Over the last thirty years, heroin has surpassed cocaine as a top recreational drug in Massachusetts.1 Heroin access, prescription opiate dependency, and the rise of opioids across New England contribute to heroin’s popularity. Unfortunately, like other opioids, heroin is highly addictive. In 2020, 2000 people in Massachusetts died from opioid overdose, the largest number the state has ever experienced.2 Fortunately, increased options for heroin rehab centers near Boston, MA can help patients recover.
If you or someone you love is ready to learn more about the success of heroin addiction resources near Boston, MA, call BrightView now. Our Somerville, MA addiction treatment center provides accessible outpatient care including Medicare and Medicaid coverage. Call us now at 888.501.9865 to speak with our intake specialists and learn more about our heroin rehab treatments.
Common Side Effects of Heroin
Heroin is a semi-synthetic drug made from opium. Like other opioids, heroin is significantly more potent than opium. It works by converting into morphine in the bloodstream. It immediately blocks pain receptors in the brain and releases dopamine for an intense feeling of euphoria, disorientation, and disassociation. The rise in dopamine causes the “dopamine reward effect,” leading to dopamine cravings that increase heroin cravings. Common side effects of heroin include:
- Confusion
- Trouble making decisions
- Memory problems
- Mood swings
- Intense cravings
- Slow heart rate
- Drug and alcohol cravings
- Flu-like symptoms
- Shaking
- Chills
- Irritability
- Self-harming behavior
- Delusions
- Trouble breathing
- Aggressive behavior
- Changes in sleep
- Changes in hygiene
- Paranoia
- Organ damage
- Brain damage
Additionally, smoking or injecting heroin can have irreversible physical side effects including collapsed veins, tooth decay, and lung damage.
The more often someone uses heroin, the higher their tolerance will become. This means they will need more heroin to achieve the same pain relief and euphoria. Heroin tolerance can build very quickly, especially for those with co-occurring mental health conditions. Tolerance can lead to mixing medications, higher doses, and possibly overdosing. People may lose consciousness during an overdose, and their hearts or lungs may stop working. Without immediate medical attention, this situation can be fatal.
Heroin slows down every system in the body and changes a person’s brain chemistry. This makes it difficult to quit without medically assisted treatment and therapy. Today, medically assisted treatment options help patients slowly wean off opioids to reduce cravings and allow the brain time to recover.
Effective Heroin Rehab Near Boston, MA
Medication assisted treatment is one of the leading approaches to heroin recovery nationwide and in Massachusetts. Suboxone, Methadone, Naloxone, and Vivitrol can help patients feel better immediately. These medicines reduce withdrawal symptoms and minimize drug cravings, making it easier for individuals to get on the path toward recovery.
Most people in Massachusetts seeking treatment for substance use disorders also live with mental health conditions. Medication assisted heroin rehab can help stop opioid cravings so patients can focus on their mental health throughout recovery.
Your Sommerville, MA Addiction Treatment Center
Finding the right heroin addiction treatment program isn’t always easy. Program wait times can keep patients from the support that they need. At BrightView, we treat you like a person and addiction like a disease. Our Sommerville, MA addiction treatment center can help patients begin treatment in as little as four hours. Specializing in medically assisted treatment for heroin and other opioids alongside alcohol and drug addiction, our programs include:
- Medication management
- Suboxone treatments
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Telehealth therapy
- Drug rehab
- Alcohol rehab
- 24/7 phone support
- Same-day enrollment
At BrightView, we know accessibility is key to treatment and recovery. We take walk-in appointments and treat those without insurance. We accept Medicare and Medicaid, including Suboxone and other medication coverage. The evidence supports that addiction is a treatable disease, and we’re here to help you recover and thrive.
Learn More About Heroin Rehab Near Boston
Call today, and feel better tomorrow. Contact our staff now at 888.501.9865 or online to learn more about our accessible heroin rehab programs.
Footnotes
1. National Drug Intelligence Center – Massachusetts Drug Threat Assessment
