Heroin is a dangerous narcotic with a high rate of addiction that affects millions of people throughout the country. How does heroin affect the brain? Abusing heroin can lead to addiction and worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Eventually, it can lead to permanent brain damage and affect your quality of life.
A heroin rehab in Nashville or elsewhere can help you or a loved one recover.
How Does Heroin Affect the Brain?
Heroin is a very addictive substance that is 50 times more potent than morphine, a natural opioid used for pain relief. When used, its euphoric effects are almost immediate. Chemicals in heroin bind with opioid cell receptors, producing a rush of euphoria.
Other short-term symptoms include:
- Drowsiness
- Decreased mental functioning
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Itchy skin
- Slowed heart rate
- Slowed breathing
Heroin alters brain chemistry and reduces its ability to function. This can lead to depression and anxiety, chemical changes in the brain, alterations in mood and memory, and brain damage.
The changes that heroin makes to the brain can become permanent with long-term use. Fortunately, no matter how long you have abused heroin, treatment is available. Treatment programs use behavioral and holistic therapy to treat the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder and show you how to lead a healthy and sober life.
Treating the Long-Term Effects of Heroin
While there is no cure for addiction, there are several options for treating the long-term effects of heroin. Treatment programs use a combination of therapies and medication to ease withdrawals and cravings and address the behaviors that abusing heroin creates.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the best ways to treat heroin addiction. It uses various techniques to help you recognize your triggers and teach you new ways of coping. For instance, you might call your sponsor, do deep breathing exercises, recite a personal mantra, and use other techniques to help you stay on your sober path.
Other types of behavioral therapy that can stop heroin abuse include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Relapse prevention therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Using medication to treat heroin addiction is very beneficial and can help prevent relapse and keep you attending therapy sessions. Medical staff will administer medications based on your treatment plan. They will monitor you for any adverse reactions and make adjustments as necessary.
This is only meant as temporary support until your symptoms dissipate. At that time, staff will begin tapering you off to avoid any withdrawals from the medication.
Family Therapy
Addiction affects you and everyone around you, including those closest to you. Family therapy allows for parents, children, and spouses to come and talk about their feelings and learn more about addiction. It can help you resolve any remaining issues that might hinder recovery and learn how to create a stable, supportive home environment while actively participating in the recovery process.
Contact The Ranch Today to Start Our Heroin Rehab in Nashville
At The Ranch, we welcome anyone who wants help in breaking addiction. We have detox, residential, and outpatient treatment programs available that can support you every step of the way.
If you or a loved one is abusing heroin, call 1.844.876.7680 today to speak with our dedicated team about our heroin rehab program. You can also reach out through the online form to schedule a consultation.
