Heroin Addiction treatment in Pennsylvania
Heroin is one of the most addictive and lethal drugs in the world today. It is associated with countless drug overdose fatalities in America. Regrettably, these preventable deaths have continued to rise. In 2021, more than 107,000 American lives were lost to drug overdose. Two-thirds of those were overdoses from drugs like heroin. Heroin targets the brain’s pleasure centers, giving users with a euphoric high. Over time, a person needs more of the drug to get the same effect, and they usually develop a tolerance. Sadly, this often leads to a fatal overdose. For this reason, we have put together an exceptional team of medical and clinical professionals who have multidisciplinary talents. We also offer the latest, evidence-based treatments and advanced pharmacology to assist our clients through detoxification and treatment. We provide the tools and resources that each client needs to build a strong foundation for long-term recovery.
Indications of Heroin Addiction
Heroin addiction is not always marked, especially in the beginning. Some signs your loved one may be using heroin include falling asleep easily, noticeable needle marks, tiny pupils, or having drug paraphernalia. They may also have bizarre health problems, or you may notice that your loved one is edgy, sweats a lot, or has sudden nausea. Heroin dependency can happen very quickly.
Physical symptoms of heroin abuse / addiction can include:
- Pale skin
- Itching
- Nausea
- Sudden temper
- Shallow breathing
- Restless legs
- Constipation
Side Effects of Heroin Addiction
Side effects of using heroin can be life-changing (in a bad way). Health consequences include paranoia, moodiness, weight loss, lung, heart, liver, and kidney disease. Heroin abuse also puts a person at greater risk of contracting hepatitis and HIV.
Heroin is a damaging drug to both the body and mind and poses a significant health risk. Detoxing from heroin is hard, and withdrawal symptoms can be excessive. Fear of heroin withdrawal is one of the biggest reasons people don’t stop or seek help from a Pennsylvania heroin rehab center.
Persistent heroin use creates a tolerance and substantial dependence, which prompts people to keep using this drug. Some of the additional side-effects of heroin addiction may include:
- Social struggles
- Sleep problems
- Financial troubles
- Poor hygiene
- Work or school difficulties
- Involuntary admission to mental health facility
- Suicide
- Overdose death
Medication Assisted Treatment for Heroin addiction
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) is the use of medication to treat heroin addiction. In fact, the vast majority of research studies indicates that MAT has proven to be the gold standard for battling heroin addiction. It allows clients to get off the merry-go-round of dangerous relapse by removing cravings and withdrawal symptoms so clients can concentrate their efforts on the behavioral side of their heroin addiction. BriteLife utilizes buprenorphine and naltrexone products including Suboxone, Subutex and Vivitrol.
While most physician providers only prescribe medication, BriteLife uses doctor-dispensed medication in concert with intensive psychotherapy to produce positive results. This is a more effective methodology to the use of medication only for heroin addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with heroin addiction, please reach out to BriteLife at 866-470-1464. Our admissions counselors are available to provide help 24-hours a day, seven days a week.