Heroin Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation

Heroin addiction can have serious consequences for both the addict and their family. Probably the most addictive drug available on UK streets, heroin acts as a very strong painkiller, producing feelings of safety and wellbeing.

However, heroin withdrawal symptoms are severe and can trap users in a cycle of always needing to find the next "fix". Heroin users also face the risk of overdose. This is partly because it's impossible to tell how strong (pure) a batch of heroin is, and because heroin produces sedative effects. For example, addicts may choke on their own vomit as heroin suppresses the body's natural cough reaction.

If you're a heroin addict, admitting or recognising your addiction is the hardest step. But take that vital first step, and we will help you beat your drug problem. The Causeway Retreat is the only treatment centre in the world on its own private island. Your heroin detox and rehabilitation will be supervised by leading medical specialists. We provide a supportive, discreet and tranquil environment in which to recover from the effects of heroin addiction.

The individual and flexible recovery programme was just right for me - with time to reflect as well as participate in group and individual sessions, I cannot praise the staff enough. All seemed committed to aiding my physical and mental recovery and tailored the programme to meet my needs, where that could be achieved without detriment to others. The elimination of dogma and unnecessary distraction from the programme helped me to focus on the issues important to me and, I believe, have given me my best chance of permanent sobriety.

Heroin Addiction Symptoms

Heroin (sometimes known as smack, skag, brown or gear) is a natural opiate made from morphine. It can be smoked, snorted or injected. Morphine is extracted from the opium poppy. Like many drugs made from opium, including synthetic opioids (e.g. Methadone) heroin acts as a painkiller. It slows down body functioning and substantially reduces physical and psychological discomfort. In small doses it brings about feelings of warmth and happiness. Increased doses will result in sedation causing sleepiness and a lower level of consciousness. Nausea, vomiting and dizziness can be experienced initially.

Symptoms of heroin addiction include:

• Inability to function without regular doses,
• Neglecting relationships, career and daily tasks in favour of taking heroin,
• Shaking, sweating and irritability when not on heroin,
• In some cases, hallucinations and delusions when not using,
• Loss of appetite and weight loss,
• Stomach problems and constipation,
• Collapsed veins if a long-term user,
• Possible involvement in criminal activity to fund habit.

Heroin also presents other significant risks. Most street-bought heroin is only 10%-60% pure. This means that it can contain harmful substances, or cause toxic reactions. Sharing needles can also result in contracting blood-borne diseases, such as HIV.

The signs and symptoms of heroin withdrawal are the opposite of the direct pharmacological effects of heroin, and are typically compared to a bad case of flu. On the other hand, withdrawal severity depends on dose and route of administration.

Treating Heroin Addiction at The Causeway Retreat

Heroin addiction treatment begins with a medically supervised period of detoxification. This heroin detox includes a comprehensive assessment of the needs of each client, and the development of a personalised programme. A heroin detox can take 10-14 days depending on circumstances and the individual. Heroin withdrawal symptoms are controlled with lofexidine.

Heroin rehabilitation therapy is the next stage of your heroin addiction treatment, and involves group and individual therapy. You will address the reasons behind your heroin use, your attitudes to drugs and issues surrounding your personal relationships.

Group and one-to-one therapy encourages self-knowledge, improved self-esteem, relapse prevention, the building of support systems and awareness of problems caused by heroin drug addiction.

Relapse prevention helps you avoid a return to uncontrolled drug use. Recovering addicts most commonly relapse when they experience a negative emotion such as frustration, anxiety or depression. In relapse prevention treatment, you're shown coping mechanisms you can use at times of future anxiety. Naltrexone (an opiate blocker) can be considered to prevent relapse. This can be implanted or taken orally.

The Causeway offers 12 months post detox addiction aftercare support and advice.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your options for heroin treatment and to book a recovery programme.