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Heroin Treatment

Heroin TreatmentHeroin use and abuse are more common than people think. While many people try heroin in their teens and 20’s, heroin dependence is more common among people 30 and older. The popular opioid is responsible for countless overdoses and deaths each year. Heroin rehab is the safest and most effective way to overcome opioid cravings and avoid relapse.

If you or someone in your life is using heroin, Northpoint Recovery can help. Our Colorado heroin rehab programs help clients through inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment. Call us now at 970.579.4569 to learn more and get a free assessment.

What Is Heroin?

Heroin is an opioid derived from the poppy plant. This illicit substance comes in dark brown or white powder and is smoked, snorted, and injected. When heroin enters the bloodstream, it converts to morphine. Most people are familiar with morphine as a hospital-grade painkiller. Heroin has the same effect as other opioids, blocking pain receptors and creating a sense of calm euphoria. Unfortunately, the effects of heroin are short-lasting. Because of this, the drug is highly addictive. Effects of heroin use include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Itchiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Heavy arms and legs
  • Erratic behavior
  • Mood swings

Long-term effects of heroin use can be detrimental and fatal. They include:

  • Collapsed veins if injected
  • Damaged nasal tissue for those who snort the drug
  • Lung damage from smoking
  • Heart lining and valve infections
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Depression

Like other opioids, the more often a person uses heroin, the more heroin they will need to achieve the same high or pain relief. This is called “drug tolerance.” The higher someone’s tolerance becomes, the more likely they are to overdose. When someone becomes dependent on heroin, their body needs more heroin every six to 12 hours to avoid withdrawal. In the last few years, heroin has become harder to access. This leads many heroin users to use other opioids, like fentanyl, to prevent withdrawal.

What Is Heroin Withdrawal?

Heroin, like other opioids, can be hard to quit on your own. Like many illicit drugs, heroin changes a person’s brain chemistry, causing dependency. When a person stops taking heroin, they develop intense withdrawal symptoms. Commonly referred to as “dope sickness,” these symptoms often lead to other drug use, relapse, and overdose.

During withdrawal, the brain will convince the body it can’t live without more heroin. This can make it impossible to quit with willpower alone. At our Loveland, CO clinic, we use Vivitrol and medical supervision to reduce withdrawal symptoms and minimize drug cravings. Combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy, medically assisted detox can help people safely overcome heroin use.

Our Approach to Heroin Addiction Treatment Works

At Northpoint Colorado, we offer medication-assisted detox, along with Vivitrol (used to prevent relapse), an evidence-based treatment philosophy, and an environment that is built to make your road to recovery as comfortable as possible. Our clinical staff is also known for their quality and excellence. A more in-depth list of our treatment practices can be found here.

Don’t wait. If you or someone you love is using heroin, call us today. The compassionate staff at Northpoint Colorado is ready to help you safely detox and recover. With a range of inpatient and outpatient heroin rehab programs, Northpoint Recovery provides addiction support that fits your busy life. At Northpoint Colorado, we believe in providing the communities of Colorado with the care they need and deserve. We aim to lower heroin use, overdose, and related deaths across the greater Denver metro area with our comprehensive care. Our programs include:

  • Dual diagnosis
  • 12-step programs
  • Family therapy
  • Medically assisted detox
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Aftercare planning

No matter your stage of recovery, Northpoint Colorado can help. We believe in providing care that fits each patient’s needs.

Find Effective Heroin Addiction Treatment Today at Northpoint Colorado

If you’re ready to learn more about what Northpoint Colorado can do for you and your loved ones, call us now at 970.579.4569 for more information and a free assessment.