Heroin Addiction Treatment In Georgia

Addiction is not a topic that should or can be taken lightly. Simply put, drug and alcohol addiction are diseases. If you or someone you know is currently suffering from addiction—i.e. a disease—it is important to know that there are different ways to successfully find help. This article will detail how to find a treatment center for heroin addiction in Georgia.

Unfortunately, addiction comes in many different forms, including drug, alcohol, and sex. Though all addictions can and do have negative consequences, one of the worst and most upsetting addictions that is a problem today is a heroin addiction.

What Is Heroin?

According to the dictionary, heroin is a “highly addictive drug derived from morphine, often used illicitly as a narcotic-producing euphoria.”

Further, though—and in more detail—the National Institute on Drug Abuse defines heroin as an “opioid drug made from morphine, a natural substance taken from the seed pod of the various opium poppy plants grown in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and Columbia. Heroin can be a white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance is known as black tar heroin.”

Heroin can be used in many different ways, such as the mouth, by injection, smoking, and snorting.

Ingesting Heroin

Although uncommon, heroin can also be ingested by the mouth. This method of administration is not as common as the other options because the effects take longer to set in and the drug becomes less powerful compared to other methods.  

Injecting Heroin

Injecting heroin is one of the most dangerous ways to administer heroin. “Shooting up” heroin, as some users call it, is extremely common because the heroin goes directly into the bloodstream, providing the user with immediate effects of the drug. Not only are users who inject heroin prone to diseases through shared needles, but they are also putting themselves at risk of a collapsed vein. Overtime when a user continues to inject heroin into an easily accessible arm vein, that vein can eventually collapse, making the user seek out other more dangerous areas of the body to inject.

Smoking Heroin 

When an addict smokes heroin, they are really vaporizing the drug and breathing in the fumes, not actually burning the physical drug. Most users will use glass pipes, aluminum foil, and a lighter to process and smoke the fumes from heroin.

Snorting Heroin

In some cases, an addict may create a fine powder by crushing the heroin and then snort it like cocaine. Just like smoking, snorting is an effective way to get high fast because the drug is able to be absorbed through the soft tissue in the sinus cavity. Once it is absorbed, the drug can then go straight into the bloodstream, resulting in a faster high.

Other Names for Heroin

As with any other type of drug or illegal substance, heroin is often known on the streets by several other names. The other street names for heroin include the following:

• Smack
• H
• Tar
• Chiba or Chiva
• Junk
• Brown Sugar
• Junk
• Skag
• Mud
• Dragon
• Dope

Of course, these are just a handful of names that heroin is or has been referred to—there are many more.

Why Is Heroin So Dangerous?

Though heroin has been around for more than a century (and it was just as deadly back then), it seems that it is more apparent today than ever before. It can be argued that the illegal drug is not only much easier to obtain but also relatively more dangerous than ever before.

Specifically, those who choose to use heroin put themselves at risk, and often face several physical and/or mental health repercussions. Today, not only is heroin highly addictive, but it is becoming increasingly adulterated by other, powerful narcotics that make overdosing all the more possible, especially when used frequently.

Before heroin was sold on the streets, pure heroin was often mixed with other substances. Then, the ultimate goal was to both produce large amounts of heroin, as well as produce a stronger high for users. The drug was frequently mixed with other substances including sugars, powdered milk, starches, quinine, and other bulking agents.

Yet, now—today—there is a stronger focus to create a more powerful product to help ensure repeat business from those suffering from an addiction. As a result, heroin is now cut or laced with other dangerous substances that can cause severe illnesses or lead to an overdose. Today, drugs that are commonly mixed with heroin often include the following:

Fentanyl

Although these two drugs may seem similar, Fentanyl and Heroin have a number of differences. Fentanyl is a manufactured opioid drug, only available with a prescription, and used in the treatment of severe pain. Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and up to 50 times stronger than heroin. An individual who ingests only two milligrams of fentanyl can experience a deadly overdose.

