Heroin Addiction

Heroin can come in many forms, but the type most commonly seen here is a white powder which originates in South America. It is made from the poppy plant and is typically sold in small bags stamped with a particular logo or design which contains a single dose. Heroin samples can vary wildly in potency, making the risk of overdose extremely high. More worryingly, heroin has been recently found to contain the ultra-potent opioid painkiller fentanyl, which further increases the risk of severe side effects and even death.

Heroin is typically snorted, smoked, or injected. Injection is the most dangerous, as the drug enters the bloodstream instantly. Because of this instant hit, users typically experience a ‘rush’ that is extremely pleasurable and addictive. That said, New Jersey has seen multiple deaths from snorting and smoking heroin, especially with the introduction of fentanyl into the drugs market.

Heroin can be used interchangeably with other opioids such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine. It is usually much cheaper, which means that many people addicted to prescription painkillers make the switch to heroin for financial reasons. The opioid crisis, largely caused by overprescription, has meant that people of all ages and from all walks of life have found themselves using heroin.

Heroin addiction and the associated lifestyle can be extremely damaging to users. Although it is easy to think death by overdose is the only negative effect heroin can have, there are a multitude of other problematic, adverse issues.

These include HIV or hepatitis C and arise from sharing needles and other equipment. In New Jersey, between 16-20% of new cases of HIV and 86% of hepatitis C are linked to injecting drugs.

Heroin causes a massive release of histamines, which makes users feel incredibly itchy. This can cause them to scratch their skin obsessively, particularly on their face. This can lead to sores, which in turn can become infected due to the lifestyle heroin addiction can entail.

Users frequently inject in unsanitary conditions, leading to infections and abscesses. Heroin users who frequently re-use the same syringes also put themselves at risk of fatal blood infections such as endocarditis.

Repeatedly injecting heroin causes veins to become damaged and collapse, which can impair circulation and can cause blood clots. This is especially dangerous in ‘deep vein’ sites such as the groin or neck – if you or your loved one are using these areas you should seek help immediately.

This can be caused by a multitude of reasons, from infections to blood clots. It can also be caused by accidentally injecting drugs into an artery, particularly the femoral artery, which runs through the groin down to the feet.

Heroin is illegal, and even possession can result in imprisonment. Although heroin can seem cheap at first, users typically build up a tolerance and need more and more to achieve the same effect, resulting in heroin addiction becoming expensive. Many people find themselves committing a crime to fund their habits. The New Jersey Drug Threat Assessment estimates that 70% of violent crime in New Jersey is linked to the drugs trade.

Over time, prolonged use of heroin causes the body to shut down its production of natural opioids, which results in users becoming physically dependent on the substance. This means the natural chemicals the body uses to maintain its balanced state have now been disrupted, and the body now relies on heroin to function. If users stop suddenly without medical support, the resulting withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and, in some instances, fatal.

Some of the symptoms of heroin withdrawal are:

The first and bravest step in the recovery journey is admitting that you need help. At the Excel, we understand this can be a daunting prospect. Many people attempt to stop using heroin multiple times on their own before seeking professional help, and we know that this can be disheartening. We also appreciate that the thought of a life free from drugs can be intimidating to users. However, millions of Americans are actively in recovery and living a life free from addiction – it is entirely possible with the right support.

If you or your loved one are addicted to heroin, the kindest thing you can do for yourself or them is to pick up the phone and schedule an initial assessment.

The first stage of rehab is detox, which is supervised by medical professionals. Following this, we offer a variety of recovery programs, which we tailor to meet our client’s unique needs. We are aware that many mental health conditions can co-occur with heroin addiction. We carry out an expert assessment to help us develop a bespoke program that treats the client as a whole.

We offer a range of evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), group therapy, and holistic practices to make sure that clients receive the comprehensive treatment they deserve. We aim to uncover and treat the root cause of the addiction, which empowers our clients on their journey to a sustained and successful recovery.

We take great pride in offering our clients ongoing support. New Jersey is a fantastic location with a thriving recovery scene. We are partnered with sober living facilities and provide aftercare programs that allow our clients to continue their healing journey and be inspirational role-models for those in early recovery.

New Jersey has a wide variety of mutual support meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous to help maintain and strengthen recovery and has a great range of sober social groups where people can mix and make new friends safely. Recovery doesn’t mean life has to be boring – it means a fresh start.

If you or your loved one are struggling with heroin addiction, please reach out to us today. We’re here to help you every step of the way.