Heroin is not a stimulant. It depresses the central nervous system, which slows down breathing and the functioning of the brain. Heroin users experience a rush when they first take it, and those who have not taken the drug may confuse this reaction to mean that heroin is working as a stimulant. This, however, is not the case. If mixed with cocaine, in what is known as a speedball, the two drugs counteract each other, limiting the sedative-like effects of the heroin. But it is the cocaine that provides the speed to the speedball. Heroin is, in fact, a depressant and a dangerous one at that. If you are trying to quit using heroin, a heroin detox center is your best hope. There, you will find medical treatment and addiction therapy that will help guide you to lasting recovery.
Heroin Detox
Several factors will determine how long you will need to detox from heroin, from a few days to a more extended period. These factors include:
- Genetics
- A predisposition to addiction
- How long you have been using heroin
- The type and potency of the heroin you have been using
The longer you have been using and the stronger the potency, the longer the detoxing will take. Our heroin detox programs use medication-assisted therapy. Without medication to counteract the symptoms of withdrawal, you could suffer from seizures or even death.
Heroin belongs to the opioids classification of drugs, which are highly addictive. Heroin affects brain activity by binding to mu-opioid receptors. The body has neurotransmitters, which are naturally occurring chemicals that control the release of hormones and regulate both pain and pleasure. When someone introduces heroin to their system, it alters how these mu-opioid receptors regulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in how you experience pleasure. The longer you use heroin, the harder it is to stop on your own.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Once in heroin’s grip, it is hard to escape it. Withdrawal symptoms may occur as little as six hours after the last dose. The following are some of the symptoms to be on the lookout for:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Muscular pain
- Sweating
These withdrawal symptoms can be highly uncomfortable when someone attempts to go through withdrawal alone.
Heroin Addiction Treatment
Detoxing is the first step in combating the fallout from heroin addiction. After this stage, it is time to begin the addiction treatment program. There are many facets to a successful program. These include a number of therapies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on negative thought patterns that contribute to the continued use of heroin and other drugs. These thoughts are illogical and make it hard to address your current addiction dilemma honestly.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is an offshoot of CBT, and both of their aims are to change how you think about yourself in relation to your addictive behavior. Its goal is to help you deal better with stress and to regulate your emotions. Many people struggling with addiction are held back by things that happened in their past. DBT helps you find ways to live in the moment. Other effective therapies used to combat heroin addiction are family, group, individual, and trauma therapy programs.
Reach Out to Ethan Crossing Recovery Today
Heroin and other opioid drugs are some of the most addictive. It is challenging to quit on your own. By entering a heroin detox program, you are giving yourself the best chance to get clean and to find new ways of approaching the challenges in your life. At Ethan Crossing Recovery in Springfield, Ohio, we have both heroin detox and addiction treatment programs. By prioritizing your health and well-being, you will face up to your addiction and put in the work needed to regain your sobriety. Anyone can get help at any point. Ethan Crossing Recovery serves the Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Ohio area. Contact us today.
