Heroin is an addictive, illegal drug that belongs to the opioid family. It is derived from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of certain varieties of poppy plants. It’s typically sold as a white or brownish powder or as the black sticky substance known as “black tar heroin.”
Heroin is highly addictive and poses significant risks to those who use it. It can not only affect physical and mental well-being but also destroy personal and professional relationships, leading to financial and legal ruin. Insight Recovery Center offers heroin addiction treatment in Asheville to help you or a loved one break the cycle of addiction. Call 828.826.1376 today to learn more or start the road to recovery.
How Does Heroin Use Lead to Heroin Dependence?
Heroin dependence results from physical and psychological changes that occur in the body due to regular use of heroin. Over time, a person’s tolerance for the drug increases, leading them to need more of the drug to achieve the same desired effects. This can lead to increases in frequency and amount used and an inability to stop using even though they may want or attempt to do so.
Common Signs of Heroin Use and Heroin Dependence
The signs of heroin use and heroin dependence can vary depending on the individual. However, most people will experience some combination of physical, psychological, behavioral, and social changes that indicate an addiction to heroin. Common signs include:
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Weight loss/gain
- Lack of energy/fatigue
- Poor concentration or memory problems
- Mood swings or increased irritability
- Increased tolerance for the drug (needing more to achieve the desired effect)
- Uncharacteristic lying or secretive behavior
Understanding the signs of heroin use and dependency can help you intervene and seek treatment more quickly in a friend or loved one’s life.
What Are Some Benefits of Heroin Rehab?
Heroin rehab offers many benefits over attempting to quit on your own. It provides a safe environment with 24-hour access to medical care, allowing patients who are detoxing from heroin and other drugs to be monitored closely by medical professionals for their safety. In addition, rehab can offer a variety of treatments to address any underlying mental health conditions or psychological issues that may be contributing to the addiction.
Some common therapies employed in heroin rehab include:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention planning
Combining evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches as part of an individualized treatment plan offers the best chance of a successful outcome and recovery.
How Can Outpatient Addiction Treatment Help Overcome Heroin Addiction?
Outpatient treatment, such as a partial hospitalization program (PHP), is designed for those who are able to maintain a stable living environment while going through treatment. It offers flexible scheduling options which allow patients to attend therapy sessions during the day and return home at night. Insight Recovery Center’s PHP is tailored to meet each individual’s needs and provides structured group therapy, individual counseling, educational classes, and support groups while demanding high accountability. It is not uncommon for individuals to step down from a PHP to an intensive outpatient program or regular outpatient program as they progress in their treatment and recovery goals.
What Are Some Family-Friendly Activities or Places in Asheville, NC?
Asheville is home to a variety of family-friendly activities and places.
- Visit the North Carolina Arboretum for outdoor fun, such as hiking, bird watching, fishing, or exploring the gardens.
- Pack Square Park is another great spot for families to spend time outside with a playground and splash pad.
- For indoor fun, you can explore the Asheville Pinball Museum, where kids of all ages can play over 20 classic pinball machines or experience an IMAX movie at The Colburn Earth Science Museum.
- Biltmore Estate also offers numerous activities, including tours of the house and garden, wine tastings, zip line adventures, and special events like seasonal festivals throughout the year.
Seek Heroin Rehab Treatment at Insight Recovery Center
If you or someone you love in North Carolina needs help with a heroin addiction, Insight Recovery Center can provide the support necessary to achieve lasting recovery. Reach out today at 828.826.1376 or contact us online to learn more about our program or get started in treatment.