If you or a loved one is searching for heroin rehab in Boston, you have come to the right place. In the United States, heroin, one of the most commonly abused drugs, has an estimated 1 million users having acknowledged taking it during the past year. Fortunately, there are many successful treatment options available to those who want to overcome their addiction to heroin and other opioids.
Professional help, like what is offered at East Coast Recovery, has aided those with addiction ranging from mild to severe in attaining and sustaining abstinence from the drug. Professional treatment protocols can ensure people’s safety and comfort during the detoxification and withdrawal process and support them in achieving long-term sobriety.
Understanding Heroin
Heroin is derived from the opium poppy flower, which is mainly cultivated in Mexico, Asia, and South America. This narcotic is known to be highly addictive and has been prohibited in the US since 1924. It may appear as a brown or white powder, or a black, gooey substance referred to as “tar.” Additionally, it is known by various other titles, such as horse, smack, junk, and brown sugar.
A large number of individuals consume heroin by smoking, snorting or injecting it. The most precarious method of consumption is injecting it into veins, as it increases the odds of overdosing and contracting an infection from an unhygienic needle. Regardless of the way it is taken, heroin reaches the brain in an expedited manner. It is also difficult to avoid addiction, even after just a couple of uses.
Dangers of Heroin Abuse
A person’s physical health can be significantly influenced by heroin, and this is determined by their health history, size, gender, dosage, ingestion process, duration of substance abuse, abuse of other substances such as alcohol, and any pre-existing mental health issues. People who use heroin regularly are at risk of developing serious physical health problems. Short-term symptoms of heroin use include nausea, vomiting, itching, and dry mouth. Additionally, when heroin is habitually used, more serious long-term physical effects can happen such as:
- Weight loss
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Infection
- Collapsed veins
- Blood clots
- Chronic pneumonia
- Liver and kidney disease
- Overdose
- Death
Heroin is an extremely habit-forming drug due to its euphoric effects. It binds to opioid receptors, causing the release of a huge quantity of dopamine, the chemical responsible for feelings of joy. Aside from the risks of heroin use cited above, regular consumption of the drug can alter the brain’s structure and physiology. This leads to major hormonal and psychological modifications that can be hard to undo. Research has even revealed that long-term heroin users have a decrease in white brain matter, which can impair their capacity to make decisions and manage behavior.
Signs of Heroin Addiction
It is likely that people who are using heroin will demonstrate a range of signs and symptoms that are distinctive to each individual, and these can vary in terms of severity and length of time. Examples of potential symptoms that could demonstrate a heroin addiction include:
- Lethargy
- Wearing long sleeves when inappropriate
- Dry mouth
- Weight loss
- Mood swings
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Deceit
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Isolation
- Decline in work or school performance
- Lack of personal hygiene
- Borrowing or stealing money
Types of Heroin Rehab in Boston
As Heroin can produce withdrawal symptoms and have a strong psychological influence on its addicts, professional rehabilitation services are usually the most likely way to achieve a successful recovery. Treating a Heroin addiction usually consists of therapies, medicines, assistance from support groups, and changes to one’s lifestyle. These treatments can be accessed from both residential and outpatient clinics.
Detox
The initial stage of conquering Heroin addiction is the detoxification process. It is strongly suggested to go through detox with the help of experienced professionals who are prepared to watch and oversee you during the process of detoxing from Heroin. The withdrawal from Heroin is generally uncomfortable and can persist for a few weeks for some people, however, physicians can provide medication that can reduce distress and help the body adjust gradually.
Inpatient Rehab
Former Heroin addicts can generally attribute their recovery to a stint in an inpatient rehabilitation program. This type of rehab removes any external elements that may impede sobriety, and provides a structured daily routine that includes therapy, support groups, and activities. Activities can vary from physical activities such as exercise, to more exciting endeavors such as mountain climbing and hiking. Some centers are more relaxed and offer a luxurious atmosphere. The length of the stay in an inpatient Heroin rehab program may vary from a month to three months, and can even be longer in some specific cases.
Outpatient Rehab
Outpatient heroin rehabilitation is usually less expensive than inpatient, often using similar forms of medical and therapeutic treatment. Research has shown that outpatient programs have the same success rate as an inpatient, and are more accessible nationally. Outpatient programs are preferred by those who can’t take time off for that long from their job, family members, or people who rely on them. Going to clinics and group therapies that are open 24/7 or have extended hours can help those needing support while still managing their commitments.
Aftercare
After undergoing treatment for heroin addiction, continuous treatment is essential for remaining abstinent. Visiting a counselor on a regular basis can help a large number of recovering Heroin users stay concentrated on being sober. Therapists can help recovering addicts determine and overcome their triggers and vulnerabilities. Additionally, they can give strategies to manage heroin cravings and triggers. Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Heroin Anonymous (HA) are also effective ways of preventing relapse for many individuals.
Is Rehab for Heroin Addiction Right For Me?
Coming to terms with an addiction can be difficult, and it is often hard to decide if seeking out drug rehab is the right thing to do. Addictive behavior can have varying degrees of intensity, so it can be difficult to pinpoint where on the spectrum your own issue lies. Nevertheless, there are some signs that you can look out for that can help you to decide if it is time to seek professional help and look into drug rehab. These indicators include:
- Inability to quit on your own
- Increasing tolerance
- Decline in personal and professional life
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
What to Expect
Individuals who have gone through detox of heroin commonly experience unpleasant sensations afterward, as well as a strong desire to use the drug. Participating in a heroin addiction treatment program after detox can give them a strong base of support and reduce the chances of relapse.
Once a client no longer has any traces of drugs in their system after detoxification, they can turn their attention to what led to their heroin problem. Therapists and psychologists will utilize behavioral therapy approaches to assist the patient in finding the source of the issue. Behavioral therapy can also teach the patient how to cope with pressure and use positive methods to confront triggers or distressing conditions.
Treatments for heroin addiction may involve behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or contingency management. Cognitive behavioral therapy is designed to enable individuals to modify behaviors and ideas that can contribute to substance abuse. Contingency management, on the other hand, provides incentives to individuals who maintain their sobriety, such as vouchers that can be exchanged for items of value.
How Long Does Heroin Rehab Last?
The amount of time required to complete a heroin rehab program will differ from person to person. We provide assistance to persons in need of varying lengths of recovery programs. In the majority of cases, recovery treatment is completed within 30, 60, or 90-day programs. All treatment plans can be extended or shortened, depending on the individual’s progress. We suggest that our patients go through the entire cycle of care – beginning with medical detox, followed by inpatient care, and eventually outpatient care, which can be undertaken in stages – to maximize the likelihood of a successful and long-lasting recovery.
Heroin Rehab in Boston
When it comes to beating substance use disorder, selecting the correct recovery program is essential. East Coast Recovery Center is available to provide assistance to people in Massachusetts that are dealing with addiction. If you need assistance in dealing with this issue, East Coast Recovery is here to help. Our heroin rehab in Cohasset, Massachusetts offers customized treatment plans for each person that meets the unique needs of all of their customers.
East Coast Recovery provides comprehensive treatment programs, such as intensive outpatient treatment, partial hospitalization programs, and aftercare. We also offer evidence-based and multidisciplinary treatment solutions that focus on both physical and psychological well-being, as well as therapeutic and holistic approaches, to help individuals recover from addiction and mental health issues.
Reach out to the experts at East Coast Recovery to discover more about our different programs and assistance. You don’t need to confront addiction on your own anymore. We are here to support you the whole time.
