If you think your teen would never touch heroin, think again. A recent SAMHSA study found that an alarming 40 percent of teens don’t perceive any great risk in trying heroin once or twice, and almost 19 percent of teens don’t perceive any great risk in trying heroin once or twice a week. Unfortunately, heroin is a highly addictive drug that can quickly produce physical dependence and whose strength varies from dose to dose, leaving users vulnerable to overdose each time they use it. If your teen is using heroin, it’s important to recognize the problem and seek treatment right away. A heroin rehab will provide your teen the treatment he or she needs to live a life free of drug abuse.
Signs Your Teen is Using Heroin
Teens who have a heroin problem rarely seek treatment because they fear telling their parents that they heroin. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs that your teen is abusing heroin. Some of these signs include:
* Drowsiness
* Slurred speech
* Constricted pupils
* Nausea
* Euphoria
* Impaired mental functioning
* Slowed breathing
* Signs of injection, such as track marks, bumps and infected sores
* Poor hygiene
* Drug paraphernalia, such as needles
* Runny nose
* Change in friends
* Withdrawal from or lack of interest in old friends, usual activities and family
* Hostility
The Importance of Getting Your Teen Into Heroin Rehab
Drug abuse destroys lives. For adolescents, this destruction can be even more severe and far-reaching. Studies show that people who become chemically dependent at an early age are more at risk for developing addictions that are very resistant to treatment and have a higher likelihood of developing other substance abuse problems and relapsing later in life. Heroin rehab can save your teen from a lifelong battle with addiction.
What to Expect at Teen Heroin Rehab
The first step of heroin rehab is to enter a detoxification program. During the detox process, your teen will be safely monitored and treated for withdrawal symptoms that can include extreme fatigue, flu-like symptoms, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, depression, anxiety and severe drug craving. These symptoms can begin within a few hours and peak between 48 and 72 hours after the last dose. They will often subside after about a week, but some individuals will experience persistent symptoms for months. Severely dependent users who are in poor health can be at risk for death if sudden withdrawal occurs; however, it is normally less dangerous to withdraw from heroin than alcohol or barbiturates. That’s why the detox period will be supervised by trained medical personnel who will monitor your withdrawal and make sure you are safe and as comfortable as possible.
During heroin detox, certain medications may be used to help minimize withdrawal symptoms. The most common medications used during heroin detox and after to help prevent relapse are methadone, chlondine, buprenorphine and suboxone.
After detox, successful treatment can begin. The most effective treatment for heroin addiction is a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the physical effects of the heroin addiction, but the psychological effects as well. A comprehensive approach that combines behavioral therapy, individual counseling, 12-Step support, drug testing, dual diagnosis and positive reinforcement has been shown to be the most effective way to reduce heroin abuse. Some heroin rehab centers will also introduce holistic therapies such as yoga and equine therapies to help your teen reconnect his or her body, mind and spirit — all areas that are damaged by addiction.
Teen Heroin Rehab at Casa Palmera
Casa Palmera provides heroin rehab for teens and adults that’s based on a holistic program that treats not only the physical dependence on heroin but also the emotional and mental issues that have fueled the drug use. In addition to traditional methods of heroin addiction treatment, we also offer a variety of holistic methods such as massage (for an additional cost)and yoga to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and return the person to a balanced state of well-being.
Don’t let an addiction to heroin destroy your teen’s life. Call Casa Palmera today.
About the author
