Heroin use and addiction are increasingly common across the United States. A natural opiate derived from the euphoric opium poppy, users inject, smoke, and snort heroin. Unfortunately, the LBGTQ community is highly affected by heroin and other opiate addiction. Some users may use heroin when they’ve developed an opioid dependency from prescription painkillers. Both synthetic opioids and natural opiates alter brain chemistry, making them highly addictive. For some in the LGBTQ community, self-medicating relieves family stress. Users may take heroin to cope with bigotry, prejudice, and a lack of access to safe mental health care. Many people in the LGBTQ community have trouble finding safe, inclusive heroin addiction treatment programs.
If you’re using heroin or other opiates, call La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center for help today. Our LGBTQ heroin addiction treatment program pairs cutting-edge medical detox with psychological support. Learn more about our Southern California rehab center at 888.903.9898.
Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Addiction
When heroin enters the bloodstream, it converts to morphine. Morphine stops pain receptors and creates a euphoric effect, which is why heroin and other opiates are so popular. The more frequently someone uses heroin, the more they will need to take for the same effect. This can quickly lead to addiction and overdose. Signs and symptoms of heroin addiction include:
- Changes in mood
- Weight loss
- Scabs from skin picking
- Hallucinations
- Dry mouth
- Slurred speech
- Lack of motivation
- Delusions
- Avoidance and self-isolation
- Shortness of breath
- Warm, flushed skin
- Track marks from injection
- Constricted pupils
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
Heroin’s physical and psychological side effects can be challenging to spot. Users often hide drug use from loved ones. They may develop specific routines to hide drug use, like using at night. Other signs of drug-seeking behavior include:
- Decreased hygiene
- Sudden personality changes
- Distance and disinterest in other’s lives
- Financial trouble
- Lying
- Manipulating loved ones
Heroin and other opiates are hard to stop taking without an addiction treatment program. Attempting to quit cold turkey often leads to relapse, overdose, and suicidal behavior.
Heroin Rehab Programs
The initial days and weeks of heroin detox can be overwhelming. As the opiate leaves the bloodstream, the brain will convince users they will die without more heroin. Therefore, a program that limits access to heroin and other addictive substances is critical during withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Flu-like symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Self-harming behavior
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Profuse sweating
Heroin rehab programs offer safe and effective detox from heroin and other opiates. Both inpatient and outpatient programs give clients medically assisted treatment and psychological support. Medically assisted detox uses prescription medication to ween a user off heroin. This approach can lessen both physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. Both individual and group therapy help uncover the roots of addiction and create community with others, prioritizing sobriety.
Get Help From Southern California’s Heroin Addiction Treatment Center
If you are struggling with heroin use, La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center is here to help. With varying levels of care, our center offers inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient rehab programs. With 24/7 medical supervision and board-certified addiction medicine doctors, La Fuente provides a safe and effective detox just for the LGBTQ community. Many of our staff members understand addiction first hand. They bring their unique personal recovery experiences to inclusive group therapy and family therapy session. Our alumni and after-care programs can help you regain control of your life after detox. We believe our work at La Fuente heals individuals and the LGBTQ community at large.
Call La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center Today
Don’t let heroin and other opiates control your life. Get the help you need at our LGBTQ rehab center in Hollywood, CA, today. Call us at 888.903.9898 to get started.
