Tampa Heroin Drug Rehab
In the United States, heroin overdose rates have increased among both men and women according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In fact, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that the increase in deaths related to heroin overdose was "5-fold" from 2001 to 2013. This dramatic increase in overdose rates suggests that the heroin abuse is escalating too. When suffering from an addiction, it's essential to understand the risks and to seek help from Tampa drug rehab centers - to find a rehab center - as soon as possible.
What Is Heroin?
Heroin is an illicit drug that is synthesized from morphine, also an addictive drug that is derived from the opium poppy. Because of its addictive properties, many people have developed powerful dependencies on the drug after only a few uses. People who become addicted face intense withdrawal symptoms if they attempt to stop using the drug. Yet continuing to abuse heroin can lead to serious and even deadly health consequences. Heroin addiction sufferers face health risks like liver and kidney damage, impaired cognitive function, and a drastic increase in serious infections like HIV or hepatitis C.
Why Is Heroin So Addictive?
Heroin is so addictive that recovering addicts face an 89% relapse rate even after treatment. Addiction specialists report that heroin induces powerful physical, psychological, and behavioral dependencies. One of the reasons people become addicted after a mere couple uses is because the body develops a tolerance to the drug quickly. A person takes the drug to experience a euphoric high, but a higher dose is required soon after in order to achieve that same level of euphoria. In no time, a physical dependency occurs, which can be immensely difficult to break without treatment.
Heroin Addiction Treatment
The best way to reduce those devastating overdose rates is through evidence-based addiction treatments like medical detox and cognitive behavioral therapy. During treatment, addiction sufferers will be carefully weaned from heroin and possibly treated with drugs like methadone or buprenorphine to reduce the intense cravings associated with the drug. Addiction can be managed effectively with residential treatment, but the sooner the better.