Heroin Addiction Treatment Dallas, TX
Heroin, a highly addictive recreational drug, belongs to the class of opioids (narcotic analgesics). Also known as diamorphine, it’s one of the most widely abused drugs worldwide. However, a drug of abuse, Heroin has a very important medicinal use. So, what is heroin, and why is it so addictive?







What Is Heroin?
Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive drug processed from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of certain varieties of poppy plants. It is typically sold as a white or brownish powder or the black sticky substance known on the streets as “black tar heroin.” The drug can be injected, inhaled by snorting or sniffing, or smoked, rapidly delivering it to the brain. It’s not recommended to quit without treatment.
Short-Term
When the user delivers the drug to their system, there will be analgesic action, and the user will experience a so-called ‘rush.' This rush is an intense increase in euphoria. Immediately after taking heroin, users may experience the following:
A surge of euphoria or "rush"
Warm flushing of the skin
Dry mouth
Heavy feeling in the extremities
Nausea
Vomiting
Severe itching
Drowsiness for several hours
Intense pleasure
Long-Term
In the long run, heroin affects the body by disrupting the balance between neuronal and hormonal chemicals. Heroin produces extensive degrees of tolerance, dependance, and withdrawal. Furthermore, the user's immune system becomes depressed, and the person is prone to contracting various diseases. Long-term heroin use can lead to devastating health consequences. These include:
Insomnia
Collapsed veins for those who inject the drug
Damaged nasal tissue for those who sniff or snort it
Infection of the heart lining and valves
Abscesses (swollen tissue filled with pus)
Liver and kidney disease
Lung complications, including pneumonia
Mental disorders such as depression and antisocial personality disorder
Sexual dysfunction for men
Irregular menstrual cycles for women
Job Loss
Potential HIV contraction
Why is Heroin so addictive?
Heroin is so addictive because it manipulates the brain’s reward system. When heroin enters the brain, it is converted back into morphine, which binds to molecules in cells known as opioid receptors. These receptors are located in many areas of the brain (and the body), especially those involved in perceiving pain and reward. The drug’s interaction with these receptors triggers the same biochemical processes that reward people with pleasure when they engage in activities necessary for survival, like eating and sex.
Heroin Addiction Treatment with Real Deal Therapy & Wellnes
At Real Deal Therapy & Wellness, we understand the devastating impact of heroin addiction. Our intensive outpatient program in Dallas, TX, provides a comprehensive approach to substance use disorder and addiction treatment, focusing on each person’s needs. We don’t offer a single treatment for all; instead, we tailor our substance abuse treatment programs to address each individual’s unique challenges and needs.
Our drug rehab program includes various treatment options, from individual and group therapy to family and recreational therapy. We believe that overcoming drug addiction requires a holistic approach that addresses the physical aspects of drug addiction and the psychological, social, and environmental factors that contribute to it.
We are experienced in helping individuals manage withdrawal symptoms, understand their addictive behaviors, and develop strategies for long-term recovery. We also offer a partial hospitalization program for those who require more intensive substance abuse treatment.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms are opposite to the effects of drug. Withdrawal symptoms of heroin can be best described as a serious case of flu. These symptoms arise within 24 hours of the withdrawal of the drug lasting up to 10 days. Some of the withdrawal symptoms associated with heroin are as follows:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Depression
- Increased heart rate
- Abdominal pain
- Runny nose
- Lacrimation
- Salivation
- Chills
- Muscle and bony aches
- Vomiting
Overdose
Overdosing is a very dangerous and life-threatening consequence for heroin users. Overdose usually happens in addicts but may also happen in people trying it out for the first time. A person who has overdosed on heroin might have symptoms such as:
- Shallow, slow, and difficult breathing
- Extremely small pupils (miosis)
- Low blood pressure and weak pulse
- Delirium and disorientation
Such users should be promptly identified and rushed to a nearby health clinic for immediate treatment. FDA-approved drug called naloxone is the major antidote for heroin in overdose settings.
Specialized Treatment at Real Deal Therapy & Wellness
We understand that each person’s journey to recovery is unique. That’s why we offer specialized treatment options to meet the diverse needs of our patients. These include:
Family Therapy: Drug addiction affects the entire family, not just the individual. Our family therapy sessions help families understand the nature of addiction and how to support their loved ones on their recovery journey.
Recreational Therapy: This therapy uses recreational activities to improve physical, emotional, and mental health. It can be a powerful tool in helping individuals overcome drug addiction and achieve lasting sobriety.
Sober Living: We offer sober homes near Dallas for those transitioning from our outpatient recovery program. These provide a supportive, drug-free environment that promotes long-term sobriety.
Understanding Your Medical History
We believe that understanding your medical history is a crucial part of your recovery journey. It helps us tailor our treatment programs to your needs and circumstances. We understand that no two people are the same; therefore, no two treatment plans should be the same.
Long-Term Recovery and Sobriety
Long-term recovery and sobriety is our ultimate goal for everyone who walks through our doors. We understand that overcoming addiction is not a quick fix but a lifelong commitment. We provide the tools and support you need to achieve lasting sobriety.
Your Recovery Journey Starts Here
Recovery from heroin addiction is a lifelong journey, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. At Real Deal Therapy & Wellness, we believe in the resilience of those we serve. We understand that while it may seem like an unwinnable battle, everyone has the potential to overcome addiction and thrive.
Our goal is to empower every client so that they can take control of their lives. We focus on what works, not just the underlying problem. Our approach is different because we believe unique problems, such as mental health and addiction, require unique solutions.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, please get in touch with us. Our team of licensed professionals is ready to help you start your recovery journey. We are located in Dallas, TX, and serve the surrounding areas.
At Real Deal Therapy & Wellness, we are committed to helping you overcome addiction and improve your quality of life. We believe in your potential to recover and are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help you on your path to recovery.
in the future. Luckily, there are many drug rehabs near you. The family of the patient should also be counseled on how to deal with their loved one and support him during this difficult time.
Heroin FAQ's
Below are some quick answers to frequently asked questions about heroin.
Where does heroin come from?
Heroin, like the majority of illegal substances, originates in plants. It is processed from morphine, a natural substance that’s extracted from various species of the poppy plant grown. Poppy plants are grown abundantly in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and Columbia. After the plant is extracted, the process of creating heroin begins.
How do people use heroin?
- Via injection: also known as, ‘shooting up’, ‘slamming’, ‘banging’, or ‘mainlining’, this is the most commonly used method. Being the most common, it also brings in great risk compared to other methods of administration, one of the majors being transmission of blood-borne diseases like HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis if multiple people use the same syringe. People most commonly inject heroin in the superficial veins of their arms but can later on opt for other veins like the femoral vein in groin. This can increase the risk of DVT.
- Ingestion (swallowing): this route is not very mundane because of its less powerful action. The reason being the first pass metabolism of the drug when it passes through the gastrointestinal tract.
- Sniffing
- Snorting (insufflation)
- Smoking: quickest way of drug administration. It’s generally smoked in glass pipes.
- Suppository (anal insertion)
- Pessary (vaginal insertion)
A very common practice, known as speed balling, is mixing heroin with cocaine and injecting them together or snorting them together.
Can I stop heroin on my own?
Most of the time people need support to get off of heroin. Detoxing in a proper setting is always recommended at the very least. After you are physically separated from the drug for a period of time, its important to find substance in your life. If not, you may relapse and go back to old behaviors. That is why dealing with the underlying issues- whether through therapy or rehab– will ultimately lead to a more succesful outcome.