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Heroin Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles: Healing Mind, Body, and Spirit
Heroin use disorder (HUD) and other forms of opioid use disorder (OUD) impact millions of people in Southern California each year. Unaddressed heroin addiction has the potential to cause a whole range of mental and physical health problems. Early intervention and treatment provide the best outcomes for individuals struggling with OUD or dual diagnosis. Desert Willow Wellness offers comprehensive heroin detox, rehabilitation, and aftercare programs. Our continuum of care ensures you have the resources, skills, and information you need to maintain lasting sobriety.
What Is Heroin and How Does It Affect the Body and Mind?
Heroin is a substance that causes a euphoric effect with a high risk of dependence or addiction. According to MedlinePlus, “Heroin is an illegal, very addictive opioid drug [. . .] made from morphine, which comes from the seedpod of opium poppy plants.”
The drug is illegal to use and often made using additives, including laundry detergent, xylazine, and rat poison. You never know what may have been added to street drugs, and some combinations may prove dangerous even at extremely low doses. A single instance of heroin use can lead to injury, illness, or death.
Heroin affects opioid receptors and brain chemistry, changing how you respond to certain stimuli. The brain's reward centers become affected, and you begin to lose interest in previously enjoyed activities. Drug addiction also impacts your general health by affecting the function of multiple body systems, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. The effects of heroin vary depending on the dose, type of additives, and how long you abuse it.
Some known short-term and long-term effects of heroin abuse include:
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High risk of being diagnosed with hepatitis
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Endocarditis and other heart issues
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A decline in mental health and cognition
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Slowed breathing
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Nausea or vomiting
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Bacterial infections
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Abscesses
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Collapsed veins
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Increased risk of experiencing a heroin overdose
Our treatment center has medical staff on-site to address any lingering problems and long-term side effects caused by chronic heroin abuse. We prioritize the well-being of our clients and use various therapeutic modalities and interventions to help them heal.
Benefits of Early Intervention and Treatment
Heroin rehab treats addiction and the side effects of SUD using psychotherapy, peer support, prescription medications, and holistic therapies. Our treatment programs address the impact of substance use disorder (SUD) by providing each client with a personalized treatment plan and high-quality health care. Early intervention reduces the severity of opioid withdrawal for some individuals.
Signs of Heroin Use and Dependence
The signs of heroin use disorder vary depending on the dose, how long it was abused, and the presence of co-occurring health issues. Some common warning signs of heroin addiction include:
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Physical Signs: Track marks around veins or other unexplained injuries, unintentional and noticeable weight loss, frequently falling asleep throughout the day, physical dependence on heroin, drug cravings, slowed breathing
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Behavioral Signs: Secretive behavior, withdrawal from family members and friends, and unusual lack of responsibility
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Emotional Signs: Depressive episodes, anxiety or panic attacks, and trauma responses
Heroin addiction treatment uses therapy, prescription medications, and other support services to address the various symptoms and side effects of SUD. Many people who abuse opiate or opioids have co-occurring disorders affecting their symptoms. Our clinical team uses mental health treatments to help clients manage multiple conditions effectively.
Understanding Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms and Detoxification
Heroin withdrawal may cause nausea, muscle pain, cravings, insomnia, and other symptoms. Medical detox with healthcare support protects you from potentially severe medical complications by ensuring you always have access to necessary medical support. The symptoms and side effects can be dangerous for individuals quitting cold turkey. Desert Willow Wellness has a team of experienced medical staff available to provide safe, supportive heroin detox in Southern California.
Medication-Assisted Treatment for Heroin Addiction
The side effects and symptoms of heroin withdrawal may cause significant physical discomfort and emotional distress. Many people in rehabilitation for substance abuse benefit from medication-assisted treatment (MAT). According to Rand Health Quarterly, “MAT is the use of approved medications combined with counseling, other behavioral therapies, and patient monitoring to treat opioid use disorder." Desert Willow Wellness offers MAT services to clients who may benefit from additional medical and mental health support.
The prescription medications used to treat SUD include:
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Buprenorphine: Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms
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Methadone: Stabilizes opioid receptors for a safer recovery
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Naltrexone: Blocks opioid effects to prevent relapse
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Suboxone: Combines buprenorphine and naloxone
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) consider MAT an effective treatment for heroin addiction and other forms of SUD.
Comprehensive Heroin Addiction Treatment Options
Our comprehensive heroin addiction treatment programs include the following:
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Detox treatment
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Inpatient residential care
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Dual diagnosis treatment
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Referral to partial hospitalization program (PHP)
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Referrals to intensive outpatient program (IOP) or outpatient services
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Aftercare and alumni services
The continuum of care we offer ensures you have the support you need to safely regain control of your life and reintegrate into the community. We move at your pace and give you access to continued support as you gradually gain independence through every stage of treatment.
