TABLE OF CONTENTS

What Is Heroin?

Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive opioid drug derived from morphine, a natural substance found in the seed pods of certain poppy plants. Known for its rapid onset and euphoric effects, heroin use is often associated with significant risks, including dependence, addiction, and severe physical and mental health consequences. The drug is typically sold as a white or brownish powder or as a sticky substance known as “black tar heroin.”

When consumed, heroin binds to opioid receptors in the brain, triggering a release of dopamine that reinforces its use. Repeated exposure to heroin can lead to profound tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not used. In addition to its addictive properties, heroin is often adulterated with substances like fentanyl, significantly increasing the risk of overdose.

The widespread availability and misuse of heroin remain a pressing issue, with recent surveys revealing that hundreds of thousands of individuals in the U.S. suffer from heroin use disorder. Understanding the nature of heroin is the first step toward recognizing its dangers and seeking appropriate treatment for heroin addiction.

What is Heroin Use Disorder?

Heroin use disorder is a chronic condition marked by the compulsive use of heroin, leading to significant health, social, and legal consequences. Individuals with this disorder often find it challenging to control their heroin consumption despite being aware of the adverse effects.

According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 587,000 individuals (0.2% of the population) aged 12 or older in the United States experienced a heroin disorder in the past year. The prevalence was notably higher among adults aged 26 or older, at 570,000 individuals (0.3%), compared to young adults aged 18 to 25, who reported 17,000 individuals (less than 0.1%).

Heroin Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms

Heroin is a highly addictive opioid derived from morphine, typically appearing as a white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin. Its use leads to significant physical dependence, and abrupt cessation can trigger withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal from heroin may commence within a few hours after the last dose. Common symptoms include:

  • Restlessness
  • Muscle and bone pain
  • Insomnia
  • Diarrhea and vomiting
  • Cold flashes with goosebumps (“cold turkey”)
  • Uncontrollable leg movements

These symptoms typically peak between 24 to 48 hours after the last dose and subside after about a week. However, some individuals may experience persistent withdrawal signs for several months.

ARE YOU READY TO OVERCOME ADDICTION OR MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS?

Reach out for answers and help. We’re here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Signs of Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction is a serious condition that manifests through various physical, behavioral, and psychological indicators. Identifying these signs early can facilitate timely intervention and access to appropriate treatment.

Physical Symptoms

Individuals addicted to heroin often exhibit noticeable physical changes, including:

  • Constricted pupils
  • Needle marks
  • Weight loss
  • Drowsiness
  • Itching and scratching
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Neglect of personal hygiene

Behavioral Symptoms

Behavioral changes are also indicative of heroin addiction:

  • Social withdrawal
  • Secretive behavior
  • Decline in performance
  • Financial issues
  • Possession of paraphernalia

Psychological Symptoms

Psychological symptoms / mental health symptoms may include:

  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety and paranoia
  • Cognitive impairment

Withdrawal Symptoms

When the effects of heroin wear off, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:

  • Insomnia
  • Agitation and restlessness
  • Muscle and bone pain
  • Diarrhea and vomiting
  • Cold flashes with goosebumps
  • Involuntary leg movements

If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of heroin addiction, seeking professional help from a heroin addiction treatment center is imperative. Comprehensive treatment programs often include medication-assisted treatment, behavioral therapy, and support groups to address the multifaceted nature of heroin addiction. Early detection and intervention can significantly improve the chances of a successful recovery and reduce the risk of long-term health complications associated with heroin use disorder.

How is Heroin Use Disorder Diagnosed?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), outlines specific criteria for diagnosing opioid use disorder, which includes heroin use disorder. A diagnosis is made when at least two of the following occur within a 12-month period:

  • Taking larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
  • Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control use.
  • Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from heroin.
  • Craving or a strong desire to use heroin.
  • Recurrent use resulting in failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
  • Continued use despite persistent social or interpersonal problems caused by heroin.
  • Giving up or reducing important social, occupational, or recreational activities due to use.
  • Recurrent use in situations where it is physically hazardous.
  • Continued use despite knowledge of having a persistent physical or psychological problem likely caused or exacerbated by heroin.
  • Tolerance, as defined by a need for markedly increased amounts to achieve intoxication or diminished effect with continued use of the same amount.
  • Withdrawal, manifested by characteristic withdrawal syndrome or taking heroin to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

The severity of the disorder is categorized as mild (2-3 symptoms), moderate (4-5 symptoms), or severe (6 or more symptoms).

