It’s hard to overstate the devastation wrought to communities throughout the U.S. because of the heroin epidemic. Hospitalizations and death rates continue rising as individuals struggle to find the right resource for overcoming their heroin addiction. The ongoing heroin drug crisis opens up a need for quality addiction treatment facilities capable of delivering effective treatment for those dealing with heroin addiction.
The Start of the Heroin Epidemic
The rise in heroin use can be traced back to the early 1990s. The use of opioid drugs used to be limited to those dealing with extreme pain issues. The most common recipients were cancer patients and others dealing with serious injuries or illnesses. Pharmaceutical companies began prescribing opioid medications for reasons other than pain management. Eventually, 86 percent of patients using opioids had them prescribed for purposes other than cancer or severe illness.
That led to people selling the opioids for profit since the drug produces a euphoric effect. People started turning to heroin as a substitute when they could not obtain prescription medications. That’s led to a situation where the heroin epidemic now affects every area of the country. Getting help at a Florida heroin addiction treatment program is key to helping individuals overcome the grips of their heroin addiction.
Effects of Heroin on the Body
One of the reasons that heroin is so dangerous is because of its effect on the brain. It changes how the brain perceives plan and pleasure. Eventually, people build up a tolerance to heroin, requiring them to take more of the substance to continue feeling the same effect. That leads to cravings and a desire to do anything possible to obtain more heroin.
People suffering from underlying mental health disorders often find their symptoms getting worse under the influence of the drug. Those caught up in the heroin epidemic may suffer from heightened feelings of paranoia and anxiety.
Many people turn to illegal activities to support their habit. They may put themselves in dangerous situations that could cause them to go to jail or end up in the hospital. This includes stealing from friends or stores, driving under the influence, and risky behaviors that lead to death.
The Challenges of Overcoming Heroin Addiction
The highly addictive nature of heroin makes it a difficult substance to overcome without professional help. People must safely wean themselves off their dependence on heroin. Trying to kick a heroin habit cold turkey can be dangerous and result in overdose if returning to the drug. The withdrawal symptoms could be severe enough to cause a medical emergency.
If you’re ready to start the journey toward recovery, start researching Florida substance abuse treatment programs experienced with dealing with heroin addiction. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a psychiatrist or other addiction treatment specialist. Get their advice on finding a quality treatment center best suited to address your needs. Addiction treatment centers provide each level of care you or your loved one may need to recover.
Some of the therapies and programs offered by various addiction treatment programs include:
- Inpatient treatment program
- Partial hospitalization program (IOP)
- Outpatient treatment program
- Sober living
- Aftercare programs
- Alumni programs
Look for facilities offering therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of psychotherapy. They should evaluate you for any underlying mental disorders exacerbating your heroin addiction. If there are co-occurring disorders, the facility should be equipped to handle them both.
There’s no reason you need to become another sad statistic, caught up in the U.S. heroin epidemic. Choosing to get help at an addiction treatment center could be the thing that allows you to achieve your goal of living a healthy, drug-free existence.