Carfentanil

This synthetic opioid is comparable to the genetic makeup of fentanyl, but is 100 times stronger. To give you an even greater perspective as to how strong this drug really is, Carfentanil is 10,000 stronger than Morphine, and is commonly used as a tranquilizer for large animals.

Xylazine

Xylazine is not a synthetic opioid, but an adrenergic receptor antagonist similar to clonidine. Xylazine may be an effective horse tranquilizer, but it is not approved for humans. When sold on the streets, xylazine is sometimes mixed directly in with heroin and sometimes sold to users separately to heighten its effects.

Heroin isn’t just dangerous because its addictive, it’s also dangerous because a user can overdose after just a single time trying it. It doesn’t matter whether you are a long-term heroin user or if it’s your first time experimenting with it. The truth is you can overdose from this deadly drug at any time. What makes matters worse is that most people have no idea what they’re actually getting when purchasing heroin on the street. If it’s laced with a stronger drug like fentanyl (which is very common), the user can easily overdose by taking the same amount as normal and then not realize that what they’re taking is significantly more powerful.

Just remember when heroin is abused—or even used once or twice—an overdose can occur. There are many different signs and symptoms associated with a heroin overdose.

Heroin—Signs and Symptoms of an Overdose

As mentioned above, there are many different signs and symptoms that could indicate a heroin overdose has occurred, including the following:

• Blue Nails
• Blue Lips
• Shallow Breathing
• Weak Pulse
• Disorientation
• Extreme Drowsiness
• Loss of Consciousness
• Coma
• Dry Mouth
• Constipation
• Low Blood Pressure

Of course, the above list does not guarantee an overdose has taken place. Further, these signs and symptoms do not even mean—for sure—that a heroin addiction is an issue. Therefore, if someone you know has experienced or is experiencing one or more of the warning signs listed above, it is imperative not to make an accusation.

It is very common for a loved one not to know how to approach someone who is abusing drugs. The signs will be apparent, especially if the user is abusing heroin. Sometimes, the person abusing may even want to ask for help, but are scared to do so or are worried what their loved ones might think.

Approaching someone with a drug problem is never easy. The whole experience is emotional, not only for the addict, but for you as well. Denial, avoidance, and anger are all common emotions you can expect with this type of encounter. If you suggest to the user to attend a Georgia drug treatment center, be prepared for them to resist at first. Make sure you carefully vocalize that you are concerned for them, not that you are angry in any way. Sit them down and tell them how their drug abuse has harmed not only them, but their loved ones as well. This approach can significantly help an addict be more open to treatment and sobriety.

Only once you have confirmed that a heroin addiction does exist, then should you offer them help. There are many heroin rehab centers in Georgia to choose from, but it is necessary to find the right one. However, it should be noted that until the individual in question actually wants to get help, help is not possible. You cannot help someone who doesn’t want it.

Finding the Right Heroin Treatment in Georgia

As you know by now, heroin treatment in Georgia is a serious subject matter, one that should not be taken lightly. When an individual has made the decision to get help for their addiction, then finding a rehabilitation facility will likely be necessary. Luckily, there are a variety of programs for heroin addiction treatment in Georgia, such as the following:

Bluff Plantation

For those individuals who are seeking expert physician-led treatment for drug addiction, such as heroin, then the Bluff Plantation could be an appropriate choice. Simply put, the Bluff Plantation delivers personalized, evidence-based treatment that scientific research has proven to be successful at helping individuals maintain recovery. Specifically, drug addition treatment at this facility covers the following:

• Medically Supervised Withdrawal Management/Detox
• Pain Management
• Residential Addiction Treatment
• Dual Diagnosis
• Trauma
• Equine Therapy

The Bluff Plantation offers renowned addiction medicine experts to their patients.

