Heroin Rehab in MA

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), just under a million Americans reported using Heroin in 2016. That number has been steadily climbing since 2007, largely among young adults aged 18–25. Approximately 170,000 people began using heroin use in 2016, again nearly double the number of people in 2006 (90,000).

Many addiction professionals believe that this dramatic rise in Heroin use is a direct consequence of the growing opioid addiction epidemic of the past decade. Research suggests that misuse of prescription medications may actually open the door to heroin use. As prescription medications have become significantly more regulated, access has become difficult, driving the price up to and forcing many addicts to find a cheaper and more readily available substitute. Heroin is substantially cheaper and easier to get in just about any city or town in America.

How Does Heroin Addiction Happen

Heroin is highly addictive. It binds to and activates specific receptors in the brain called “mu-opioid receptors” (MORs). When the MORs are activated in the reward center of the brain, they stimulate the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine provides a sense of euphoria and is intended to reinforce positive behavior in humans. Heroin rewires these receptors and triggers the reward mechanism when an addict uses.

People who regularly use Heroin often develop a tolerance to the drug. This means that they need higher and/or more frequent doses of the drug to get the desired effects.

Impact of Heroin Addiction 

Heroin addiction impacts the whole person. The physical, mental, emotional, and psychological impact that the drug has on abusers can be profound.

Physical symptoms of initial Heroin use may include.

• Flushing of the skin
• Dry mouth
• A heavy feeling in the extremities.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe itching

More serious short-term side-effects follow the initial high.

• Heroin can change the neurochemical activity in the brain stem, leading to depressed breathing and heart functionality, leading to possible stroke or even death.

• It can block pain messages transmitted through the spinal cord from the body.

• Opioids can alter activity in the limbic system, which controls emotions.

• Users may be drowsy and lethargic for several hours after using.

• Mental function becomes compromised and impaired.

Researchers studying the long-term effects of opioid addiction on the brain have seen a loss of the brain’s white matter associated with heroin use, which may affect decision-making, behavior control, and responses to stressful situations.

Heroin Detox and Withdrawal

As with any addictive substance, individuals who are addicted to Heroin and stop using the drug abruptly may have severe withdrawal.

The onset of symptoms from Heroin withdrawal can be quick, sometimes starting just a few hours after the last dose. Withdrawal symptoms vary for each individual and may be range from uncomfortable to life-threatening.

Common symptoms of Heroin withdrawal include:

• Restlessness
• Severe muscle and bone pain
• Sleep problems
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Cold flashes with goosebumps (“cold turkey”)
• Uncontrollable leg movements (“kicking the habit”)
• Severe heroin cravings

Major withdrawal symptoms peak between 24–48 after the last dose of Heroin and subside after about a week. However, some people have shown persistent withdrawal signs for many months.

Because of the speed and severity of Heroin withdrawal symptoms, addiction professionals recommend Medically Monitored Detox to provide the patient with the support system they need to manage their symptoms, thereby greatly improving their chance of successful detox.

Outpatient Treatment

Outpatient treatment is ideal for patients who may not need the higher-level inpatient treatment clinics, or for those who have work or family responsibilities that they cannot afford to leave for an extended length of time.

TOPSAIL offers three levels of outpatient treatment programs for Heroin addiction therapy. (click to learn more)

• PHP Treatment – Comprehensive, full day treatment programs that meet 5 days a week at our facility in Andover, MA.

• Intensive Outpatient Treatment (IOP) – An immersive treatment program that helps individuals with substance abuse and addiction problems while they live at home.

• Outpatient Treatment (OP) – Customized treatment plans that accommodate work, school, or other responsibilities living at home.

Our experienced team will help you understand which option is the best for you based on your situation, your level of addiction, and your personal needs and requirements.

Does Insurance Pay for Heroin Addiction Treatment?

Heroin addiction impacts not just the person who is using Heroin, but everyone around them as well. TOPSAIL wants to make getting help for Heroin Addiction easy for everyone. TOPSAIL is in-network with most major insurance providers in Massachusetts, and full or partial reimbursement for treatment is a part of the behavioral and mental health coverage in most qualified insurance plans under the ACA.

Click here to learn more about the insurance plans we accept or call 978-475-0002 to verify your insurance coverage. See our insurance page for more information.