Substance use disorder is the inability to regulate one’s intake of a drug or alcohol. It’s the process by which someone becomes addicted. One such substance use disorder is heroin addiction, an ongoing public health concern. Over the last ten years, drug overdose deaths have increased due in large part to the prescription opioid crisis. Heroin has grown during this time as those dependent upon prescription opioids search for more accessible and cheap means to feed the addiction. This is why it’s never been more important than now to explore a heroin rehab center near Grants Pass. We can provide you or your loved one with the treatment necessary to beat heroin addiction and return to good health.
What Heroin Addiction Involves
Heroin is one of the most addictive opioids. Because of this, it has been an illicit drug for some time. However, access to it is relatively easy, and the cost not prohibitive, leading to more and more people using it. Yet, even one use of heroin can create dependence. Addiction occurs when an individual is unable to stop using it. Often, those experiencing substance use disorder (addiction and drug abuse) discover that as they use, they need to take more and more heroin to get the effect they need. This is called tolerance and is a regular feature of addiction.
When an individual develops a tolerance to heroin, it indicates their brain is no longer able to function naturally without the presence of the drug. Thus, individuals need strong or more frequent doses to stave off withdrawal symptoms. Also, this physical change brought about by the drug is the reason addiction is a disease. Some common heroin withdrawal symptoms include:
- Cravings
- Flu-like symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Shaking and seizures
- Hypertension
- Rapid heart rate
- Impaired respiration
Diagnosing any kind of substance use disorder like heroin addiction happens through an assessment by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed drug and alcohol counselor. Body fluid lab test, as well as an interview, are involved. Typically, an individual will need to undergo medically supervised detox before entering a treatment program.
Treating Addiction at a Heroin Rehab Center Near Grants Pass
Broadly speaking, there are two treatment options to handle heroin addiction–pharmacological and behavioral. Often, medical professionals use these two treatments in conjunction to get the best results. The compassionate staff and experienced expert counselors and therapists at our heroin rehab center near Grants Pass can assist clients through the treatment options that will work best for them.
Pharmacological treatment involves the use of medications to reduce heroin withdrawal symptoms, alleviate cravings, or address other issues. These medications typically work through the same opioid receptors as heroin. However, they’re strictly administered for safer use preventing further substance use disorder. There are three types of medications for heroin addiction treatment:
- Agonists activate opioid receptors. An example would be methadone, which is slow-acting designed to help patients taper off.
- Partial agonists also activate opioid receptors but produce a smaller response. Buprenorphine is one such medication relieving craves without producing a ‘high.’
- Antagonists block the receptor and interfere with the rewarding effects of opioids. For example, naltrexone is non-addictive and non-sedative, blocking the action of opioids like heroin.
Behavioral treatments begin once an individual has finished detox. Usually, they enter into a residential program or either an intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization program. Once here, they are exposed to the necessary therapeutic programs they need to address their physical and psychological addiction.
Crestview Recovery
It takes real strength of character to stand up to heroin addiction. This is why Crestview Recovery’s heroin rehab center near Grants Pass believes in every client’s ability to succeed. With the right help, anyone struggle against heroin addiction can be victorious. Crestview Recovery is here to help get you or your loved one healthy again.
Because each person’s journey to recovery is different, we must provide a variety of treatment options. By doing so, we give clients the greatest chance to succeed. Some of the therapies we provide include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Trauma Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Group and Individual Therapy
- Holistic Therapy
These traditional and alternative therapies allow us to provide comprehensive care to clients. If you’re ready to beat addiction, contact Crestview Recovery by calling 866.262.0531. Let’s begin your recovery today.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.