WHAT IS HEROIN ADDICTION?
Heroin addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite devastating consequences. Common signs of heroin addiction include track marks or needle scars on arms and legs, dramatic weight loss and deteriorating physical appearance, social withdrawal and isolation from loved ones, persistent financial problems or unexplained need for money, and severe flu-like symptoms when unable to use.
What is heroin?
Other names for heroin: smack, H, junk, dope, horse, black tar, China white, skag, and brown sugar.
Heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug derived from morphine, which is extracted from the seed pods of opium poppy plants, and it produces an intense euphoric rush followed by sedation and pain relief.
Heroin Addiction Treatment with Journey Hillside Tarzana
At Journey Hillside Tarzana, we understand what’s at stake when it comes to heroin addiction in addition to any other form of drug addiction. That’s why we offer premier-level treatment backed by clinical studies, scientific evidence and a high success rate.
Our team combines inpatient drug rehab with critical mental health services and referrals to intensive, outpatient treatment programs to help our clients overcome drug and alcohol addiction. Recovery is only a step away, and private health insurance acceptance is one of our many hallmarks.
By utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, highly individualized clinical services, and an experienced team of addiction experts, we can help patients struggling with heroin use reclaim their freedom and discover a healthy, independent life without opioids.
Short-Term Effects of Heroin
Heroin produces a range of immediate physical and psychological effects that occur within minutes of use and can last several hours.
- Intense euphoria or “rush”: A powerful surge of pleasure and well-being, especially when injected
- Drowsiness and sedation: Heavy feeling in the limbs and extreme relaxation
- Clouded mental functioning: Difficulty thinking clearly, making decisions, or concentrating
- Nausea and vomiting: Common especially in new users or with higher doses
- Severe itching: Uncomfortable scratching sensations across the skin
- Constricted pupils: Pinpoint pupils that don’t respond normally to light
- Slowed breathing: Respiratory depression that can become life-threatening
- Decreased heart rate: Dangerously slow heartbeat
- Dry mouth: Persistent cotton mouth sensation
- Flushed skin: Warm feeling and reddened appearance
- Nodding off: Going back and forth between consciousness and semi-consciousness
- Suppressed pain: Numbing of physical and emotional discomfortWhile these effects may seem desirable to someone using heroin, they represent serious disruptions to normal brain and body function. The slowed breathing alone can lead to hypoxia (insufficient oxygen reaching the brain), which can cause coma, permanent brain damage, or death.At Journey Hillside Tarzana, our medical team understands the complex physical effects of heroin and provides expert care to safely manage withdrawal and begin the healing process.
If you or someone you love is dealing with heroin addiction, reach out to Journey Hillside Tarzana now.
Long-Term Effects of Heroin
Chronic heroin use causes severe and often irreversible damage to multiple organ systems, brain function, and overall quality of life.
- Collapsed veins: Permanent damage from repeated injection that makes future IV access difficult
- Liver and kidney disease: Progressive organ damage that can lead to failure
- Lung complications: Pneumonia, tuberculosis, and other respiratory infections
- Heart infections: Bacterial infections of the heart lining and valves (endocarditis)
- Abscesses: Painful pus-filled infections under the skin at injection sites
- Chronic constipation: Severe gastrointestinal problems including bowel obstruction
- Sexual dysfunction: Decreased libido and reproductive problems in both men and women
- Irregular menstrual cycles: Disrupted hormones affecting fertility in women
- Weakened immune system: Increased vulnerability to infections and illness
- Brain damage: Deterioration of white matter affecting decision-making and stress regulation
- Mental health disorders: Depression, anxiety, antisocial personality disorder, and other psychiatric conditions
- Memory and cognitive impairment: Difficulty with attention, problem-solving, and processing information
- Physical dependence and tolerance: Need for increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effect
- Chronic infectious diseases: HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C from needle sharing
- Dental problems: Severe tooth decay and gum disease
- Malnutrition: Weight loss and vitamin deficiencies from neglecting proper nutrition
- Social isolation: Loss of relationships, employment, and housing
- Financial devastation: Mounting debt and legal problems
HEROIN FAST FACTS: WHAT LOVED ONES NEED TO KNOW
If someone you care about is struggling with heroin addiction, understanding the basics about this dangerous drug can help you recognize the signs, respond appropriately in an emergency, and support their path to recovery. Here are essential facts every family member and friend should know.
