Heroin Addiction Treatment in Ontario
Treatment Programs For You
Heroin is one of the most dangerous and addictive drugs available today. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, it’s important that you seek a treatment program that meets your unique needs in every way. Addiction doesn’t need to ruin your life.
GreeneStone’s heroin addiction treatment in Ontario can help you overcome substance use disorder and get on the path to recovery.
Negative Effects of Heroin Use
Heroin is an illicit opioid drug that’s derived from a powerful and highly addictive painkiller, morphine. The drug can be taken in a variety of ways, including being injected, smoked, or snorted. Heroin causes the user to experience a euphoric rush while also slowing down their heart rate and breathing. Many users report feeling a false sense of temporarily escaping from reality.
Unfortunately, the escape doesn’t last long. Heroin comes with devastating negative effects on the individual’s physical and mental well-being — and many risks associated with regular use. Any time a person injects heroin, they’re gambling with their life. Fatal overdoses are common, making heroin one of the most dangerous drugs to be addicted to today. Heroin is often laced with fentanyl, an even more potent opioid, increasing the risk of overdose.
Heroin Addiction Can Cause A Strain on Relationships
Heroin addiction can have a detrimental effect on your relationships as well. The truth is, substance abuse hurts more than just the person using the drug — it affects everyone around you. Spouses, children, parents, siblings, other family members, and friends all feel the effects of the heroin addiction.
Unfortunately, personal relationships aren’t the only thing that suffers. As the drug begins to take over the individual’s life, they may experience problems at work. Our clients commonly encounter problems with their employers, sometimes facing job loss as a result. That’s why it’s important to get help for heroin addiction, before things spiral out of control.
Short-Term Effects of Heroin Addiction
There are many negative short-term effects associated with heroin use. People who are addicted usually feel the need to inject every 6-12 hours. Because of how easy it is to take too much, it’s easy to accidentally overdose. It’s impossible to achieve the same high after the initial use, causing the person to use more and more heroin.
The most common short-term effects are:
- Drifting in and out of consciousness
- Extreme relaxation
- Feeling dizzy or drowsy
- Confusion
- Warm, flushed skin
- Severe itching
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slowed breathing rate
- Decreased heart rate
- Headaches
Long-Term Effects of Heroin Addiction
The negative long-term effects associated with heroin use can happen sooner than you think. The drug alters the physiology of the brain by causing the white matter to deteriorate, which can create many behavioural problems. In addition to altering the physical state of the brain, it also affects the body in a number of different ways.
These are some of the long-term effects of using heroin:
- You build a tolerance, putting you at greater risk of heroin overdose
- Dependence on the drug
- Lack of emotion (apathy)
- Unpredictable mood swings
- Impulsive behaviour
- Severe depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Irregular heartbeat
- Collapsed veins
- Chronic constipation
Risks Associated With Regular Use
Just like with any form of substance abuse, there are risks associated with regular heroin use. Here are the dangers associated with repeated use of heroin:
- Addiction
- Infectious diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis B or C
- Skin sores all over the body
- Liver disease
- Malnutrition and weight loss
- Cardiac arrest
- Respiration can stop
- Overdose
If you’re ready to begin your road to recovery or want to inquire for a loved one, our friendly intake team is ready to help.
Signs of Heroin Substance Use Disorder
Are you worried someone you love is struggling with heroin use? It’s only natural to want to help them get through it, quickly and safely. There are a number of signs and symptoms that indicate an addiction has formed or is forming. Keep in mind that it’s common for people to report being addicted after their first time using heroin.
Look out for these signs and symptoms associated with heroin addiction:
- If injecting heroin, skin sores and infections around the injection area
- Lack of interest in regular things they used to love
- A change in crowd or making new friends
- Lying to cover up the drug use
- Poor performance at work or school
- Concentration and memory problems
- Stealing or borrowing money
- Lack of proper hygiene
- Drowsiness and sleeping more often than usual
- Withdrawal after a period of 6-12 hours of not using the drug
- Nausea and vomiting after a short period of abstinence
If someone you love is showing one or more of these signs, it doesn’t necessarily signal addiction. However, if you’re noticing most or all of these symptoms, it may be time to sit down and have a talk with them.
