In the United States, overdose-related deaths are on the rise partially because of heroin abuse. The heroin drug crisis is a real problem all over the country but even more so in large states, such as California. Why is this crisis spreading so rapidly, and what can people do to stop it? For those who already struggle with heroin addiction, the answer lies within addiction treatment centers.
Why Do So Many Americans Use Heroin?
With so many illegal drugs available, why do a lot of people turn toward heroin? First, they have to start where they began to use drugs, which isn’t usually heroin. A long road leads them down this path, and it typically starts with prescription pain pills.
Americans are the biggest consumers of prescription painkillers in the world. These are frightening statistics since the United States isn’t even the biggest nation in terms of population. However, doctors write prescriptions for painkillers for nearly everything. Unfortunately, those pills are highly addictive and typically send people down a dark road.
Eventually, doctors stop prescribing the pills after a certain length of time. The goal is to prevent dependency on these drugs. Despite those efforts, addiction sets in long before doctors stop writing the prescriptions. Also, it’s easy for people to find other doctors who will write prescriptions when their current doctors stop.
Over time, though, they run out of doctors who agree to write prescriptions. At this point, they turn to buying the pills illegally to get their fix. What most of them don’t know is that illegal prescription pills are very expensive. As a result, they can’t keep up this habit for too long.
Ultimately, they switch to other drugs that give them a similar high. It’s unfortunate that heroin is an opioid just like the painkillers that their doctors once prescribed. On top of that, it’s fairly inexpensive and a cheap alternative.
Taking Steps to Overcome Heroin Addiction
The first step to overcoming any addiction, not just heroin, is to seek professional detox. The truth is that people have to detox from a drug before they can focus on treating their addiction. Thankfully, many rehab centers in California offer rehab and detox programs at the same location. As a result, people can receive both services without having to worry about transferring between facilities.
Once detox ends, they still have more work to do. Detoxing just helps them deal with withdrawal symptoms and prevents complications during the process. It doesn’t do anything to unearth the core issues that led to heroin abuse.
Sometimes, the core issues stem from underlying physical health problems that cause pain. In such situations, it’s important to find a program that offers holistic pain management. These programs teach people how to deal with physical pain without relying on pain pills.
Other times, the problem stems from underlying mental disorders. In such situations, people have to seek dual diagnosis treatment. This program helps them not only deal with addiction but also any underlying mental conditions. When they don’t get dual diagnosis treatment, they’re at a greater risk of relapse because the core issue is still there.
Get the Heroin Addiction Treatment That You Need
Do you or someone you love struggle with heroin addiction? If so, it won’t just go away on its own. You need help from a drug addiction treatment center California offers. When you look for a facility, be on the lookout for a few key services, such as:
- Residential rehab
- Outpatient treatment
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Intensive outpatient rehab
- Individual and group therapy
Also, look for a facility that offers customized treatment plans. Everyone has different needs when it comes to overcoming addiction. Fortunately, a customized treatment plan takes these differences into consideration. Make sure that the one you choose knows the importance of individualized treatment.
Don’t become yet another statistic in this heroin epidemic. Find reliable addiction treatment programs California has. Don’t wait to take the first step toward recovery.