What does heroin look like?
Heroin typically appears as a white or brown powder, though “black tar” heroin is a dark, sticky substance that resembles roofing tar. The color and consistency vary depending on how it’s processed and what substances have been added to cut or dilute it.
How do people use heroin?
Heroin is most commonly injected into veins, but it can also be smoked, snorted through the nose, or less commonly, swallowed. All methods of use are dangerous and can lead to addiction and overdose.
Is heroin illegal?
Yes, heroin is a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, meaning it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Possession, distribution, and manufacture of heroin carry severe criminal penalties.
Can a person overdose on heroin?
Yes, heroin overdose is extremely common and often fatal, especially when the drug is mixed with fentanyl or other potent opioids. An overdose occurs when heroin slows breathing to dangerously low levels, depriving the brain of oxygen and leading to unconsciousness, coma, or death.
How can a heroin overdose be treated?
Naloxone (Narcan) is a life-saving medication that rapidly reverses opioid overdose by blocking heroin’s effects on the brain and restoring normal breathing. Anyone who knows someone using heroin should carry naloxone and know how to administer it, and emergency medical services should always be called immediately when overdose is suspected.
Who uses heroin?
Heroin addiction affects people from all demographics, ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and communities—no one is immune. Many individuals who become addicted to heroin first misused prescription opioid painkillers before transitioning to heroin as a cheaper, more accessible alternative.
What are the risks of using heroin?
Beyond the immediate risk of fatal overdose, heroin use can cause infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C, severe organ damage, mental health disorders, and complete loss of employment, relationships, and housing. Every use carries potentially life-threatening consequences, making professional treatment essential for recovery.
If your loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, Journey Hillside Tarzana provides compassionate, evidence-based treatment in a safe and supportive environment. Call us today at (877) 414-1024 to discuss how we can help.
Heroin Addiction Treatment: What to Expect
At Journey Hillside Tarzana, we guide clients through each phase of treatment with compassion, expertise, and individualized care. Here’s what you can expect when you choose our heroin addiction treatment program.
Step 1: Initial Assessment and Admission
Your treatment journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation conducted by our experienced clinical team. During this assessment, we review your substance use history, medical conditions, mental health status, and personal circumstances to create a fully customized treatment plan.
Step 2: Medically Supervised Detox
Detoxification is the critical first step in heroin addiction treatment, during which the drug is safely eliminated from your body. Our medical team monitors you 24/7 throughout detox, using medications when appropriate to manage withdrawal symptoms and keep you as comfortable as possible.
Step 3: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
We may use FDA-approved medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone to reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and support long-term sobriety. These medications work by normalizing brain chemistry, blocking the euphoric effects of opioids, and relieving physiological cravings.
Step 4: Residential Treatment Program
Once detox is complete, clients transition into our intimate six-bed residential treatment program. During your stay, which can range from 30 to 90 days or longer depending on your needs, you’ll participate in a comprehensive schedule of evidence-based therapies designed to address the psychological, emotional, and behavioral aspects of addiction.
Treatment modalities include:
- Individual therapy: One-on-one sessions with licensed therapists to explore the root causes of your addiction, develop coping strategies, and work through trauma or co-occurring mental health conditions
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Evidence-based approach that helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that fuel substance use
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): Skills training in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness
- Group therapy: Peer support sessions where you share experiences, learn from others, and build a recovery community
- Trauma services: Specialized treatment for past trauma that may underlie your addiction
- Chemical dependency education: Learning about the science of addiction and how heroin affects your brain and body
- Family therapy: Healing damaged relationships and involving loved ones in your recovery process
Step 5: Holistic and Experiential Therapies
Recovery involves healing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Our program incorporates holistic therapies that complement traditional clinical treatment and promote overall wellness.
