Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid that is derived from morphine. Heroin is powerfully addictive, and after ceasing use former addicts may have moments when they wish to use again. Heroin cravings are completely normal and should not be a cause for shame or concern. If you are addicted to heroin and wish to quit, the only effective treatment for your cravings is professional help.
Ending Heroin Addiction and Experiencing Cravings
Heroin addiction is difficult if not impossible to overcome alone, as heroin is physically and psychologically addictive. Heroin causes a user’s mind to believe that he or she needs heroin and causes the user’s body to behave as if he or she needs heroin. Over the course of an addiction the user’s body grows accustomed to the effects of heroin, and quitting causes the body to react negatively through withdrawal symptoms. Heroin cravings are twofold, as recovering users crave heroin to alleviate their physical pain as well as their mental upset. The overall healing of the body and mind is well worth the temporary experience of cravings and withdrawal. Furthermore, the pain of coming off heroin can be significantly alleviated, if an individual chooses medically supervised detox services from a rehab center. Rehab treatment also increases chances of long-term recovery.
Heroin Abuse and the Risk of Overdose
Heroin users are always at risk of overdose, because heroin is sold in varying degrees of strength that are typically unknown to the buyer. Heroin users are especially at risk if they are experiencing cravings, as they may overcompensate by ingesting an unusually large amount of the drug. If they have been without heroin for some time, they may take what was once a regular dose but has now become a deadly amount of heroin due to the body readjusting. If you want to quit heroin use but are discouraged by cravings, don’t give up. Heroin overdose may be fatal, so please seek professional help soon. You can save yourself from heroin and overdose and cultivate a new life free from drug abuse.
What Happens in Heroin Rehabilitation?
The surest way to overcome heroin cravings is to seek addiction treatment from a rehab program that offers detox, counseling and support groups. Detox cleanses the body of toxins in heroin to curb physical cravings, while counseling and support groups address the psychological component of addiction and cravings. To optimize recovery, patients should be sincere and genuine about their struggles and cravings so that they can receive much needed support. Many rehab centers also offer therapy beyond counseling such as recreational activities that help patients keep their mind off cravings.
What Happens after Heroin Rehabilitation?
After heroin addiction treatment cravings may occasionally persist. To prevent relapse, recovering users take measures to ensure they will not use again. Some recovering users decide to find a sponsor they can call at particularly difficult moments. A sponsor is generally someone who has also overcome heroin addiction and is a seasoned veteran of addiction recovery who knows how to tackle high stress situations. Another option for continued support is aftercare or outpatient rehab treatment that offers weekly support meetings. These meetings offer recovering heroin users a safe place to discuss their experiences honestly, receive encouragement and help others.
Need Help Finding Treatment for Heroin Cravings?
We can help you or your loved one overcome heroin cravings and achieve recovery from heroin addiction. Call our toll-free helpline for instant support from a trusted counselor. We are available 24 hours a day and can offer you more information about treatment and recovery, verify insurance benefits and let you know what level of treatment is right for you or your loved one. Seeking help is the first step to lifelong recovery. Begin your journey by calling us today.
