Heroin is a highly addictive opioid. When considering treatment for an opioid use disorder, you want a substance abuse treatment center that offers a mix of behavioral therapy and medication options. These two approaches help to restore changes in the brain caused by the use of heroin. An effective heroin addiction treatment center offers you a warm, comfortable environment with specialists who understand what you need for lasting recovery.

If you’re ready to begin your journey to recovery, reach out to Virtues Behavioral Health at 855.579.8599 today or connect with us online.

How Does Heroin Addiction Develop?

Heroin is an opioid that comes from morphine and opium poppy plants. Heroin, like opioids in general, is very addictive. The use of this drug changes the brain and your behavior as a result. It binds to key receptors in the brain, triggering the release of dopamine, a chemical that makes you feel good.

Over time with heroin use, the brain stops producing dopamine naturally. It relies on the opioid to stimulate its release. That leaves you wanting to use more heroin to feel the same effects.

Signs You Need a Heroin Addiction Treatment Program

Opioid use disorder doesn’t always start with heroin. Many people take prescription opioid pain relievers prescribed by their doctors and develop dependence. When they can no longer get that prescription medication, they may start to take heroin to avoid feeling sick. That withdrawal is one sign that you may need a substance abuse treatment center.

Withdrawal starts right after your last dose of heroin. You may feel agitated. You may start to vomit and develop diarrhea. Some people even run a fever and get chills.

There are other signs that it might be time for a heroin addiction treatment center in California or another area. You may feel like you need the drug and start spending money set aside for other things to get it. The use of heroin may impact your relationships and work. You may start to isolate yourself from your family and friends to keep them from noticing.

Intense urges for heroin so strong that they interfere with your life are a sure sign that you need to consider treatment. What should you look for in a heroin rehab center in Los Angeles, though?

What Should You Look for in a Heroin Rehab Center?

When looking at options for heroin treatment, you want a program that offers a variety of treatments. Outpatient treatment can be ideal for someone that wants to live at home with a strong support system and have more flexibility than they might get in an inpatient treatment facility.

For example, partial hospitalization provides you with a safe place to come during the day for treatment. At night, you can go home with family or friends or return to a sober living community that offers support.

Also, look for a heroin addiction treatment center that provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT). MAT means you take medication that can reduce your urges and withdrawal symptoms. At the same time, you undergo behavioral modification therapies to support your recovery.

Reach Out to Virtues Behavioral Health Today

Virtues Behavioral Health is a heroin rehab center in Los Angeles that offers outpatient care. The services at our center include:

• Partial hospitalization
• Intensive outpatient treatment
• A standard outpatient program
• Aftercare

We believe in providing clients with a warm and welcoming place for all people. We offer specialty programs that include men only, women only, veterans, and LGTBQ. Our center also works with couples and provides family therapy.

If you are searching for a heroin addiction treatment center in California, give us a call at 855.579.8599. The experts at Virtues Behavioral Health are waiting to answer your questions about heroin treatment.