Table of Contents
How Long Until You’re Addicted to Heroin?
Heroin is very potent and addictive, so it’s unlikely that an individual abusing this drug will be able to quit long-term on their own.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that heroin is a potent opioid drug derived from morphine, which is a natural substance. NIDA also reports that heroin is highly addictive and that heroin abuse and addiction have increased throughout the United States since 2007. Like all addictive disorders, heroin addiction is a chronic and relapsing disease. However, it is a disease that can be effectively treated with the right combination of clinical and therapeutic care methodologies.
Heroin is very potent and addictive, so it’s unlikely that an individual abusing this drug will be able to quit long-term on their own. The cravings will be so intense that relapse is almost inevitable. This is where quality heroin addiction treatment comes into play. At Absolute Awakenings, we provide every one of our clients with the comprehensive clinical care they need to overcome heroin addiction.
Heroin – A Highly Addictive Chemical Substance
While all opioid narcotics have a high potential for misuse and the eventual development of a substance abuse disorder, heroin is especially habit-forming. Upon the first use, individuals will experience an intense rush of euphoria. Many describe the feelings as unlike anything they have ever felt prior. The truth is, however, attempting to recreate this same sense of euphoria and relaxation will always prove to be futile. The second time using heroin will never feel like the first – and neither will the third time, the fourth time, the fifth time, and so on.
This is called “chasing the high,” It is not only counterproductive but will result in the rapid development of a full-blown addiction. For these reasons, even one single dose can lead to a substance dependency disorder that requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, if you have used heroin once and feel the desire to use the drug again, seeking professional intervention is a very good idea.
Effective Heroin Addiction Treatment
Effective heroin addiction treatment will always incorporate a multi-phased level of care, beginning with a medically monitored detox and ending with a continuous aftercare program. Absolute Awakenings offers a continuum of care for men and women who have already completed medical detox and inpatient treatment. We offer partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment (IOP), outpatient treatment (OP), dual diagnosis treatment, and trauma-informed clinical care. We treat men and women in Morris Plains, New Jersey, and all surrounding areas. If you or someone you love has been suffering at the hands of heroin abuse or addiction, our team of experienced and highly compassionate staff members is available to help.
Absolute Awakenings and Heroin Addiction
Because heroin is incredibly addictive, it is important to understand that some people will seek treatment even after one use, depending on their physical and psychological reactions. Suppose someone has abused heroin for a short period. In that case, inpatient treatment might not be necessary – in cases such as these, partial hospitalization or IOP might be a more appropriate and effective level of care. If you are unsure what level of clinical care would best fit your needs and requirements, please feel free to call our admissions counselors at any time. They will gladly offer you a short pre-assessment to help you determine the right course of action. We look forward to hearing from you soon and helping you begin your journey of heroin addiction recovery as quickly as possible.
References
- Azadfard M, Huecker MR, Leaming JM. Opioid Addiction. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Accessed January 17, 2023. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448203/
- Cohen B, Ruth LJ, Preuss CV. Opioid Analgesics. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2022. Accessed January 17, 2023. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459161/
- Withdrawal Management. World Health Organization; 2009. Accessed January 17, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/
Absolute Awakenings Treatment Center Editoral Guideline
At Absolute Awakenings, we take information integrity seriously. We have dedicated our resources to ensure that all content published to our blog is medically sound. As such, all content on our blog has been thoroughly reviewed by a doctorate level clinician such as a Medical Doctor, or Psy.D, so that you can trust all of the data we publish.
