Since the 1990s, the opioid epidemic has swept through our nation at an alarming rate. Opioids are a class of drugs that affect the nervous system by blocking pain and causing intense euphoria. There are many drugs involved in the opioid crisis, including prescription medications, but because it is cheap and easily accessible, heroin is the most commonly abused.
Heroin use has dramatically increased in men and women across all demographics. If you or someone you love is addicted to heroin, you understand how powerful and destructive it is. The safest and most effective way to overcome heroin addiction is through a heroin addiction treatment program.
Westwind Recovery® is dedicated to helping fight this devastating and deadly epidemic in our communities and beyond. Our highly skilled team of addiction specialists is ready to provide compassionate, holistic heroin addiction treatment for you or your loved one. Call us to begin treatment.
Understanding the Risks of Heroin Addiction
Heroin works by attaching to opioid receptors, releasing a rush of dopamine that creates instant euphoria. Every time heroin is used, your tolerance increases, so you need higher and higher doses to achieve the same effects. Heroin is often laced with fentanyl, significantly increasing the risk of overdose and death.
There remain many misconceptions about who uses heroin. The simple fact is, heroin addiction knows no boundaries and affects people from all walks of life. Often, people turn to heroin to manage chronic pain when they can no longer get prescription medications, without understanding that they can develop physical dependence and tolerance after just one use.
Many begin using heroin to get relief from the psychological pain of trauma. Research indicates that one in four people who try heroin will develop dependency. If you question the need for heroin addiction treatment, consider these signs:
- Heroin use is preventing you from fulfilling your responsibilities
- You are unable to stop using heroin despite the negative consequences
- You have developed a tolerance, needing more heroin to produce the same effects
- Most of your time is spent getting, using, or recovering from using heroin
- You have physical and psychological cravings for heroin
- You experience withdrawal symptoms when not using heroin
Heroin addiction commonly contributes to relationship issues, financial instability, unemployment, homelessness, physical illness, mental health issues, and legal problems. The physical and psychological dependencies created by heroin use are so powerful, it is nearly impossible to break the cycle of addiction without professional help from a heroin treatment program like that offered at Westwind Recovery®.
What Are the Benefits of a Heroin Treatment Program?
The first step of any heroin treatment program is detox. Heroin withdrawal symptoms can be physically and psychologically intense, making the fear of withdrawal one of the main reasons people with heroin addiction are reluctant to stop. A medically supervised drug and alcohol detox program provides a private environment with around-the-clock care to ensure to safety and comfort of our clients.
Following detox, you will transfer to an inpatient drug rehab to begin the work to lead to a life of recovery. Through your individualized treatment plan, you will learn about heroin addiction and its impacts in a secure environment that allows you to focus on your recovery. The benefits of a heroin treatment program include:
- Breaking the cycle of addiction
- Uncovering the underlying issues that contribute to your addiction
- Developing new habits and coping strategies
- Learning about relapse and prevention planning
- Learning how to repair damaged relationships
- Receiving therapy for past trauma
- Learning how to establish healthy boundaries
At Westwind Recovery®, we know that everyone’s path to addiction is unique to their life experiences, and so too should be their path to recovery. Our knowledgeable and compassionate treatment team will take the time to get to know you, understand your goals, and create a treatment plan suited to your needs.
Contact Westwind Recovery® for Heroin Rehab
At Westwind Recovery®, our addiction treatment programs offer a high level of care, low staff-to-client ratios, and a customizable approach to treatment using the leading evidence-based and holistic therapies available. It is possible to free yourself from the grips of heroin addiction. Contact us by using our online form or calling to learn more about our heroin addiction treatment program.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
