Heroin Addiction

Effective treatment for heroin addiction remains an important feature of drug addiction programs. The latest National Survey on Drug Use & Health (released in 2006), indicates the number of heroin users (aged 12 and older) increased to 338,000 in 2006 (up from 136,000). The rate of usage more than doubled from .06% to .14%. The number of first time users was 91,000 with an average age for first time use of 20.7 years old.

When looking specifically at youths aged 12 to 17, the study found that 14.4% stated that ”heroin would be ‘fairly’ or ‘very’ easily available.” Availability to youth along with a low average age for first time users, indicates a disturbing trend. Young people are less likely to have adequate skills to recognize an addiction problem, let alone successfully overcome one on their own.

Heroin addiction is often described as a rollercoaster of dramatic “ups and downs,” or extreme “highs and lows.” The drug generates feelings of euphoria by going straight to the brain. Repeated use builds up a tolerance to the effect, meaning that users need more and more of the drug to get the same high. Once the body reaches this level of tolerance, any attempt to quit will induce terrible withdrawal symptoms. Users experience pain, vomiting, depression, insomnia, cramping, and anxiety find themselves seeking more heroin to end the symptoms. The drug’s highly addictive nature encourages repeated, continued use and makes it extremely difficult to overcome.

The risks of heroin do not end there. Abuse through injection has been known to spread diseases such as hepatitis and HIV. Large hits that result in overdoses are known to be deadly, which is why heroin has been used for both suicide and murder. As the figures above show, heroin is very commonly used among adults, young adults and teenagers in spite of the dangers.

Parents and young adults should be aware of the risks of even trying heroin once. They also need to recognize that heroin it is illegal to manufacture, possess, or sell heroin in the United States. Parents or young adults who suspect there is heroin activity in their community or witness addiction symptoms in their loved ones, should seek qualified, competent help immediately. On the street it could be called one of over a dozen things, including the names Harry, Bobby, Jack, Jim, or Jenny. It is much easier to recognize when referred to as dope, smack, black tar, skag, chiva, brown or diesel.

Treating Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction treatment is a very challenging process. A majority of addicts go through several cycles of treatment and relapse before successfully living a drug-free life. Therefore, it is extremely important for addicts to find an extensive recovery program that targets both the physical withdrawal symptoms and the psychological and behavioral causes of the drug use. Whichever program an addict (or his family) chooses, it should recognize that each patient needs a customized program that is tailored to their specific circumstances. This is the best way to ensure a successful, lifelong recovery from the addiction.

Some heroin treatment programs will involve physicians administering medications that alleviate cravings and help wean the addict from the drug over time. The most commonly used medications require a strict dosage schedule to be truly effective. There are also side effects and other risks, so these should only be taken while being closely monitored by a qualified physician. Detoxification can take weeks or months depending on the severity and history of the heroin habit.

Effective treatment of heroin addiction will not stop with physical detox. Drug addiction is a combination of physical, psychological, and behavioral factors and all of these will need to be adequately addressed or the patient will enter the cycle of rehab and relapse that is so destructive to the addict and those around them. Extended treatment or rehab centers are more likely to offer this comprehensive approach. The residential nature of long term centers also severely restricts access to both the drug itself and to the situations and people that the addict associates with using.

If the addict is a young adult, as recent statistics suggest so many heroin users are, it is especially important that the rehab center provides opportunities for students to continue their education and prepare for college or careers. Many young people were sidetracked by their addiction and need to acquire important life skills that their “normal” peers already exercise. A quality treatment program will teach young addicts how to function effectively, to make healthy choices for themselves, and to take the steps necessary to remain heroin free once they have completed treatment.