Overview

What is Heroin Addiction?

Heroin is an illegal drug, an opioid made from morphine, that is highly addictive. Users most often inject heroin, but it can also be smoked or snorted. In many cases of addiction, heroin is being abused in place of or in addition to other drugs or alcohol, so its use may not be as evident to friends, family, or coworkers.

How Heroin Affects the Body and Brain

Heroin has a rapid response in the brain, binding to opioid receptors on cells. Heroin especially affects the receptors involved in communicating feelings of pleasure and pain, as well as those that control a person’s heart rate, sleeping, and breathing.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs Someone is Addicted to Heroin

Much like any opioid addiction, the signs of a heroin addiction often will include:

• The inability to control opioid use
• Uncontrollable cravings
• Drowsiness
• Changes in sleep habits
• Weight loss
• Frequent flu-like symptoms
• Decreased libido
• Lack of hygiene
• Changes in exercise habits
• Isolation from family or friends
• Stealing from family, friends or businesses
• New financial difficulties

The above list is not inclusive of all the signs and symptoms you or your loved one could experience. However, if any of these are happening to any degree, you need to seek help for yourself or your loved one as soon as possible.

When Does Someone Need Rehab for Heroin Addiction?

Because of its highly addictive nature, users can become physically and mentally addicted to heroin after only a short amount of use. Physical withdrawal symptoms are extremely uncomfortable, leading many heroin addicts to abandon attempts at recovery and return to using when trying to quit on their own.

An addiction treatment program can help those individuals safely and comfortably detox from heroin use, and evidence-based therapy and counseling can then help them address the reasons why they use heroin in the first place. With a proper opioid or drug rehab program, those who are addicted to heroin have a much better chance at sustained recovery.

Treatment for Heroin Addiction

How long is a Heroin Addiction Treatment Program?

The length of an individual’s rehab stay is dependent on the individual’s particular needs and factors such as history of use, co-occurring disorders, license or court requirements, among other conditions. A typical inpatient stay will often be anywhere from 17 to 30 days, with Extended Care or Long-Term rehab programs lasting longer depending on need.

How much does rehab for heroin cost?

One of the most frequently asked questions from those seeking treatment for a heroin addiction is about the cost of a rehab program. Paying for treatment may be less of a barrier than many think. Bradford’s programs are in-network with most insurance providers and plans such as Veterans Choice Program (VCP), TRICARE, and TennCare.
Paying for treatment out of pocket, or private pay, is another option. Many treatment facilities, like Bradford, offer flexible payment plans or loan programs. In some regions, recovery non-profits and religious organizations or government programs may issue grants for treatment to those who qualify.

Recovery from heroin addiction is possible at Bradford

Bradford offers treatment for heroin addiction at all levels of care. Our highly-qualified professionals bring a comprehensive approach to lasting recovery by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

We offer:

• Medical detoxification and stabilization 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• A range of inpatient, outpatient, extended care, and continuing care services
• Access to our online Family Program
• Individual programs for men and women and transitional living programs
• Programs tailored to professionals working in healthcare, military and veterans, legal fields, and sports
• State-of-the-art tools to address various forms of trauma
• Treatment based on 12-Step principles