The opioid epidemic has become a well-known national problem. It makes news headlines on a daily basis. We, as a society, had begun to make progress, and, sadly, the pandemic made us take a giant step in the wrong direction. If you or someone you love is struggling with an opioid use disorder, we encourage you to reach out today to the medical professionals at Fresh Start Recovery Center. Fresh Start offers opioid addiction treatment and a heroin rehab program that can help you kick the habit. Reach out to Fresh Start today at 833.625.0398 and a trained professional will help guide you through the process of deciding on the right treatment options for you.
Heroin Addiction Treatment and The Opioid Epidemic
Opioid addiction today is often more likely to be an addiction to related substances bought on the street, such as fentanyl or carfentanyl. In many instances, these addictions begin with abuse of opiate pain medications such as:
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Oxycodone (Percocet)
- Oxymorphone (Opana)
- Morphine (Kadian, Avinza)
- Codeine
Prescription opioids that are used for pain relief can be safe when taken for a short time and only taken as prescribed by a doctor. People misuse prescription opioids by:
- Taking opiates in a way or dose other than they were prescribed
- Using someone else’s prescription medicine
- Taking these medications with the intention to get high
Know the Common Signs of Addiction
All forms of substance abuse have related common signs of addiction. These signs involve changes in a person’s daily life, behavior, and engagement with work, family, and friends. If you or a loved one shows any of the following common signs of addiction, consider reaching out for professional help:
- Cravings
- Increase in use
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Lack of responsibility
- Relationship issues
- Loss of interest in hobbies
Educate Yourself About Opioid-Related Overdose and Prevention
If you are spending time around anyone who you know is abusing heroin or related opiates, it is a good idea to educate yourself about naloxone, a life-saving medication that can rapidly reverse an opioid-related overdose. Naloxone typically comes as a nasal spray that you administer to someone who has overdosed on opiates. After spraying naloxone in each nostril, use your hands to massage the overdosed individual’s chest until there is evidence they are breathing on their own. It is important that you or a bystander call for EMTs to bring additional naloxone, in case it is needed, and to check an overdosed person’s vital signs.
Opioid overdose occurs when opiates completely block the brain’s opioid receptors. The result is that a person’s breathing slows down and ultimately stops. Naloxone (sold under the brand name Narcan) works by instantly flushing the brain of opioids. When enough naloxone is administered, breathing will return to normal, and this can save someone’s life.
Some of the common signs of opioid overdose include:
- Non-responsive
- Face is clammy to touch and has lost or changed color
- Blue lips and fingertips
- Slow, erratic, or not breathing
- Deep snoring or unsettling gurgling sound
- Heartbeat is slow or has stopped
Consider Fresh Start’s Heroin Addiction Treatment Program
Recovery from heroin addiction is hard work. Self-discipline and willpower are necessary abilities to learn if a person wants to achieve lifelong sobriety. Medical professionals at Fresh Start’s Heroin Addiction Treatment Program provide expert care and support you or your loved one. Fresh Start offers a wide range of treatment options, including:
- Outpatient treatment program (OT)
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
- Gender-specific rehab programs
Treatments for opioid addiction vary based on the substances that have been abused as well as the individual needs of the patient. Fresh Start Recovery Center focuses on ways to manage withdrawal symptoms, which can decrease the risk of relapse. Our goal is for a person to learn how to make positive and healthy lifestyle choices that they can apply to sober living.
Fresh Start offers a number of therapeutic options to help address the emotional and psychological aspects of dependency. These include:
- Medical detox
- Holistic therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Nutritional planning
- Post-rehab planning
Contact Fresh Start Today to Learn How We Can Help
An astounding amount of Americans have been affected by the opioid crisis. Even those who have not personally faced addiction almost certainly know someone who has.
It’s important to remember it’s never too late to find a program that will help those in need return to a healthy, sober lifestyle.
Fresh Start Recovery’s medical professionals are available 24/7 via our secure online form or by phone at 833.625.0398. Contact us today to discuss the best options for you.
