Opioid addiction is one of the biggest problems facing the United States today. The number of heroin overdoses has quadrupled in the past few years, and it’s now the leading cause of accidental death. While prescription painkillers are responsible for many of these fatalities, the primary reason is heroin. An illicit opioid like heroin can be highly addictive, and once someone has developed a heroin addiction, it can be challenging to break the habit.
It’s a good thing that addiction treatment services exist for cases like this. M.D. M.A.T.T. provides heroin addiction treatment in Washington, D.C., in the form of a Suboxone treatment program. Call 202.933.5583 to learn more about our heroin rehab center in Washington, D.C., or schedule an appointment today.
What Is Heroin?
Heroin is a highly addictive illegal substance derived from the opium poppy. It is a white or brown powder or a black sticky substance known as “black tar heroin.” It is typically injected, sniffed, or smoked. People who abuse heroin often feel a surge of euphoria followed by dry mouth, a warm flushing of the skin, heaviness of the extremities, and clouded mental functioning.
People struggling with heroin addiction often turn to criminal activity to get money to buy the drug, which can lead to a spiral of addiction and criminal behavior. If you or someone you know is struggling with heroin addiction, it is essential to enroll in a heroin addiction treatment program to overcome it.
What Are the Signs of Heroin Addiction?
The signs of heroin addiction can be challenging to spot, as people who are addicted to heroin often try to keep their use hidden. However, some telltale signs may indicate a problem, such as:
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Withdrawing from friends and activities
- Losing interest in hobbies or activities
- Experiencing financial problems
- Engaging in illegal activity to get money for heroin
- Having heroin paraphernalia, such as syringes, pipes, or burned foil
If you notice these signs in yourself or someone you know, you must seek help at a heroin addiction treatment center as soon as possible. Remember that many heroin addiction cases end in fatal overdoses or other causes of death.
What Comprises Heroin Addiction Treatment?
Heroin addiction treatment typically includes counseling and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Counseling helps people identify the root causes of their addiction and develop coping mechanisms for dealing with triggers and stressors. MAT uses medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help people wean themselves off heroin while minimizing withdrawal symptoms.
One FDA-approved medication that’s part of many comprehensive heroin addiction treatment plans is Suboxone. This medication is a partial opioid agonist, which activates the same brain receptors as heroin but to a much weaker degree.
What Are the Benefits of Suboxone Treatment for Heroin Addiction?
Suboxone treatment is an effective way to treat heroin addiction. It helps people reduce their heroin cravings and prevents them from getting high if they do use heroin. As it’s a type of MAT, Suboxone treatment is typically used in conjunction with counseling and other forms of therapy. The therapeutic approaches that often accompany Suboxone treatment include:
- Individual counseling
- Group counseling
- Family counseling
In heroin addiction treatment centers, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques are typically used in the therapeutic approaches mentioned above. After all, CBT is proven effective in treating addiction.
Find Heroin Addiction Treatment in Washington DC at MD M.A.T.T.
MD M.A.T.T. is a leading provider of heroin addiction treatment in Washington, D.C., offering Suboxone treatment to help people overcome their addiction and lead healthy lives. Contact MD M.A.T.T. Washington, D.C., today at 202.933.5583 to learn more about our heroin addiction treatment program and how our heroin rehab center in Washington, D.C., can help you or your loved one overcome heroin addiction.