Get fast answers to your questions

Looking for information on addiction treatment or just need to talk? Our experienced and compassionate team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Request a call
Drug rehab and alcohol rehab Indiana. Addiction treatment and mental health treatment services in KY

Heroin Addiction Treatment

Heroin addiction is a complex condition that requires a multifaceted treatment approach. Effective treatment plans often integrate both pharmacological interventions and behavioral therapies to restore normal brain function and behavior. Heroin addiction treatment often includes:

Heroin Detox

Prolonged heroin use often leads to physical dependence, where the body adjusts to the drug’s presence. If a person reduces or stops heroin use abruptly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, which can vary in intensity. Common symptoms of heroin withdrawal include:

  • Insomnia
  • Difficulty sleeping and restlessness
  • Muscle and bone pain
  • Uncontrollable movements in the legs
  • Sweating, chills, and goosebumps
  • Diarrhea and vomiting

While heroin withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, the discomfort can be significant. This process, referred to as detoxification, is the body’s way of clearing itself of the substance. For many, the fear of these symptoms can lead to continued drug use. A medically supervised detox can provide relief and support during this challenging phase, using medications to ease symptoms and manage cravings.

Professional detox programs offer care designed to keep individuals safe and comfortable. Depending on factors such as the length and severity of heroin use, detox services can be provided in inpatient or outpatient treatment settings. Inpatient detox often involves 24/7 monitoring and support to address withdrawal symptoms as they occur whereas the outpatient detox process tends to be more flexible, allowing individuals to receive treatment for heroin while staying at home.

Many heroin detox facilities provide additional resources for addiction treatment, including proper nutrition, pain relief, and emotional care, to help individuals through the initial stages of recovery and the detox process. Certain medications, such as clonidine, may be prescribed to reduce withdrawal symptoms. In some settings, medical staff may also address health conditions related to heroin use throughout professional treatment, such as infections or complications like HIV or hepatitis C.

Medication Assisted Treatment: Medications for Heroin Addiction

Medication assisted treatment plays a crucial role in treating those addicted to heroin by alleviating withdrawal symptoms, reducing cravings, and blocking the drug’s euphoric effects. Effective medications and pharmacologic treatments often approved for this form of heroin addiction treatment include:

  • Methadone: A long-acting opioid agonist, methadone activates opioid receptors to mitigate cravings and withdrawal without inducing euphoria. Administered daily in specialized heroin rehab clinics, it has been a cornerstone of the medication assisted treatment process since the 1960s.
  • Buprenorphine: As a partial agonist, buprenorphine activates the same opioid receptors that are impacted by heroin but produces a diminished response compared to full agonists, making it safer with a lower overdose risk. Available in various formulations, including Subutex® and Suboxone®, it can be prescribed by certified physicians, enhancing accessibility.
  • Naltrexone: An opioid antagonist, naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, preventing heroin from eliciting its pleasurable effects. The extended-release injectable form, Vivitrol®, is administered monthly, aiding compliance. However, initiating naltrexone requires complete detoxification, which can be challenging for some individuals due to the potential for acute withdrawal symptoms during the process.

Behavioral Therapies for Heroin Addiction

Behavioral interventions are vital in addressing the psychological aspects of heroin addiction. Effective therapies include:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This widely used behavioral therapy helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with heroin use disorder and other forms of substance abuse. CBT equips individuals with practical strategies to reduce cravings, manage stress, and prevent relapse during their recovery journey.
  • Contingency Management: By utilizing a reward-based system, patients can earn incentives for maintaining abstinence from heroin use and other drugs, reinforcing healthy behaviors and promoting sustained sobriety.
  • Group Therapy: Participating in a group therapy session provides a supportive space where individuals can share their experiences with heroin abuse and receive guidance from peers on how to navigate challenges in their treatment for heroin or drug addiction.
  • Individual Therapy: Personalized sessions address co-occurring mental health conditions or mental illness, such as depression or anxiety, which often accompany substance use disorder or heroin use disorder. This one-on-one approach is tailored to help individuals process successes, overcome triggers, and stay committed to their treatment plan.
  • Family Therapy Sessions: These sessions focus on repairing relationships strained by heroin addiction and mental health struggles. Involving family members in the recovery process fosters understanding, encourages accountability, and creates a supportive environment that contributes to long-term success.

Combining pharmacological treatments with behavioral therapies has been shown to be the most effective strategy for treating heroin addiction in both outpatient and residential rehab programs. This integrated approach helps restore normal brain function and behavior, offers emotional support, medical management and promotes long-term recovery from heroin addiction. If you or a loved one is seeking treatment, reaching out to a professional treatment center to see the treatment offered and options available can be the first step towards achieving lasting recovery.

Drug rehab and alcohol rehab Indiana. Addiction treatment and mental health treatment services in KY

We accept most insurance plans

We accept a wide range of insurance plans, making it easier for more people to get the quality care they need without worrying about the cost.
Verify Insurance

Inpatient Treatment Programs: Residential Rehab for Heroin Addiction

Pharmaceutical and behavioral therapies for heroin addiction can be effectively delivered across various treatment settings, with residential or inpatient heroin rehab being one of the most structured and comprehensive addiction treatment options.