RiverMend Health Centers—Atlanta Drug Rehab

This center offers services that combine holistic and neuroscience driven models for sustainable, lifelong recovery. Particularly, the RiverMend Health Center provides the following services:

• Detoxification and Stabilization
• Alcohol Rehab
• Drug Rehab
• Prescription Drug Rehab
• Dual Diagnosis Disorders
• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Partial Hospitalization Program
• Structured Living Program
• Non-Opioid Pain Management Program
• Family Program

Georgia Men’s Center

The Georgia Men’s Center offers low-cost addiction and alcoholism treatment for adult men in the following areas: relational, spiritual, and occupational. Further, here, true addiction recovery is available at a low, affordable cost to both teens and adults. This center prides itself on offering the highest success rate for long-term addiction recovery.

Atlanta Addiction Recovery Center—Alcohol and Drug Rehab Center

This particular center is known for offering “addiction treatment for the body, mind, and soul.” Further, the Atlanta Addiction Recovery Center provides compassionate, integrated addiction treatment in a convenient and safe outpatient setting. Better yet, here, patients can receive an affordable alternative to residential treatment with many of the exact same benefits.

The professional team of Atlanta Addiction Recovery is experienced and passionate about helping those suffering from addiction.

Georgia Drug Detox

One of the best treatment options in the entire state is our very own, Georgia Drug Detox. Our facility offers experienced and well-trained staff to aid our patients every step of the way on their sobriety journey. We offer a comfortable environment in a holistic recovery program that allows our clients to safely detox and overcome their substance abuse addiction once and for all. Whether you are looking for an inpatient drug rehab or an outpatient medical detox program, we offer a variety of treatment plans to help cater to you and your needs.

Going through Withdrawal

Once an individual makes the decision to get help and kick their heroin addict, he or she will go through heroin withdrawal. This period is generally quite difficult and painful. Though, it will be necessary to experience this phase in order to beat the addiction.

It only takes 12 hours for a user to start experiencing symptoms of heroin withdrawal. Many drug addicts report that withdrawal symptoms feel like the worst flu of your life. Not only do you have uncomfortable stomach problems and headaches, but you also have pains all throughout your body. The worst symptoms usually last around a week, but peak around day two or three.

Heroin withdrawal symptoms:

• Nausea
• omiting
• Insomnia
• Agitation
• Diarrhea
• Dilated pupils
• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Abdominal cramping
• Muscle aches

Depending on the users past history with the drug, some recovering addicts may also suffer from post-acute withdrawal symptoms which can affect the mood and behavior of an individual. Unlike other symptoms, these problems can last months before they fully pass. Common symptoms associated with post-acute withdrawal symptoms include irritability, depression, anxiety, and fatigue.

Getting Help

Regardless of how long the addiction has been taking place, it is always important to remember that help is possible—for everyone, despite personal circumstances. You may believe that you can’t afford rehab, but there are plenty of options available for those who want to get help and make a positive change in their lives.

No matter what has happened in the past, there is still the possibility of getting the help you need and deserve, but only if you want it. First things first, do your research and find a rehab facility and treatment program that will work best for your needs. We have provided a few options available in the State of Georgia, but truth be told, there are plenty more. We recommend you visit facilities, read reviews, and speak with prior patients to find the best fit.

Just remember: You don’t have to handle this process alone.

For more information on heroin abuse and addiction statistics, please call Georgia Drug Detox today.

Sources:

“Heroin Overdose.” Drugabuse.com. 15 Mar. 2019. https://drugabuse.com/heroin/overdose/

“Addiction Treatment for the Mind, Body & Soul.” Atlanta Addiction Recovery Center. https://www.atlantaaddictionrecoverycenter.com/

“National Helpline.” SAMHSA. 15 Mar. 2019. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

“Symptoms of Heroin Overdose.” American Addiction Centers. 15 Mar. 2019. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/heroin-treatment/overdose

“Heroin.” Medline Plus. 15 Mar. 2019. https://medlineplus.gov/heroin.html