Heroin Addiction Treatment at MARC

Heroin addiction is a harrowing journey that can begin in various ways, often catching people off guard. What may have started as experimentation or a way to cope with pain can quickly spiral into a life-altering struggle.

For those battling heroin addiction, the world narrows to a pinpoint focus on the next use, leaving little room for relationships, personal growth, or future aspirations. The road to recovery from heroin addiction is challenging, but it is a path that offers hope and the chance to reclaim one’s life.

At MARC, we understand the complexities of heroin dependence and the profound impact it has. Our approach to treatment is rooted in compassion, expertise, and a commitment to helping you or your loved one break free from the chains of addiction.

Written by

Amanda Stevens

Medically Reviewed by

Dr. Po-Chang Hsu, M.D., M.S.

What We Treat

Medical Content Writer

Amanda Stevens

Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions.

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Key points

Heroin is a highly addictive opioid derived from morphine, extracted from opium poppy plants. It can appear as a powder or sticky black substance and users may inject, snort, or smoke it.
Heroin binds to opioid receptors, causing a rush of dopamine and endorphins that induce intense pleasure and relieve pain.
About 1.1 million people aged 12 or older reported using heroin in the past year, highlighting its significant public health impact despite its low percentage of overall usage.
Treatment options range from intensive programs like Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs to sober living environments and family support programs, focusing on holistic recovery and relapse prevention.

What Is Heroin?

Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug derived from morphine, which is extracted from the seed pods of various opium poppy plants.[1] It typically appears as a white or brown powder or as a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin. Users may inject, snort, or smoke heroin, with each method of consumption carrying its own set of risks and potential for rapid addiction.

In the US, heroin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.[2] This classification indicates that heroin has:

A high potential for abuse
No currently accepted medical use in treatment
A lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision

This Schedule I status places heroin in the most restrictive category of controlled substances. The classification reflects the government’s assessment of heroin as an extremely dangerous drug with no legitimate medical applications.

Heroin’s potency and rapid onset of effects contribute to its high addiction potential. When consumed, it quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier, converting back into morphine and binding to opioid receptors.[3] This process triggers a surge of pleasure and pain relief, often described as an intense rush followed by a state of euphoria and relaxation.

The drug’s powerful effects on the brain’s reward system can lead to physical dependence and addiction even after limited use, making heroin one of the most challenging substances to quit without professional help.

The Effects of Heroin Addiction and Abuse

Heroin’s potent effects on the brain and body make it highly susceptible to abuse and addiction. The drug’s rapid onset of euphoria, coupled with its ability to alleviate physical and emotional pain, creates a powerful draw that can quickly lead to dependence.

Heroin works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, triggering a flood of dopamine and endorphins.[4] This chemical cascade produces intense feelings of pleasure and well-being. However, with repeated use, the brain’s natural ability to produce these feel-good chemicals is diminished, leading users to rely on heroin to achieve a sense of normalcy.

Short-term effects of opioids include a rush of euphoria, followed by a period of drowsiness, slowed breathing, and clouded mental function.[5] Long-term use can lead to:[6]

Collapsed veins (in injection users)
Damaged tissue in the nose (in those who snort)
Infection of the heart lining and valves
Liver and kidney disease
Increased risk of HIV and hepatitis (particularly in injection users)
Chronic constipation and gastrointestinal issues

The combination of heroin’s intense euphoric effects, the brain’s rapid adaptation to its presence, and the severity of withdrawal symptoms makes heroin one of the most addictive substances known. Its potential for abuse and the speed at which addiction can develop underscore the critical importance of prevention efforts and access to effective treatment options.

Heroin Quick Reference Chart

Drug Category	Commercial & Street Names	DEA Schedule	DEA Schedule
Opioids	Black tar, China white, horse, smack, thunder	Schedule I	Injection, smoking, snorting

How Common is Heroin Usage?

Heroin use remains a significant public health concern due to its high potential for addiction and severe health consequences. Recent statistics provide insight into the scope of heroin usage:

As of 2021, approximately 0.4% of the U.S. population aged 12 or older reported using heroin in the past 12 months, or around 1.1 million people.[7] While this percentage may seem small, it represents a substantial number of people at risk for addiction, overdose, and other health complications.

What Are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Heroin Use?

