Heroin is a highly addictive, illegal, rapidly acting opiate that is synthesized from morphine.
Morphine is derived from the seeds of the opium plant, poppy. As such, any drug that is derived from opium poppy plants is classified as an opiate. Heroin is classified as a Schedule I Controlled Substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which is defined as a substance “with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” Heroin can be abused in different ways such as intravenously (injected), inhaled (snorted), and/ or smoked. The method of ingestion does not affect the speed at which heroin crosses the blood-brain barrier. The National Institute on Drug Abuse asserts that habitual use of heroin can lead to both short and long-term changes in one’s brain. Due to its highly addictive qualities, any person that uses heroin repeatedly, regardless of any predisposed potential for developing a drug addiction (e.g., family history of addiction, exposure to drugs at a young age, mental health disorder, etc.) is at risk for developing a physical and psychological addiction to heroin.
Finding Treatment
Due to the physiological effects of heroin abuse, individuals struggling with heroin addiction are advised to attend an inpatient treatment program. Inpatient treatment programs require their participants to reside at the treatment facility for the duration of the program. There are a plethora of treatment options available, which can make finding a heroin rehab center seem like an overwhelming feat. To reduce some of the angst surrounding locating a rehab center consider the following suggestions:
- Know your needs: consider any specific substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment needs (e.g., dual diagnosis treatment).
- Narrow down your options: excluding rehab programs that are unable to accommodate one’s needs is an excellent way to narrow down viable options.
- Cost: though the costs and fees associated with attending a rehab program vary, attendees are often responsible for paying for treatment, as such it is important to understand any out-of-pocket financial obligation.
High-quality heroin abuse and/ or addiction treatment programs provide their participants with tailored treatment plans. Depending on one’s needs, these treatment plans include certain FDA-approved medications (e.g., methadone or buprenorphine) as well as a wide variety of therapeutic treatment modalities, some of which could include any combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, interpersonal therapy (IPT), mindfulness-based therapy, expressive arts therapies, and more. In most cases integrating a combination of both psychotherapy and medication into one’s treatment plan yields the most successful long-term results.
Further Information and Support
Navigating the challenges that arise from living with mental illness, struggling with substance abuse, and/ or addiction can not only be all-consuming but are often impossible to effectively handle without proper support. If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one regarding mental illness, substance abuse, and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you do not have to be on this journey alone. At Upwell Advisors, we offer unique, customized concierge therapeutic services to provide our clients with unparalleled support throughout every step of the recovery process.
Feel free to reach to contact us anytime via email at [email protected] We look forward to supporting you on your journey.
