HEROIN TREATMENT
Written by: Lynn Finnell, LMFT, LAADC | Reviewed by: Christian Small, MD
Heroin, an intensely potent opioid known by names like black tar, horse, and smack, often poses significant dangers due to its tendency to be mixed with other drugs and consumed in unknown quantities. As substance abuse and opioid addiction continue to rise across the United States, heroin often serves as a formidable “next step” drug.
Villa Oasis San Diego, a renowned rehab center situated in San Diego, provides comprehensive substance abuse treatment for individuals grappling with heroin addiction, aligning a personalized treatment plan to the unique recovery journey of each patient.
What is Heroin?
Heroin, notorious for its addictive potential, is an illicit substance that has gained notoriety worldwide. Classed as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act in the United States, its usage is prohibited due to its high potential for abuse and the absence of accepted medical use in treatment.
Heroin belongs to the class of drugs known as opioids, which also include prescription medications like morphine, codeine, and oxycodone. Morphine, in fact, is a direct predecessor to heroin. Derived from the opium poppy, a flower historically cultivated in regions like Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and Colombia, morphine is chemically transformed into heroin through an acetylation process.
The chemical makeup of heroin enables it to rapidly cross the blood-brain barrier, where it is converted back into morphine, binding to opioid receptors in the brain and creating an intense rush of pleasure or euphoria. This immediate and potent effect contributes to its addictive potential.
What Are the Effects Of Heroin?
The effects of heroin can be broadly understood in two categories: short-term and long-term effects. Short-term effects occur during a high, while long-term effects impact the body after continuous usage.
Short-Term Effects
The primary sensation from a short-term heroin high is euphoria, a profound feeling of joy or excitement. However the major drawback is that heroin can induce the following symptoms:
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Shallow breathing
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Lowered sense of pain
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Flushed skin
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Dry mouth
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Extreme itchiness
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“Cloudy” or “foggy” thinking
Long-Term Effects
Prolonged heroin use can precipitate a new set of symptoms. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), these effects arise due to “changes in the physical structure and physiology of the brain,” rendering recovery difficult. The long-term effects of heroin include:
Some long-term effects of heroin include:
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Insomnia
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Arthritis
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Abscesses
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Constipation
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Depression
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Liver disease
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Kidney disease
Some effects may depend on the specific individual or the way they use heroin. They include:
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For people with penises, sexual dysfunction
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For people who menstruate, irregular menstruation
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For those who inject heroin, collapsed veins
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For those who sniff heroin, injury to the inner nose
Heroin use also results in tolerance and dependence. Very quickly, an individual needs more and more of the drug to produce a high. Often, these highs provide diminishing returns. At the same time, the brain struggles to cope without heroin in the body, and the effects of withdrawal can be especially difficult.
If you’re concerned your loved one might be addicted to heroin, learn more about “How to Tell if a Loved One Is on Heroin” on our comprehensive page.
Facts About Heroin Addiction
Heroin is very addictive, quickly creating a reliance on the drug for anyone who uses it. Those who become addicted to heroin are diagnosed with opioid use disorder (OUD), a type of substance use disorder (SUD). Although OUD is highly stigmatized, the reality is that those with the disorder are struggling with significant changes to their brain and body.
Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
While OUD symptoms broadly refer to addiction to any opioid, those who are addicted to heroin experience symptoms centering around the drug. Some symptoms include:
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Taking more heroin than intended or for longer than intended
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Persistent heroin cravings
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Unsuccessful attempts to lower heroin use
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Persistent heroin use despite negative consequences
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Heroin tolerance
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Heroin withdrawal
Withdrawal
Recovering from heroin isn’t easy. Anyone who’s struggled with heroin use, or known someone who has, knows there are many reasons why. One such reason is withdrawal: a nasty, painful process that can occur when an individual who regularly uses heroin suddenly stops. Some symptoms of withdrawal include:
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Flu-like symptoms
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Nausea and vomiting
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Excessive sweating
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Runny nose
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Bone pain
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Chills
For detailed insights on the duration and stages of heroin withdrawal, visit our page on “Heroin Withdrawal: How Long Does it Last?“.
