Heroin Addiction in Madison (877) 804-1531

Heroin is an opiate drug that works by increasing the amount of the feel-good neurotransmitter "dopamine" in the brain. This drug is derived from morphine, a psychoactive drug that occurs naturally in some varieties of the poppy plant. It can be smoked, snorted, or injected with a needle.

Sold on the street as a white powder, heroin is listed under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, which means that it's highly illegal and highly addictive.

Heroin addiction is a major concern in many cities across the U.S., partly due to the crackdown on prescription opiates and the fact that the drug is easy to find and relatively inexpensive. Due to the intense euphoric effects of heroin, many who use it "just once" will end up developing a heroin addiction in Madison. Call Alcohol Treatment Centers Wisconsin today for help finding a treatment center for your heroin addiction at (877) 804-1531.

Why Is Heroin So Addictive?

A heroin addiction in Madison can be very difficult to beat. Heroin addiction often sets in quickly due to the drug's ability to produce a high level of tolerance in a short time. This means that changes in brain function associated with use result in the need for higher doses of the drug in order to get the same euphoric effect.

Signs of Abuse

Abusing this drug can quickly lead to an addiction. Getting help for the abuse before it results in physical dependence is essential for preventing an addiction from setting in. Some of the signs of heroin abuse include:

The presence of paraphernalia, including baggies or balloons, metal or glass pipes, burnt spoons, and syringes.
Dilated pupils for duration of the "high," around four to five hours.
Shallow breathing.
Loss of energy.
Napping at odd times.
Slurred speech, confusion, disorientation, and reduced coordination.
Changes in behavior, such as mood swings and aggression.
Needle marks on the appendages.
An increasing disinterest in personal hygiene.

Signs of Addiction

Some of the signs that a heroin addiction is present include:

The inability to stop using it despite negative consequences.
Building up a tolerance so that higher doses are needed to get the same effects.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when use is discontinued.
Experiencing intense cravings.
Neglecting duties at home and performing poorly at work or school.
No longer engaging in activities you once enjoyed.
A dirty, unkempt appearance.

Long-Term Health Effects

Long-term heroin abuse or addiction can cause devastating physical and mental health issues, including:

Chronic insomnia.
Chronic constipation.
The worsening of mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, and antisocial personality disorder, or the onset of symptoms of a mental illness that didn't exist before.
Lung problems related to the respiratory depression caused by heroin.
Sexual dysfunction.
Collapsed or scarred veins.
Vital organ infections.
Bacterial infections of the blood vessels and heart valves.
An increased risk of HIV and hepatitis B and C infection from sharing needles.

Treating Addiction

The first step in treating a heroin addiction in Madison is medical detox, which breaks the physical addiction by withholding heroin from the body. During medical detox, drugs will be given as needed to help prevent the onset of symptoms or to treat symptoms that appear, which may include hot and cold sweats, nausea and vomiting, body aches, and cramps and diarrhea.

After the detox process is complete, various treatment therapies will be utilized to address the complex underlying psychological issues behind the addiction. Cognitive behavioral therapy, family counseling, and motivational interviewing are just a few of the many therapies that are used to treat a drug addiction.

After treatment is successfully completed, the third step in addiction treatment is the development of an individualized aftercare plan that's designed to prevent a lapse. The aftercare plan helps patients transition from rehab to "real" life and will include ongoing family, group, and individual therapy as well as participation in a community recovery group like Narcotics Anonymous.

Don't let your dependence on heroin rule your life any longer.