Heroin use and abuse are increasingly common. A semi-synthetic opioid derived from the opium poppy, users smoke, snort, or inject heroin. Once in the bloodstream, the heroin turns into morphine, providing pain, relief, and release. Unfortunately, the LBGTQ community is disproportionately affected by heroin and other opioid addictions. Sometimes users move from prescription opioids like OxyContin to heroin. Many people in the LGBTQ community struggle to find safe, inclusive heroin detox programs. At La Fuente Hollywood, we provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient heroin detox along with other LGBTQ-focused drug and alcohol detox.
If you’re using heroin, call La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center for help now. Our LGBTQ-focused heroin detox center pairs cutting-edge medical detox with comprehensive psychological support. Learn more about our Hollywood CA LGBTQ drug and alcohol detox at 888.903.9898.
Signs of Heroin Addiction
When heroin converts to morphine, it stops pain receptors in the brain. This can soothe physical, emotional, and psychological pain. The effects of heroin, however, are short-lived. The initial “pleasure rush” often lasts less than a minute. For those addicted to heroin, withdrawal symptoms occur after 6 to 12 hours of use. Heroin is fast-acting, fast-addicting, and quickly builds a tolerance. The more frequently someone uses heroin, the more they will need to feel the same effects. This can quickly lead to addiction and overdose. Symptoms of heroin addiction may include:
- Erratic behavior
- Weight loss
- Scabs and track marks
- Hallucinations
- Slurred speech
- Lack of motivation
- Disinterest in favorite activities
- Delusions
- Avoidance
- Trouble breathing
- Paranoia
- Lying
- Manipulating loved ones
Continued heroin use and addiction may not be noticeable at first. Other physical signs include:
- Swift personality changes
- Ending relationship
- Disinterest in others’ lives
- Financial struggles
- Poor hygiene
Because heroin and other opioids change the brain over time, it can be difficult to quit using. Quitting cold turkey can lead to relapse and overdose. It can also lead to “dope sickness,” an intense flu-like illness that users experience during withdrawal. During this time, delusions, hallucinations, and cravings can lead to self-harm and harming others.
Heroin Rehab At La Fuente Hollywood
The first step of heroin recovery is detox. It can also be the most difficult. Our LGBTQ-focused clinic provides both inpatient and outpatient options for our clients in Hollywood, CA. Our residential programs house clients for medically assisted detox, therapy, and monitoring. Medically assisted detox uses FDA-approved medications like methadone and Suboxone to slowly reduce a client’s opioid use. During this time, medical staff can help lessen the effects of detox, including reducing:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Self-harming behavior and ideation
- Hallucinations
- Profuse sweating
Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP) work with clients every day. However, clients in these programs visit the clinic during the day and return home at night to sleep. Like residential heroin detox, we provide medical and psychiatric care. PHP requires clients to spend 6 hours a day at the clinic, while IPO requires three hours a day. These programs offer care for more independent, local community members who still need addiction support.
Start Heroin Detox at La Fuente Hollywood Today
If you or someone you know in the LGBTQ community need support for heroin use, call La Fuente now. Detoxing from heroin on your own can be dangerous and lethal. At La Fuente, we believe the LGBTQ community is stronger together. Join our flexible heroin detox programs to help you safely detox. Our programs offer extended community care with alumni programs, 12-step programs, and extensive therapies.
Call La Fuente To Get Started Today
Join the La Fuente Hollywood community today and notice the difference. Our staff is waiting to answer your questions at 888.903.9898 or reach out to us online.