Inpatient programs provide a 24/7 supervised environment where individuals reside at the facility, ensuring constant care and monitoring. These heroin treatment programs offer a structured daily dose of behavioral therapies, including individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy sessions, alongside mental health treatment, relapse prevention training, medical management and addiction education. The goal of inpatient treatment programs extend beyond addressing addiction itself; it also promotes whole-person wellness through nutrition, physical activities, and therapies designed to support physical, spiritual, and mental health.

One of the key advantages of inpatient treatment for heroin addiction is safety. While seeking treatment for heroin addiction, patients are placed in a substance-free environment with round-the-clock access to healthcare providers and addiction specialists. The residential rehabilitation setting also shields individuals from external triggers, such as certain people, places, or activities, that might lead to relapse. Furthermore, the sense of community created within inpatient treatment centers—among peers and professionals who truly understand the challenges of addiction—can be a powerful motivator for sustained recovery from substance use.

While inpatient heroin rehab offers extensive support and amenities, including room and board, it typically comes at a higher cost compared to outpatient treatment options. However, many insurance plans cover a significant portion—or even all—of the cost of treatment for heroin abuse. It’s recommended to contact treatment centers directly to determine the specifics of your coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses. If the residential care center you connect with isn’t the right fit, they will often provide professional referrals to other substance use treatment centers in the area.

For those exploring comprehensive care options, many treatment centers provide a full continuum of care. This means individuals can transition seamlessly through different levels of substance use disorder treatment, including detox, inpatient rehab, outpatient care, and aftercare, all under one provider. This approach ensures continuity and consistency in care, for an increased likelihood of long-term success.

If you’re addiction to heroin and have questions about payment, treatment options for heroin abuse, or verifying insurance for yourself or one of your family members, contact our drug abuse treatment center today.

Outpatient Treatment for Heroin Addiction

Outpatient drug abuse treatment offers a flexible treatment option for individuals addiction to heroin and other substances. Unlike inpatient rehab, outpatient programs allow patients to live at home or in a sober living environment while attending scheduled treatment sessions. This setup provides the opportunity to balance responsibilities such as work, school, or family commitments while receiving comprehensive care. Many outpatient programs also offer evening or weekend sessions to accommodate busy schedules.

Outpatient treatment incorporates many of the same therapies and medications used in inpatient programs for those addiction to heroin, though the structure is often less intensive. Treatment is tailored to the individual’s needs and typically involves various levels of care, ranging from traditional outpatient services to more intensive programs.

Levels of Outpatient Care

  • Traditional Outpatient Treatment: This foundational level of care provides therapy and medication interventions similar to those offered in inpatient settings but with a reduced time commitment. It is best suited for individuals who have a stable home environment, good physical and mental health, and reliable transportation.
  • Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs): Intensive outpatient programs bridge the gap between traditional outpatient care and inpatient treatment. Patients participate in behavioral therapy and medication management while living at home, attending treatment several times a week for multiple hours per session. These programs are ideal for those requiring more structure than traditional outpatient care without the need for full residential services.
  • Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs): Partial hospitalization programs offer a higher level of care, serving as an intermediate point between outpatient and inpatient treatment. Patients receive intensive therapy and support for several hours a day, multiple days a week, while still living at home. This level of care is particularly beneficial for individuals transitioning out of inpatient treatment or requiring more comprehensive support.
  • Aftercare and Sober Living: After someone addiction to heroin completes a primary treatment program, ongoing support is critical to maintaining long term recovery. Aftercare options include participation in sober living homes, 12-step programs and other community based organizations, and continued outpatient therapy. These resources help patients build long-term sobriety and prevent relapse by fostering accountability and a supportive community.

Outpatient programs provide a viable path to recovery for those addicted to heroin or other substances, particularly when inpatient care is not required or feasible. They allow individuals to maintain their daily lives while receiving the treatment they need to address addiction and improve overall well-being. By offering flexible, tailored care, outpatient programs support recovery journeys that fit individual circumstances and goals.

Find an Indiana Rehab

Rehab might feel like a big step, but it's important to remember why you're here—you’re seeking answers and looking for a way forward. We can help.

Get The Heroin Addiction Treatment You Need Here

Admitting you might have a problem with heroin and reaching out for help isn’t easy. If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin addiction and are ready to take the next step, our Indiana rehab is here to support you. Call (317) 707 9848 or complete our confidential contact form. When you reach out to our team, you’ll speak with a recovery expert who will help determine whether drug or alcohol treatment is necessary. If treatment is recommended, they’ll guide you in choosing the appropriate level of care and assist with coordinating insurance benefits.

Admitting you have a substance abuse problem and asking for help is not always easy. If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction, alcohol addiction or another substance use disorder, help is available. Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 800-662-4357 to learn about resources in your area or reach out to our team for personalized treatment by calling  (317) 707 9848 . We are here to help you find addiction treatment near you.