Heroin addiction has long been a problem in the United States, especially in the big cities such as New York City, New York and Newark, New Jersey. Research shows us that heroin addiction is directly responsible for many of the medical problems reported by heroin addicts. Heroin addiction can be responsible for Hepatitis C, HIV, heart infections, collapsed veins, liver disease or respiratory ailments. In addition to the medical problems created by heroin addiction, there are also the associated psychological problems. Heroin addiction can be directly responsible for depression, anxiety, mood swings, hallucinations and an impaired thought process. Another harmful aspect of heroin addiction is the products used to "cut the drugs". Many of the additives are extremely harmful to the human body and can result in kidney, liver or gastro damage. They have been known to clog blood vessels and produce infections.
As with any drug addiction, especially heroin addiction, prolonged use creates a tolerance in the user. When a tolerance to the heroin is created, the addict must continue to use greater doses of heroin to achieve the same effect and as higher doses continue to be used, the greater the likelihood of an overdose becomes. In addition to tolerance developing as a result of heroin addiction so does a physical dependence on the drug. When a person suffering from a heroin addiction tries to discontinue the use of heroin they will experience heroin withdrawal symptoms. These include nausea, muscle cramps, sweats, insomnia and vomiting. In a medically managed detox facility these withdrawal symptoms can be controlled and lessened and sometimes eliminated.
A heroin addiction is very difficult to battle by oneself. Most people require help in the form of medically managed heroin detox followed by heroin addiction treatment. In rehab the goal is to maintain what you have learned and experienced in detox while developing the coping skills necessary for long term recovery and avoid the need to return to heroin addiction treatment.
If you are in need of heroin addiction treatment, call Lakeview Health Systems accredited addiction treatment center for safe and effective treatment for heroin addiction at 1-866-657-4357. All calls are toll-free and strictly confidential.