Addiction rehab is often the only way to overcome the devastating effects of heroin use. Not only is the opioid highly addictive, but withdrawal can range from mild flu-like to life-threatening symptoms (particularly in people who have been using heroin for an extended period of time).
Heroin Substance Use Disorder Treatment – The GreeneStone Approach
Without addiction rehab, overcoming substance use disorder can be an impossible feat. This is particularly true when it comes to heroin because of the severe withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings when trying to quit. That’s why medical detox is an important first step in the recovery process.
If you or your loved one needs heroin addiction treatment in Ontario, our specialized team at GreeneStone is here to help. Our beautiful treatment centre in Muskoka provides you with the support and community you need to keep on track toward achieving your goals. We offer a variety of treatment plans to suit your needs, including medical detox, primary treatment, and second-stage treatment if you need extra support.
Unlike at many other addiction treatment centres, our inpatient program sets you up for success with a psychiatric evaluation, individual and group therapy, spiritual therapy, and trauma therapy. Our team of medical professionals will also work with you on relapse prevention, recovery coaching, and sober living strategies to create a holistic plan that meets your complete individual needs.
How To Succeed in Your Recovery
At GreeneStone, we’ll provide you with the tools to rebuild your life, free from the harm of substance abuse.
Our heroin addiction treatment program is tailored to address your unique needs, giving you a solid foundation for lasting recovery. From our warm and welcoming treatment centre environment, to individual and group counselling, to our continuing care plan post-treatment, we’re here to support you and your loved ones throughout your entire journey.
One of the greatest aspects of our program is that all of our clients gain access to our Recovery Alumni Program after completing treatment. You can attend additional peer support meetings, sober activities, and Alumni gatherings both on-site and throughout Ontario. This supportive community is one of the main reasons our clients are able to find lasting recovery after finishing addiction rehab.
If you’re not ready to go home after the completion of our inpatient program, our second-stage treatment is the perfect stepping stone. Our staff will work with you to help you stay sober, find a job, discover new passions, and integrate back into post-treatment life.
Why GreeneStone is the Right Choice
What sets us apart from other addiction treatment centres is our holistic approach to treating our clients. During your stay, we’ll work together to address any underlying and concurrent conditions, helping you regain control of your life on your own terms. Our alumni have seen tremendous success with our inpatient treatment program because we address the spiritual, relational, and physical aspects of every person who comes through our doors.
Still not sure if GreeneStone is right for you? Here’s what some of our clients are saying:
“Today I am an addict living in recovery. I am full of hope, optimism, spirituality and feeling it all. Simply put, GreeneStone gave me my life back.”
“The facilities, food, and program are a blessing for those seeking a new beginning. Perhaps the biggest blessing is the staff. At all times I was treated with kindness, and respect. They listened, challenged and helped me process my life journey and my experiences with addiction. The multidisciplinary approach was so appreciated. My intellect, emotions and faith were challenged, encouraged and explored safely and competently. I will be forever grateful.”
“My gratitude list is just way too long to list, I just can’t say enough about GreeneStone. Thank you for giving me the support, knowledge, and tools I required to start what I feel will be “the most beautiful chapter of my life.”
Contact GreeneStone to Take the Next Steps Toward Recovery
Waiting to start treatment for substance use disorder can put your life, or the life of your loved one at risk—especially when it comes to heroin addiction. Don’t wait for “rock bottom” before taking action. Opioids are highly addictive and potent drugs — and your life is too precious to lose.
If you need heroin addiction treatment in Ontario, contact or call GreeneStone to discuss treatment plans/options today. We’re here to help you every step of the way on your journey back to a healthier, happier you.