Like other opioids, heroin attaches itself to neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine neurotransmitters. Since neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that control how our brain functions, effective heroin treatment is crucial.
Dopamine neurotransmitters help govern physical movement and speech. They also help activate the pleasure and reward sensations. When dopamine is triggered in the brain, it produces a feeling of elation and enjoyment. The more the dopamine is triggered, the more the brain wants to replicate that feeling of elation.
Dopamine also occurs naturally in the body. It blocks pain and stress receptors and calms the body with a rush of euphoria. Heroin does the same thing, only moreso. What makes heroin so highly addictive is it reduces the body's capacity to produce what comes naturally. And without effective heroin treatment the brain can't repair itself and there can be no end to the addiction. .We do recover
OPIATES AND OPIOIDS
HISTORY OF OPIATES AND OPIOIDS:
Opiate is a term used to designate drugs naturally derived from the narcotic makeup of the opium poppy plant; opioid is the term used today to describe both the natural and synthetic versions of opiates. Opiates include opium, morphine, codeine and heroin. Opioids include oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl and carfentanyl.HISTORY OF OPIATES AND OPIOIDS:
The Sumerians first discovered the pain-relieving effects of the poppy as far back as 3400 BC, and opium was the go-to pain reliever for the next 5000 years. Doctors discovered morphine in 1806, codeine in 1832 and heroin in 1853, and the three became the standard-bearers for the next century.HISTORY OF OPIATES AND OPIOIDS :
Heroin was declared illegal in 1924, however, medications containing morphine, codeine and oxycodone (discovered in 1916) are still prescribed legally, albeit with heavy regulation.HISTORY OF OPIATES AND OPIOIDS :
Opiates and opioids are highly addictive because the release of endorphins and dopamine from these drugs creates a powerful rush that can’t be achieved naturally. The only way to repeat the experience is to use the drug again. Repeated use of opiates and opioids will cause the brain to slow or stop its production of natural endorphins and dopamine. This causes more and more cravings, first for the high, then in order to feel any pleasure at all.
Because prescription opioids are regulated and monitored closely, many opioid addicts who began their addiction with prescription drugs must resort to heroin to feed their habit. In fact, research from the CDC found that 75 percent of heroin users reported that their addiction began with prescription painkillers. Heroin is easier to get, costs less and provides the same euphoric high of the prescription pills. Heroin is derived from morphine, and is most often sold in powder form. Powdered heroin may be cut with harmless substances like starch or powdered sugar to increase the quantity, but some heroin is cut with deadly drugs like fentanyl. Higher quality heroin can be snorted, smoked or injected, while lower quality heroin has to be diluted and then injected. Because most people don’t know what the purity level of their heroin is, what it may be cut with or how much to use, it is easy to overdose. The CDC reports that there were nearly 13,000 deaths in 2015 due to heroin use.
SYMPTOMS OF HEROIN ADDICTION
If you notice any of these physical or behavioral changes in a loved one, they may have an addiction to heroin:
- Visible elation or euphoria
- Mood swings
- Noticeable drowsiness, nodding off or losing consciousness
- Isolation or problems in relationships
- Confusion
- Getting multiple prescriptions from multiple doctors
- Sudden onset of financial problems
- Slowed breathing
- Pupil constriction
Heroin addiction impairs health, destroys relationships, depletes finances and strips away all semblance of personal integrity. A heroin addict’s addiction takes precedence over everything and everyone else. Users will lie, cheat and steal to fund their habit. And the wreckage they leave behind is often unfathomable.
HEROIN TREATMENT DONE SAFELY
Heroin treatment often requires detox because of the drug's profound effects on the brain. Nerve cells become accustomed to the presence of heroin, as well as its effects, so when the drug is suddenly taken away, the brain can react violently. This results in withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, headache, insomnia, sweating and fatigue.
While Recovery Boot Camp does not provide detox services, we do offer secure referrals to reputable local centers. There the patient is generally prescribed medications that will manage symptoms of withdrawal, as well as curb cravings. While we strongly
believe that effective heroin treatment is possible without opioids; we also recognize the existence of co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and trauma. Therefore we also offer non-opioid Medication Assisted Treatment when needed.
Recovery Boot Camp offers partial hospitalization treatment (PHP), intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) outpatient treatment (OP) and Aftercare to men seeking to beat heroin addiction. We are fully-immersive, fully-comprehensive and, above all, no-nonsense. If you're seeking effective heroin treatment, then get in touch.