Heroin Abuse in Philadelphia, PA
Heroin, an opioid derived from morphine, is a highly addictive drug that depresses the central nervous system. Its illegal distribution and use is a significant concern in Philadelphia. Data from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Drug and Alcohol Programs reveals a disturbing trend. In 2023, Philadelphia reported 1,276 overdose deaths, and 82% of those were linked to opioids, including heroin. This means that heroin contributes to most overdose deaths in Philadelphia.
Several factors drive the widespread heroin use in Philadelphia. Foremost is the drug’s accessibility. Philadelphia has seen an influx of heroin, often adulterated with potent substances like fentanyl, making it deadly and inexpensive. Additionally, the opioid epidemic has hit urban areas hard, with many individuals transitioning from prescription opioids to heroin due to its affordability and availability.
Despite the sobering statistics, there is hope for those struggling with heroin abuse. UNISON Rehab in Philadelphia offers many effective treatment solutions for those battling heroin addiction. We offer addiction treatment options like individual and group therapy, behavioral therapies, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), heroin detox, and aftercare programs. Our programs are designed to meet each individual’s unique needs, considering the individual’s substance use history, circumstances, and goals. We understand addiction is a complex condition; no one-size-fits-all approach will work.
If you or a loved one grapples with heroin abuse, please contact UNISON Rehab. We can help you begin your recovery towards a brighter, heroin-free future.
What is Heroin Addiction?
Heroin addiction is a chronic disease characterized by heroin seeking and use that is compulsive or difficult to control despite harmful consequences. It’s the most severe form of a full spectrum of substance use disorders. Heroin is a powerful opioid drug derived from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of the opium poppy plant. Originally developed as a painkiller, heroin has unfortunately become one of the most abused and addictive substances today. The drug can be found in several forms, including a white or brown powder or a sticky black substance known as “black tar heroin.”
How is Heroin Consumed?
Heroin is typically injected, snorted, or smoked. Each method delivers the drug rapidly into the bloodstream, producing intense euphoria or a “rush.” The method of consumption often correlates with the speed and intensity of the effect, with injection producing the fastest and most intense high.
Break free from heroin abuse. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today at (267) 440-7205 to learn about our heroin misuse treatment programs.
Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Addiction
Heroin addiction is an overpowering substance use disorder characterized by physical and psychological dependence on the drug. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is the first step toward seeking treatment and achieving long-term recovery.
Physical Symptoms
Heroin use can lead to numerous health issues, including respiratory depression, constipation, and increased infection susceptibility. Prolonged use can also lead to collapsed veins, abscesses, and damage to vital organs like the liver and kidneys. Individuals with heroin use disorder often exhibit specific physical symptoms and noticeable heroin withdrawal symptoms such as sweating, muscle aches, vomiting and fever. The presence of track marks from repeated injections can also be evident.
Behavioral Indicators
Changes in behavior can signal heroin abuse. Individuals might become secretive, isolate themselves, or lose interest in activities they once loved. An increased focus on obtaining and using heroin, often at the cost of other aspects of their life, can become evident.
Mental Health Issues
Co-occurring mental health disorders often accompany heroin abuse. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues may become pronounced, needing a comprehensive heroin abuse treatment approach, including behavioral therapies and family therapy sessions.
Heroin Cravings
Heroin addiction is characterized by overpowering cravings for the drug, even in dangerous situations or after experiencing severe side effects. These intense cravings can override rational thought and lead users to neglect personal responsibilities, relationships, and well-being.
Tolerance and Dependence
Over time, increased amounts of heroin are required to achieve the same effects, signaling growing tolerance. Dependence is indicated when a person experiences withdrawal symptoms without the drug.
Neglect of Health and Hygiene
Heroin use disorder often leads to a decline in physical and mental health, as well as neglect of personal hygiene.
Chemical Dependency
The individual’s body relies on heroin, leading to a chemical dependency. If the individual completes detox and stays without the drug, withdrawal symptoms manifest, necessitating medical supervision.
Avoiding Responsibilities
Neglecting family, work, or school responsibilities and an overall decline in performance in various spheres of life can indicate an underlying heroin use disorder.
Associating with New Peer Groups
Engaging with new groups, especially those known for drug abuse or specifically heroin use, is another sign.
Financial Struggles
Unexplained financial difficulties, often due to spending significant amounts on procuring heroin or neglecting work, can be indicative.
It’s crucial to understand that heroin is a highly addictive substance, and timely intervention is essential. If someone exhibits multiple signs from the above list, it’s prudent to approach a reputed heroin addiction treatment center or a professional specializing in drug addiction. UNISON Rehab offers comprehensive treatment programs tailored for heroin addiction, ensuring patients receive proper treatment and support throughout their recovery journey.
how it works
Heroin Addiction Treatment Process
At UNISON Rehab, we employ a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to heroin addiction recovery. Our structured process is meticulously designed to tackle both the physical dependencies and the psychological challenges of heroin abuse.
Assessment & Planning
At UNISON Rehab, the pathway to recovery from heroin addiction starts with an in-depth assessment. Our medical team analyzes the severity and patterns of heroin use to devise a treatment plan tailored to the individual. This comprehensive plan factors any coexisting mental health issues and aligns with health insurance provisions, ensuring the most effective approach to heroin addiction treatment.
Detoxification
Detoxification is a vital phase in heroin addiction recovery. At UNISON Rehab, this process is facilitated in a secure setting to manage the distinct challenges of heroin withdrawal. Our approach emphasizes close monitoring and inpatient care. With facilities primed for affordability and compatibility with insurance plans, patients are assured unhindered access to this crucial step in their recovery journey.
Intensive Therapy
Following detox, the focus at UNISON RehabRehab shifts to addressing the psychological aspects of heroin addiction. We employ therapeutic techniques tailored for heroin dependency, incorporating group, individual, and family therapies. Recognizing that heroin addiction often coexists with other mental health conditions, our holistic approach ensures both the addiction and any underlying issues are treated, laying a robust foundation for sustained recovery.
Assessment & Planning
At UNISON Rehab, the pathway to recovery from heroin addiction starts with an in-depth assessment. Our medical team analyzes the severity and patterns of heroin use to devise a treatment plan tailored to the individual. This comprehensive plan factors any coexisting mental health issues and aligns with health insurance provisions, ensuring the most effective approach to heroin addiction treatment.
Detoxification
Detoxification is a vital phase in heroin addiction recovery. At UNISON Rehab, this process is facilitated in a secure setting to manage the distinct challenges of heroin withdrawal. Our approach emphasizes close monitoring and inpatient care. With facilities primed for affordability and compatibility with insurance plans, patients are assured unhindered access to this crucial step in their recovery journey.
Intensive Therapy
Following detox, the focus at UNISON RehabRehab shifts to addressing the psychological aspects of heroin addiction. We employ therapeutic techniques tailored for heroin dependency, incorporating group, individual, and family therapies. Recognizing that heroin addiction often coexists with other mental health conditions, our holistic approach ensures both the addiction and any underlying issues are treated, laying a robust foundation for sustained recovery.
Heroin addiction’s impact reaches beyond the individual and affects family members. At UNISON Rehab, we combine compassionate care rooted in the latest research and evidence-based treatment to guide each patient toward regaining control of their life. Additionally, recognizing the financial concerns of seeking treatment, our team is proficient in navigating insurance benefits. Get started with rehab today.