Heroin withdrawal can be an intensely uncomfortable and challenging experience. When a person who has developed physical dependence on heroin stops or significantly reduces their use, they typically experience a range of withdrawal symptoms.

Common heroin withdrawal symptoms include:[8]

Intense cravings for heroin
Muscle aches and pains
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal cramps
Excessive sweating
Runny nose and teary eyes
Fever and chills
Severe anxiety and restlessness
Insomnia or sleep disturbances
Rapid heart rate
High blood pressure
Mood swings, irritability, and depression
Fatigue and weakness

While heroin withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, it can be extremely uncomfortable and potentially dangerous due to dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms typically begin within 8-24 hours after the last use and can last for 4-10 days.[9] The severity of withdrawal often leads many people to relapse in an attempt to alleviate their symptoms, increasing the risk of a heroin overdose.

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What Are the Types of Treatment for Heroin Abuse?

Recovery from heroin addiction and substance abuse is possible with the right support and treatments, both evidence-based and holistic. Various options are available, often used in combination for the most effective results for opioid use disorder:

Extended Care

This intensive program combines a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) with structured living arrangements. It provides full-time, comprehensive care that addresses both substance use and mental health disorders. The program focuses on developing coping strategies, life skills, and support systems essential for long-term recovery and a fulfilling life.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

IOP offers structured treatment several times a week while allowing patients to live at home or in sober living facilities. It typically includes group therapy, individual counseling, and education on addiction and recovery.

Outpatient Program (OP)

Less intensive than IOP, outpatient treatment provides regular therapy sessions and support while allowing you to maintain your daily responsibilities.

Sober Living

These residential facilities provide a drug-free environment and peer support for those transitioning from intensive treatment back to independent living.

Family Program

Recognizing the impact of drug use on families, these programs offer education, counseling, and support to help heal relationships and create a supportive home environment.

Alumni

Ongoing support and community connection for those who have completed treatment, often including regular meetings, events, and resources to maintain long-term sobriety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heroin Addiction Treatment

How long does heroin addiction treatment last?

Heroin treatment duration varies based on your individual needs and overall progress. It can range from several weeks to months or longer, depending on factors like the severity of addiction, response to treatment, and personal circumstances. In general, longer durations of treatment tend to result in better outcomes, as they allow for more comprehensive healing and skill development to maintain sobriety.

What happens after completing a heroin addiction treatment program?

After completing a heroin addiction treatment program, individuals transition to aftercare planning, which is crucial for maintaining recovery. This phase may include ongoing therapy sessions, participation in support groups like Narcotics Anonymous, regular check-ins with healthcare providers, and possibly residing in a sober living environment. Aftercare helps individuals apply the skills learned in treatment to real-life situations, manage triggers, and sustain long-term sobriety.

What if I relapse during heroin addiction treatment?

Relapse is a common and often expected part of the recovery journey from heroin addiction and drug abuse. It's important to remember that relapse does not equate to failure but rather signifies a need for adjustments in treatment strategies or additional support.

Many treatment options have protocols in place to address relapse when treating drug addiction, such as revisiting and reinforcing coping skills, adjusting medications if applicable, and intensifying therapy or support group participation. The focus remains on helping people regain their footing, renew their commitment to recovery, and continue progressing toward their goals in your treatment plan.

Sources

[1] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Heroin. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/heroin on July 22, 2024

[2] United States Drug Enforcement Administration. (2000). Heroin. Dea.gov. https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/heroin on July 22, 2024

[3]CHIBPS: heroin. (n.d.). Rutgers School of Public Health. https://sph.rutgers.edu/chibps/heroin on July 22, 2024

[4] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018, June). What Effects Does Heroin Have on the body? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/effects-of-heroin-on-body on July 22, 2024

[5] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018). What are the immediate (short-term) effects of heroin use? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/what-are-immediate-short-term-effects-heroin-use on July 22, 2024

[6] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2018, June). What Are the Long-term Effects of Heroin use? National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/what-are-long-term-effects-heroin-use on July 22, 2024

[7] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023, January 4). 2021 NSDUH Annual National Report | CBHSQ Data. Www.samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2021-nsduh-annual-national-report on July 22, 2024

[8, 9] World Health Organization. (2019). Withdrawal Management. Nih.gov; World Health Organization. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310652/ on July 22, 2024