These include yoga and meditation for stress management, hiking and nature therapy in the beautiful Tarzana hills, physical fitness and exercise to rebuild strength and health, mindfulness training to develop present-moment awareness, and sound healing therapy to promote relaxation and emotional release.
These experiential therapies help you reconnect with yourself, discover healthy ways to manage stress, and find joy in life without substances.
Step 6: Specialty Tracks for Focused Care
Journey Hillside Tarzana offers specialized treatment tracks to meet the unique needs of specific populations.
- Professionals Program provides discreet, high-level care for licensed professionals facing addiction while maintaining career considerations.
- 12-Step Track offers intensive focus on the principles and practices of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.
- Holistic Track emphasizes alternative and complementary healing approaches for clients seeking a more integrative treatment experience.
- Veterans and First Responders who may be dealing with PTSD, trauma, and the unique stressors of their professions.
Step 7: Discharge Planning and Aftercare
Recovery doesn’t end when residential treatment is complete. Our team works closely with you to develop a comprehensive aftercare plan that supports your transition back to independent living.
This may include referrals to outpatient therapy, sober living arrangements, ongoing medication management, connection to 12-step or other recovery support groups, and strategies for relapse prevention.
We also offer alumni programming to help you stay connected to the Journey Hillside community and continue building your recovery support network.
Step 8: Ongoing Support and Relapse Prevention
Heroin addiction is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, much like diabetes or heart disease.
Throughout your time with us and beyond, we emphasize relapse prevention strategies including identifying personal triggers, developing healthy coping mechanisms, building a strong support system, maintaining physical and mental health, and knowing when to reach out for help.
FULL-SERVICE CASE MANAGEMENT AT JOURNEY HILLSIDE
At Journey Hillside Tarzana, our dedicated case management team provides comprehensive support that addresses employment concerns, legal obligations, family responsibilities, and logistical details that could otherwise derail your recovery. Our unique case management services include:
FMLA and Employment Protection
We handle the complex Family Medical Leave Act documentation process, coordinate directly with your employer’s human resources department, and ensure your job remains secure throughout treatment. Our team facilitates this process with the professionalism and confidentiality that busy professionals require, protecting both your position and your privacy.
Work-Related Coordination
Beyond FMLA paperwork, we help manage professional obligations, coordinate communication strategies with your workplace, and work with professional monitoring programs for licensed professionals subject to board oversight. Our goal is to help you return to your career stronger than before.
Legal Issue Navigation
Whether you’re facing DUI proceedings, custody matters, licensing issues, or other legal obligations, our case managers work directly with your legal counsel to ensure treatment participation is properly documented, court requirements are met, and all necessary progress reports are provided. We serve as the vital connection point between your clinical team and legal representatives.
Wraparound Life Management
We coordinate childcare arrangements, manage household responsibilities, address financial obligations, facilitate family communication, and handle countless details that accumulate during treatment—from pet care to mail management to property coordination. This comprehensive support allows you to direct your full attention to the therapeutic work that will change your life.
CONTACT JOURNEY HILLSIDE TARZANA FOR HEROIN ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAMS IN LA
Recovering from addiction isn’t a journey you have to take alone. At Journey Hillside Tarzana, we are intimately familiar with the road ahead and will be there to support you every step of the way. Not only will you find the tools you need to overcome addiction, but you’ll also discover an oasis nestled in the hills of Los Angeles designed with your comfort in mind.
Our substance abuse treatment center provides the peace, serenity and privacy you need to take a step back from daily life and truly connect with the process of recovery. Contact or call us today at 877-761-2723 and begin your recovery journey.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HEROIN ADDICTION
Why is heroin so addictive?