Treating Heroin Addiction
Over time, the treatment of heroin addiction has evolved to encompass various techniques. Currently, treatment services employ a blend of psychotherapy and medications to combat OUD. Treatment modalities for OUD include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and more. When medication is part of the treatment program, it’s termed medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Commonly used MAT medications for heroin addiction include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone.
What to Expect at Villa Oasis San Diego
Navigating the path of addiction recovery should never be a solitary endeavor. Villa Oasis San Diego, nestled in the scenic beauty of San Diego, California, offers comprehensive outpatient and inpatient rehab for individuals diagnosed with OUD or other SUDs. Our rehab center maintains a two-to-one staff ratio and offers only six beds, ensuring our residents receive undivided attention. The typical stay duration ranges from 30 to 45 days, adjustable based on individual needs and preferences.
Our Philosophy
At Villa Oasis, we prioritize personalized substance abuse treatment. We view each resident as an individual with a unique life history and specific needs. Upon arrival, our team works closely with residents to understand their experiences, requirements, and unique circumstances. We believe in the diversity of stories and approaches; hence we strive to provide a treatment plan as unique as your story. Our approach is rooted in empathy and respect.
Our Therapies
At Villa Oasis, we stand out as a premier treatment facility in San Diego County, thanks to our comprehensive and individualized approach to therapy. Recognizing the intricate nature of substance use disorders, we offer a holistic treatment plan that addresses not only the physical aspects of substance abuse but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual facets of our residents’ lives.
The initial stages of our drug rehab programs involve carefully planned interventions and stabilization processes. These crucial steps are designed to manage withdrawal symptoms, ensuring the comfort and safety of our residents in this challenging period. At our detox centers, residents undergo supervised detoxification, a pivotal first step in overcoming physical dependence on substances and preparing for the subsequent stages of recovery.
We take pride in offering a diverse array of therapeutic modalities, featuring over ten distinct therapy types. These have been designed to cater to the varied and unique needs of our residents. Below is a comprehensive list of the therapeutic modalities available at Villa Oasis:
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Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
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CBT
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Equine therapy
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Expressive art therapy
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MAT
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Music therapy
We also employ Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in our approach. In this ‘whole patient’ method, we combine approved medications, counseling, and behavioral therapies, presenting a comprehensive approach to substance use disorder treatment.
In line with our commitment to providing top-tier support services, we facilitate necessary referrals for outpatient treatment as a part of our aftercare planning. This helps ensure continuous care and support for our residents after they graduate from our program, facilitating long-term recovery.
Recovering in Comfort
Imagine your recovery journey unfolding in the serene Californian climate, a beautiful villa near the sea, and a comfortable suite to call home. We believe in the healing power of a pleasing natural environment. Along with these amenities, we provide an array of comforts. A personal in-house chef prepares all meals, and residents can swim in our pool or enjoy films in our on-site movie theater for relaxation. We also offer various holistic treatment options, including yoga, breathwork, and sound therapy.
Find Peace at Villa Oasis
Villa Oasis San Diego is dedicated to assisting you or your loved one recover in tranquility and privacy. Our luxury facility is set apart from the world’s stress and pressure. Our round-the-clock staff assist residents in learning how to live soberly during their stay with us.
Contact us today to explore our range of programs and services. Discover what sets Villa Oasis apart from other addiction recovery centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
We treats both drug and alcohol addiction, offering comprehensive residential rehab treatment to support individuals on their path to recovery.
Residential treatment is designed for individuals struggling with substance abuse who require a higher level of care and support than outpatient programs provide. This includes those with a history of chronic relapse, severe or long-term addiction, withdrawal symptoms or cravings, co-occurring mental health disorders, and alcohol-related interpersonal conflicts.
We offers a comprehensive range of evidence-based therapies, including dual diagnosis treatment, individual and group therapy, 12-step and non-12-step programs, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness and meditation, art, music, and equine therapy, and nutritional counseling and fitness programs.
Yes, we provide medically supervised detox services for clients who require detoxification from drugs or alcohol. The medical professionals closely monitor clients during the detox process, ensuring their safety and comfort while managing withdrawal symptoms.
Upon contacting Villa Oasis, the admissions team will guide you through the initial assessment process to determine the appropriate level of care and create a personalized treatment plan. This process may include a review of medical and mental health history, as well as an evaluation of the individual’s current substance use and support system.
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