Drug Addiction Treatment
What Will Happen in Heroin Addiction Treatment_
By BrightView
Published: May 4, 2022
Updated: June 9, 2022

Heroin is a highly addictive opioid produced from morphine, a naturally psychoactive substance obtained from seeds of the opium plant. Heroin addiction is often characterized by an initial misuse of opioid prescription medication which then progresses to the need for a more constant and stable supply. It is easily obtained from the streets and used in various forms by patients suffering from substance use disorder. The experienced staff at BrightView understand the hold that heroin can have on a person’s life and the necessity for substance abuse treatment to combat addiction and lead a life of sobriety. Reach out today to find out what will happen in a heroin addiction treatment program and start the recovery journey by calling 888.501.9865.

Signs of Heroin Addiction

Addiction is a disease that changes the chemistry of the brain by causing recurring urges to seek and abuse a mind-altering substance. As these urges intensify, it makes it harder to resist the high. Any use of heroin is abuse and should be treated at a drug addiction treatment center. Signs of heroin addiction in yourself or others may include social isolation, spending a significant amount of your time acquiring, using, and recovering from the effects of heroin, and the inability to fulfill the responsibilities associated with your job, school, or family because of your heroin use. While not everyone will demonstrate the same signs and symptoms of heroin use and addiction, you must reach out for help at the first sign of concern in yourself or a loved one.

What Is a Heroin Addiction Treatment Program?

Heroin addiction treatment combines both behavioral and medication assisted treatment as the most effective approach to drug addiction.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies aim to modify patients’ use, attitude, and behavior towards indulging in the use and abuse of heroin and promote healthy life choices. Behavioral therapies may include:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy
  • Motivational interviews
  • Individual, family, and group therapy

At BrightView, we offer behavioral therapies through our outpatient and intensive outpatient programs.

Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)

For patients suffering from heroin addiction, the most challenging part after deciding to quit heroin use is the withdrawal symptoms associated with this addictive drug, including:

  • Excessive sweating
  • Muscle aches
  • Restlessness
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Diarrhea
  • Dilated pupils
  • Blurry vision
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure

As these symptoms progress, it becomes relatively unbearable to patients, which causes them to relapse back into heroin use. Therefore, drug addiction treatment centers use medications such as methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone, approved by the FDA, to help patients manage these symptoms as they start on the road to recovery. These medications act on the same area of the brain in which opioids act, binding to brain receptors without producing the detrimental effects associated with opioids.

Heroin Addiction Treatment Centers in Ohio

Heroin addiction is a serious and complicated disease that, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening outcomes. With 22 locations throughout Ohio and 15 MAT clinics, BrightView’s experienced staff understand the importance of providing immediate care and ease of access to patients suffering from heroin addiction. With the proper support and guidance through a substance abuse treatment program, you or a loved one can fully recover from heroin addiction and lead a life in long-term sobriety. We believe in treating each patient with the respect that they deserve to battle the hold that addiction has over their life and have created a welcoming and supportive environment for patients to recover safely. Programs and services at BrightView include:

  • Counseling and therapy
  • Individual, family, and group therapy

To learn more about how a heroin addiction treatment center can start your recovery journey, reach out by calling 888.501.9865 or use the online form. Addiction specialists are available 24/7 to help guide you to the right heroin addiction treatment program for you.