Heroin Addiction Treatment in Orlando, FL

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Addiction?

Physical Symptoms of Heroin Addiction

There are various physical symptoms of heroin addiction. Although many individuals have different experiences, there have been people who have reported experiencing euphoria, and a warm feeling inside that has the ability to remove any worries. There are some individuals that describe it as more as being in a dream state. These feelings can be quite desirable for individuals who are self-medicating for a mental health disorder.

Heroin is associated with a wide range of short-term side effects and symptoms. It was noted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse that aside from exhilaration, the following side effects might occur shortly or immediately after an individual uses heroin.

• Slowed breathing (which can lead to permanent coma, brain damage, or death)
• Drowsiness (which might persist for numerous hours)
• A warm flushing feeling on the skin
• Leaden feeling in the legs and arms
• A severe itching sensation 
• Clouded mental capacities
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Slowed heart rate
• Dry mouth 

Psychological Symptoms of Heroin Addiction

The psychological symptoms of heroin addiction can include depression, insomnia, cravings, and anxiety. For some individuals, the cravings can persist for years. However, there are long-term heroin substitution therapies, such as Suboxone (Buprenorphine) and Methadone that can stem or end numerous cravings and ultimately prevent relapse. 

• Altercation to one’s perception of reality 
• Arrested emotional development
• Difficulties with problem-solving
• Suppression of emotions
• Irrational decision-making
• An ability to feel pressure
• Lack of motivation 
• Confused thinking
• Moodiness

Behavioral Signs of Heroin Addiction

The use of heroin will inevitably involve a shift in the more affected part of a person’s behaviors. Individuals who coexist or even work in the surroundings of an individual who engages in the use of this drug will often recognize the changes. An individual might become uncharacteristically isolated, often spending a lot of time alone, and withdrawing from close friends and family members. 

What Are the Long-Term and Short-Term Effects of Heroin Addiction?

Long-Term Effects

Individuals who use heroin long-term might experience the following:

• Collapsed veins for individuals who inject the drug
• Damaged tissue inside the nose of individuals who snort or sniff it 
• Mental disorders such as antisocial personality disorder and depression
• Infection of the valves and heart lining 
• Stomach cramping and constipation 
• Abscesses (swollen tissue filled with pus)
• Lung complications, including pneumonia
• Irregular menstrual cycles for women 
• Sexual dysfunction for men 
• Kidney and liver disease 
• Insomnia 

Short-Term Effects

Individuals who use heroin report experiencing a “rush” feeling. The rush feeling described here is a surge of pleasure or euphoria. There are also more common effects that can occur such as:

• Going “on the nod”, which is a back-and-forth state of being semi-conscious and conscious 
• Heavy feeling in the legs and arms 
• Clouded mental functioning 
• Warm flushing of the skin 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Severe itching 
• Dry mouth 

Heroin Addiction Treatment at a Heroin Rehab Program 

There is a range of options at a heroin rehab program including behavioral therapies and medicines that are effective in assisting individuals in stopping drug use. It’s pivotal to be able to match the most ideal treatment approach to meet the specific needs of the patient. There are also medications being developed to assist with the withdrawal process. The FDA has approved a non-opioid medicine, named Lofexidine, that is designed to reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms. 

The two medications that are utilized to assist individuals in stopping heroin use are Methadone and Buprenorphine. They both work by binding to the same opioid receptors that are located in the brain as heroin. Both medications reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. 

Another addiction treatment approach may include Naltrexone. This medication blocks opioid receptors and overall prevents opioid drugs from having a full effect. There was a NIDA study discovered that suggested once treatment is initiated, both an extended-release Naltrexone formulation and Buprenorphine/Naloxone combination is similarly effective in addiction. 

Since full detoxification is required for Naloxone treatment, initiating treatment among active Heroin users was challenging, but once the detoxification was complete, both of the medications held similar effectiveness. The behavioral therapies for addiction include contingency management and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Contingency management provides patients with motivational incentives, such as small cash rewards or vouchers for positive behaviors. 

For example, a positive behavior for contingency management would be staying drug-free. Cognitive behavioral therapy assists patients in modifying the client’s drug-use behaviors and expectations and helps manage stress and triggers effectively. Both of these behavioral treatment approaches are specifically effective when used in conjunction with medication. 

Heroin Addiction Treatment at Orlando Treatment Solutions Today

Many people who suffer from substance use disorders feel alone in their suffering. It is easy to fall prey to the ostracizing nature of addiction. Often, this characteristic of substance abuse causes people to withdraw from family and friends, feeling the shame and fear that so often occur with drug and alcohol use problems. But, this doesn’t have to be your story.

Here at Orlando Treatment Solutions, your health is our priority. Your freedom is our mission. Your healing is our responsibility. We strive to provide the best of care, comfort, and compassion for those who need help overcoming addiction. Whether you are trying to end heroin addiction or another type of substance use disorder, we are here for you!

If you or someone you know is struggling with heroin addiction, we have treatment options at our rehab facility. We ensure to provide our patients with solid hope for a better tomorrow. Here at Orlando Treatment Solutions, we understand the difficulties of addiction. Contact us today to get started.

• References

  https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/heroin