Some transition to using it because it’s more widely available, cheaper and has stronger effects.
Unfortunately, heroin is associated with a high overdose risk, especially if someone’s not aware of its potency or it’s adulterated with a more potent opioid, like fentanyl. Heroin is a highly addictive drug, leading to compulsive drug-seeking behaviors and also physical dependence. Without treatment, someone struggling with heroin addiction will face health issues, problems in relationships, challenges in maintaining employment and other difficulties.
While heroin addiction can be devastating, it’s a treatable disease with the right approach. Ava Recovery is a heroin rehab in Austin. We provide a safe, comfortable, luxury rehab experience so that you can begin your recovery from addiction with all the tools and resources you need. If you’re searching for Austin heroin addiction treatment for a loved one rather than yourself, we can also help you take the next steps. Contact our Texas addiction treatment center today to learn more about how we can help.
When someone uses heroin or other opioids, it binds to receptors, primarily located in areas of the brain associated with pain and pleasure. There can be a rapid, intense feeling of pleasure and euphoria because heroin activates the brain’s reward system. The drug is a central nervous system depressant, slowing down the brain and spinal cord activity, contributing to drowsiness, slowed breathing and sedation.
A person could be introduced to heroin through any number of situations, such as experimentation or peer pressure. Once it does activate the brain’s reward system, there’s a surge of dopamine in response. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that’s linked to reward and pleasure, and the intense euphoria of the initial use reinforces the desire to repeat the behavior.
With continued use, the brain adapts to heroin’s presence, and tolerance may form. Higher doses may be needed to achieve the same effect, leading to increased heroin intake. Regular heroin use can cause physical dependence, and the body is reliant on the drug to function normally. At this point, once a dependence develops, if someone doesn’t use heroin, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. Â
As addiction progresses, it becomes harder to control drug use, even though it’s causing negative consequences. The compulsive need to seek out and use heroin becomes the dominant focus in a person’s life when addiction develops.
Long-term heroin use can lead to changes in the brain’s function and also its structure, especially those areas related to impulse control, decision-making and stress regulation. The changes contribute to the persistent nature of addiction.
There are varying factors that play a role in the development of addiction to heroin or other substances. Exposure to stress trauma or drug use in someone’s social circle can play a role. Psychological factors, including co-occurring mental disorders, also often contribute.
Environmental cues that someone associates with heroin can trigger overwhelming cravings, and these, combined with the desire to avoid withdrawal symptoms, continue to fuel the cycle of addiction. As addiction progresses, a person may become more isolated from friends and family and increase their reliance on heroin as a form of escape and as a coping mechanism.
Addiction is incredibly complicated, driven by biological, social and psychological factors. At our heroin rehab center in Austin, we understand these complexities and provide compassionate, empathetic, evidence-based care to help you overcome addiction.
What’s important at Ava Recovery, which is one of the leading options for heroin rehab in Austin, is that each person’s treatment plan is completely tailored to their needs. While we do individualize all treatment processes, there’s a general set of steps that may make up the addiction treatment experience.
If you’d like to learn more about Austin heroin addiction treatment, we encourage you to contact our team anytime.
Located just outside metro Austin, in Buda, Texas, we offer you a luxury environment that encourages healing and rejuvenation. Our secluded property provides you with a safe and comfortable, world-class setting where you can focus on your recovery.
We offer free consultations to anyone who reaches out for help. Did you know most major insurance carriers will cover the costs associated with treatment? Contact our trusted treatment team today to discuss your personal options for treatment.
Ava Recovery is proud to offer a variety of treatment options to provide you with a treatment plan that fits your needs. From detox to residential inpatient to aftercare and beyond, we’re with you each step of the way. Learn more about how we can help right now.
The levels of care available at Ava Recovery include:
Ava Recovery is also a provider of dual diagnosis care. Dual diagnosis treatment is an integrated approach for individuals dealing with heroin addiction or other substance disorders and co-occurring mental disorders. It recognizes the complicated relationship between the disorders and addresses both at the same time.
Addiction is treatable but is also progressive, meaning that without taking steps toward treatment, it will likely worsen. If you’re ready to take the next step toward recovery at heroin rehab in Austin, or you have questions or would like details on our programs, contact Ava Recovery today.
Learn more about our expert, medical drug & alcohol detox in Austin, Texas at Ava Recovery.
