Heroin is highly addictive and one of the most physically harmful drugs available, making detoxification both very important and extremely difficult. If you or a loved one is seeking a heroin addiction rehab in Orange County, Northbound may be the right fit. We provide an individualized program that allows the person to overcome their difficulties of heroin detox, and ultimately start a drug-free life. If you are ready to start a heroin treatment program, this guide is for you. To learn more about the heroin recovery and detox process, continue reading below.
What Is Heroin?
Heroin is a highly addictive opioid and one of the most dangerous drugs available, making detoxification both very important and extremely difficult, even at a professional heroin rehab facility. A chemical relative of morphine, heroin provides the user with a relaxing “high.” It is described as a pain reliever and euphoric high all in one. Chemical dependence on heroin can be almost immediate, as the drug encourages an addictive quality in the body, causing changes in the brain as the addiction builds. These changes increase the addict’s tolerance, pushing them to use higher quantities more often, in turn furthering their addiction. Behavioral changes often follow as the heroin dependence deepens, and the family member or friend you once knew can slowly disappear before your eyes.
Heroin usually looks like a white or brown powder. Street names for heroin include “smack,” “H,” “skag,” and “junk.” Other names may refer to types of heroin produced in a specific geographical area, such as “Mexican black tar.” Heroin can be smoked, injected, and snorted as previously mentioned. Heroin addiction can be difficult to treat due to the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and recovery efforts, but heroin addiction treatment is often successful when patients are enrolled in a personalized treatment program. Heroin withdrawal treatment programs specialize in the side effects and physical symptoms of drug detox and can help make the patient feel more comfortable while going through the recovery process. Sometimes medications such as methadone, and more recently suboxone, are used to help a person with the withdrawal symptoms and cravings after heroin cessation, which can make their medical detox process a little easier to get through.
The effects of heroin happen soon after a single dose and last a few hours. After someone injects heroin, the person feels a surge of euphoria (commonly referred to as a “rush”) accompanied by a warm flushing of the skin, a dry mouth, and heavy extremities. Soon after the initial rush, the user goes “on the nod,” an alternately wakeful and drowsy state, where the person seems to be on the verge of falling asleep, or “nodding out.”
Heroin depresses the CNS (Central Nervous System) causing slowed and slurred speech, slow gait, constricted pupils, droopy eyelids, impaired night vision, vomiting, and constipation among other side effects.
The Most Difficult Disease To Be Free Of
Heroin can take everything from the addict, affecting not just his or her mental health, but physical health, social connections, career, and even legal status. Risky behaviors spurred by addiction can lead to criminal activity and cravings which override the need for safety and basic nutrition. It can replace hobbies, school attendance and even work. The further the individual falls into addiction, the worse their life will become. Its hold is so strong that cravings may persist even after successful detoxification.
At Northbound, we realize that lasting recovery can only begin after a heroin addict successfully completes a heroin detox program. Our heroin addiction treatment in Orange County provides a recovering addict with a strong foundation for a stable and successful recovery. Northbound’s heroin addiction treatment program will give those suffering from heroin addiction the tools necessary to curb cravings, avoid triggers, and live a productive, drug-free life.
Heroin Addiction Treatment Center in Orange County
With over 25 years of experience in treating heroin addiction, Northbound Treatment Services has earned a reputation for successfully combining 12 step principles and other therapies to create a path to long-term sobriety for our patients that are undergoing a medical detox in our treatment program.
The first steps are detoxification and stabilization, completed with 24-hour medical supervision in our 180 Detox center. Every client at Northbound receives an individualized treatment plan that is specific to his or her treatment needs, with gender-specific treatment programs ranging from 30 days to a year long.
Northbound provides continued support for clients who seeking long-term care at one of our facilities. Our ultimate goal is to assist our clients in achieving one year of continuous sobriety, giving them the tools they need to maintain that sobriety post-treatment. Our 2:1 staff to client ratio reflects the value we place on helping individuals achieve that goal.
Northbound recognizes addiction is a “family disease” – its effects are never limited to the addicted individual. Therefore, we offer a family counseling program to help loved ones understand what a heroin addict is going through, and how to provide them with help and support during recovery.
If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction to heroin, don’t wait until it’s too late. Call Northbound treatment facility any time to get started with heroin rehab. Our Orange County addiction recovery team will help your loved one get on the path to a new, healthy, and sober life.
Heroin Addiction Treatment Program at Northbound
We understand that there are numerous treatment facilities available for you to choose from, and finding the right one usually takes time. We strongly encourage you to ask questions and to comb through the options available until you find a heroin addiction treatment center that feels comfortable to you. We understand that going to treatment is more than just tackling addiction — it’s the beginning of a whole new life. That life starts with heroin addiction rehab. Our Orange County program provides you with the necessary tools to feel confident and stable in your recovery.
If you or a loved are suffering from heroin addiction, reach out to one of our Admissions Counselors at our treatment facility and find out whether Northbound is the right fit for you. Call us today at (866) 202-3961 to get one step closer to long-term recovery.