Heroin’s addictive nature arises from its rapid entry into the brain, binding to opioid receptors and creating an intense euphoria. As usage continues, the brain builds tolerance, needing larger amounts to replicate this sensation, hence fostering a relentless cycle of addiction. Due to the life-threatening consequences of long-term substance abuse alone, people who are ravaged by the effect of heroin use find hope when seeking out a heroin addiction treatment center in Los Angeles.
How long does it take to get addicted to heroin?
Addiction time varies among individuals due to factors such as genetics, frequency of substance use disorder before, and psychological makeup. Some may develop dependence within weeks, while others might take months. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to know that heroin poses an addiction risk even from the first use.
What does a heroin addict look like?
Heroin addiction manifests differently in individuals, making it hard to generalize an addict’s appearance. However, physical signs may include weight loss, needle marks, tiny pupils, and frequent nodding off. Emotional and behavioral changes like social withdrawal, financial problems, or frequent mood swings might also be observed.
What is the first step in treating heroin addiction?
When it comes to heroin rehab, Los Angeles treatment, such as provided by Journey Hillside, is your best and smartest first step. By turning to our caring and qualified professionals, you are also taking the all-important step of acknowledging the problem and seeking help. Detoxification follows, where medical professionals manage withdrawal symptoms, ensuring safety and comfort. This precedes comprehensive therapies addressing the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction. Bear in mind all of our clients undergo deeply personalized treatment. We understand that all situations are different, so whether you are besieged with meth addiction, heroin, alcohol abuse or dependence – or any other substance abuse disorder or use condition – we are here to help you every step of the way.
What medication is best for heroin withdrawal?
Regarding heroin detox, Los Angeles Journey Hillside provides many therapy options that make weaning yourself off of heroin far more comfortable to lessen unsavory withdrawal symptoms – this includes medical detox. Our inpatient heroin addiction treatment and detox center utilizes medications such as Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone, which are used to manage heroin withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings. However, the choice of medication is individualized, based on the patient’s mental health conditions and status, addiction severity, and potential interactions with other medications.
How long does heroin treatment usually last?
The duration of heroin treatment varies depending on individual needs and recovery progress. While some may require a few months of treatment, others might need years or lifelong management. It’s noteworthy to mention that recovery is a journey, not a destination. Our clients experience remarkable results with our tailored treatment plans, dual diagnosis treatment options, and alternative therapies – all of which work together for progressive healing and long-term recovery.
What is the success rate of heroin addiction treatment?
Success rates fluctuate depending on various factors like the first substance abuse treatment, individual’s commitment to recovery, the quality of the first residential treatment or heroin rehab treatment program, and post-treatment support. It’s worth noting that everyone is different, and therefore recovery looks different for everyone. There might be additional elements in recovery that must be considered. For example, someone who is grappling with heroin addiction while simultaneously abusing oxycodone will experience a different time length and success rate for recovery than others. That said, studies show that integrating medication-assisted treatment with counseling and social support significantly enhances recovery prospects.
How can you support others with heroin addiction?
Supporting someone with a heroin addiction entails emotional support, encouraging professional help, participating in counseling sessions, and promoting healthy lifestyle changes. It’s also important to educate yourself about the addiction your loved one is dealing with. Each addictive scenario is unique. Whether your loved one is dealing with heroin, cocaine addiction, and crack addiction, or alcohol dependency – be sure to be forearmed about the particular addiction so that you may be able to exert compassion and understanding when helping others. Also, maintain patience and understanding, recognizing that recovery is a gradual process laden with potential setbacks.
Can you be a functioning heroin addict?
Though some individuals manage to maintain work and relationships while using heroin, prescription drug use, alcohol, or other substances, it’s a precarious state. ‘Functioning’ doesn’t equate to living a healthy or fulfilling life. Over time, addiction’s toll on health, relationships, and overall life quality becomes increasingly detrimental.
