imbalances. Over time, the brain’s white matter may also begin deteriorating, impacting one’s decision-making skills and ability to regulate emotions, as well as the ability to respond to stressful situations. This isn’t to say that there’s no hope, but the first step is realizing that you or a loved one needs help.

How to Know If You or a Loved One Needs Help

The best way to know if you or a loved one needs help is to recognize the signs. That may include noticing:

• Financial troubles
• Unusual or risky behaviors
• Changes in friend groups
• Missing family or work commitments
• Lack of attention to hygiene
• Extreme mood swings and irritability
• Frequent flu-like symptoms
• Cognitive impairment or disorientation
• Track marks from injection sites
• Drug paraphernalia

Seeking Treatment for Heroin Addiction at Profound Treatment, Los Angeles

Upon recognizing the signs, you or a loved one can begin the treatment process. We at Profound Treatment in Los Angeles can help.

Detox and Withdrawal Management

The first step of treatment is detox. Heroin withdrawal can be uncomfortable and painful. We offer services to help manage these uncomfortable symptoms, including medication management and 24/7 care.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is typically used to manage heroin and opioid withdrawal, and some of the most effective medications include methadone and buprenorphine.

Behavior Therapies

Once completing detox, you can begin treatment, where you’ll experience a variety of behavioral therapies, including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Experiential therapy
• Psychodynamic therapyy
• Trauma therapy
• Family therapy
• Somatic experiencing

Why Choose Profound Treatment for Heroin Addiction?

At Profound Treatment, we focus on creating individualized treatment and care plans. Your needs are unique and your treatment should be too. Our wide variety of services can help you or a loved one recover and heal from heroin addiction. Call or visit our website to take the next steps toward seeking treatment at our California rehab today.

Addiction is a chronic condition that ruins the lives of millions each year. It doesn’t help that there’s such a wide variety of substances that people can become addicted. On this long list of substances is heroin, a quick-acting, highly addictive opioid. Treatment is possible, but it’s necessary to find a rehab that has proper services. At Profound Treatment, we offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), behavioral therapies, and additional services to help people heal and recover from heroin addiction. To learn more about our treatment programs and take the first steps toward your recovery, visit our website or call us at (310) 340-2609. We’ll help you take the first step today.