Heroin Addiction Treatment in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Heroin abuse destroys marriages, breaks up families, ends careers, leads to financial ruin, and all too often ends in overdose or even death. If you or a loved one is struggling with such an addiction, you need to seek help immediately. At Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, we offer a lifeline for those struggling, providing compassionate and effective heroin addiction treatment in Lake Worth Beach. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping individuals reclaim their lives, offering a path to recovery and a future free from addiction.
What is a Heroin Addiction?
Heroin is a type of opioid made from morphine, making it extremely dangerous and highly addictive. As the opioid epidemic continues to unfold, heroin addiction has grown to be one of the worst health crises in the history of the United States. In 2018, the number of heroin-related overdose deaths was seven times higher than it was in 1999, with nearly a third of all opioid deaths involving heroin. From urban street corners to rural farms and suburban neighborhoods, the scourge of this addiction has caused untold damage to millions of American families. The problem has only been worsening since the turn of the century, as individuals moved from opioid painkiller addictions to heroin abuse because of affordability and availability.
Repeated use can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Over time, the brain’s reward system becomes less responsive to natural rewards like food, sex, and social interaction. Instead, it becomes increasingly reliant on heroin to release dopamine. This leads to cravings and compulsive drug-seeking behavior, even in the face of negative consequences like the loss of relationships, employment, and physical health. Furthermore, withdrawal symptoms can be excruciatingly painful and unpleasant, making it difficult for individuals to stop using the drug even if they want to.
Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Addiction
Similar to other opiates like fentanyl, heroin has a high potential for abuse. It attacks the limbic system in the brain, taking over its reward system and ability to manage pain. As the addiction worsens, users may begin to show signs of heroin abuse, including:
- Drug paraphernalia (needles, foil, spoons, metal pipes, belts)
- Needle tracks or markings on their arms or legs
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Pinpoint pupils
- Itching
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Irritability
- Loss of consciousness
Heroin addiction may also cause behavioral changes. The individual may lose interest in hobbies or things they once enjoyed. They may also be more secretive and will begin to isolate themselves from others. A person who abuses drugs may also turn to theft to feed their addiction. Heroin is an extremely manipulative substance, taking a mental and physical hold over a person that may only be broken through the intervention of trained recovery professionals. This makes identifying an addiction to heroin extremely important, giving the individual struggling the ability to get the help they need via therapy and treatment.
How We Treat Addiction
Detox
The first and often most challenging step in overcoming heroin addiction is detoxification. Our medical detox program provides a safe and supportive environment where patients can cleanse their bodies of heroin under the 24/7 care and supervision of healthcare professionals. We offer medications to ease withdrawal symptoms and ensure a more comfortable detox experience.
Inpatient Treatment
Following detox, many patients benefit from our inpatient treatment program. This level of care provides a structured, supportive environment where individuals can focus entirely on their recovery. Patients participate in daily therapy sessions, group activities, and educational workshops designed to help them understand the roots of their addiction and develop coping strategies.
Partial Hospitalization Program
For those who have completed inpatient treatment or for individuals with less severe addiction, our partial hospitalization programs offers flexible treatment options. These programs allow patients to continue receiving intensive therapy and support while gradually reintegrating into their daily lives. Patients attend scheduled therapy sessions and participate in recovery activities, providing the ongoing support needed to maintain sobriety.
Behavioral Treatment for Heroin Dependency
Addressing heroin addiction goes beyond treating the physical symptoms; it requires a comprehensive approach that also tackles the underlying psychological and emotional issues. At Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, we specialize in treating co-occurring disorders—conditions where substance abuse and mental health issues coexist. Our integrated treatment approach ensures that patients receive the support they need for both their addiction and any related mental health conditions.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their addiction.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on teaching patients skills to manage emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors, and improve relationships.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Provides a safe space for individuals who have experienced trauma, helping them process and heal from their experiences.
- Family Therapy: Involves loved ones in the recovery process, helping to rebuild trust and support systems that are essential for long-term recovery.
The duration of heroin rehab varies depending on the individual’s needs and the severity of their addiction. Treatment can range from a few weeks to several months, with ongoing support and aftercare to maintain sobriety.
Many insurance plans cover heroin addiction rehab, but coverage can vary. It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand what services are covered under your plan.
Sadly, abusing heroin can lead to a slew of damaging side effects to the body, some of which are lasting. Effects include respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, severe drowsiness, weakened immune system, skin irritation, hormonal imbalances, along with liver and kidney damage. The severity of these symptoms will depend on the user’s physicality (weight, immune health, age), the duration of the substance abuse, and whether it was combined with any other drugs.
Heroin is an extremely addictive drug due to its effects on the brain’s reward system. When someone takes this drug, it quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted into morphine. Morphine then binds to opioid receptors in the brain, which are responsible for regulating pain and feelings of pleasure. This results in a flood of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, being released into the brain. The surge of dopamine creates an intense rush of euphoria and a sense of well-being that is highly addictive.
Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches is a scenic and accredited South Florida addiction facility that is committed to the health and well-being of its patients. Our dedicated staff of trained and licensed professionals strives to create a safe and comfortable environment where our clients can receive effective addiction treatment. We guide our patients’ journeys from addiction to recovery, overseeing every step of the process. Patients can transition from rehab to everyday life with the tools needed to sustain their sobriety. Without our help, the heroin addiction treatment process may be more difficult and sobriety less likely.
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Heroin is one of the strongest and most harmful narcotics on the market and poses several risks to various aspects of a person’s life. The more well-known psychological symptoms, such as hallucinations, are not the only concerns that a user needs to worry about. Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches delves into the physical effects of heroin use, exploring the intricate ways in which this illicit drug alters the brain, compromises vital bodily functions, and undermines overall health. Our goal is to shed light on these significant physiological alterations, promoting a better understanding of the risks associated with heroin use and actively supporting ongoing prevention and treatment efforts aimed at countering its negative effects.
For those who are ready to break away from the control that heroin has on them, our BHOPB detox center offers a heroin withdrawal program that can make the process far more manageable. From here, patients can access some of the best heroin addiction treatment in Lake Worth, giving them a sincere chance at overcoming the hold that the substance has on them.
Call our Banyan Lake Worth rehab at 561-220-3981 to learn how our team of professionals can aid you or a loved one in overcoming an addiction to heroin. Contact us today and get the help you need to begin reclaiming control of your life.
Source:
- CDC- Heroin Overdose Data
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