Therapies to Support Recovery
Everyone has different needs and recovery goals. We use a wide range of therapies to support your recovery, including evidence-based psychotherapy and complementary treatments. Our programs use an integrative approach to care that improves the effectiveness of talk therapy and other traditional modalities. Most clients continue to use the skills they learn in treatment for the rest of their lives, improving overall health and wellness.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
We use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to show clients how to effectively manage thoughts and behaviors linked to drug use. CBT is one of the most effective and popular therapeutic modalities for addressing SUD and many common mental health disorders. Individuals generally use CBT to identify and replace maladaptive thoughts, behaviors, and coping mechanisms.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you manage SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders by doing the following:
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Challenging unhealthy thought patterns and beliefs
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Improving emotional regulation
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Reducing stress levels
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Increasing resilience
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Connecting thoughts with behaviors
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Encouraging self-care and personal growth
We use CBT and other treatment approaches, including holistic therapies, to provide more comprehensive support.
Mindfulness-Based Therapies
Some people benefit from engaging in holistic therapies. Mindfulness is one of the most effective forms of alternative medicine. Mindfulness-based therapies complement psychotherapy and other services by offering you an easy way to manage stress and anxiety. Mindfulness builds resilience, improves emotional regulation, increases self-awareness, and encourages healthy lifestyle choices.
Relapse Prevention Planning
Relapse prevention education and planning ensure you know how to identify and manage any potential relapse triggers you encounter during ongoing recovery. We collaborate with each client to create a relapse prevention strategy and develop essential skills for handling cravings and stress.
Family Therapy and Support Groups
The effects of opioids impact every member of a family unit. We believe family has an important role to play in the recovery process.
Family therapy supports recovery by helping you do the following:
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Rebuild trust
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Develop healthy communication
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Improve accountability
We encourage families to use family therapy and other support services to repair damaged relationships, strengthen family bonds, and develop healthier dynamics. Treatment can give you and your loved ones the skills to learn, grow, and heal together.
Addressing Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
We use integrated care to address generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), untreated trauma, and other mental health conditions commonly diagnosed alongside heroin dependence. Our team of experts treats mental health and substance abuse simultaneously to ensure long-term success. Improving mental health during the early stages of treatment reduces the risk of relapse and makes it easier for you to focus on overcoming the effects of heroin addiction.
Aftercare and Long-Term Recovery Support
Desert Willow Wellness encourages alumni and their loved ones to participate in our ongoing support groups. We also offer medication management, continued therapy sessions, relapse prevention, and other services to individuals in our alumni programs. Alumni and their families always have a place at our facility, and we continue to offer guidance and support whenever alumni need help navigating challenges in recovery.
FAQs About Heroin Addiction Treatment
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about our heroin addiction treatment program.
How long does heroin detox take?
Detox generally takes about a week for most clients. Individuals addicted to more than one substance may experience prolonged or more severe withdrawal symptoms. Each case is unique, and we tailor our detox program to your specific needs.
Is MAT just trading one drug for another?
Some people hesitate to take advantage of MAT and other services due to the stigma surrounding prescription medications. MAT drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as treatment in alcohol and drug addiction rehabilitation programs. These medications help people safely transition off addictive substances.
All medications have potential side effects. However, the benefits of MAT medications outweigh the risks for most individuals. You can speak with our team of experts to learn more and determine if MAT services may be right for you. We respect each client's goals, values, and beliefs and will work with you to determine if you may benefit from MAT.
Can outpatient treatment work for heroin addiction?
Medical professionals should monitor heroin withdrawal. Residential detox allows experts to monitor physical and emotional changes to ensure they can easily adjust medications or other forms of treatment as needed.
After the detox stage of treatment, outpatient services can help you continue recovering from the effects of SUD. Partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs offer accountability, support, guidance, and continued care. We have an outpatient aftercare program and refer clients to PHP, IOP, or other outpatient services when necessary.
How do I support a loved one in treatment?
You can support a loved one in heroin addiction treatment by providing emotional and practical support. Heroin rehab offers education, resources, and tools for families navigating the recovery process. We understand how difficult it can be to watch a loved one go through treatment. Our compassionate team of experts is here to help you and your family heal together from the effects of heroin use. Every program offers families support and therapy to facilitate healing and encourage healthier family dynamics.
What happens after completing a program?
After completing a program, you have the option to step down to a lower level of care or transition to aftercare. We collaborate with clients and their loved ones to ensure they make informed decisions about next steps in rehabilitation.
Many people go through the entire continuum of care, including:
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Detox
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Residential treatment
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Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
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Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
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Outpatient
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Sober living
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Aftercare
If you would benefit from a program or services unavailable at Desert Willow Wellness, we will provide referrals and continue offering ongoing support.
We treat heroin addiction and co-occurring conditions using personalized care and an integrative approach to treatment. Begin your healing journey at Desert Willow Wellness by calling us today at (800) 939-0216.
At Desert Willow Wellness, we offer personalized treatment programs designed to meet the complex needs of individuals seeking recovery, blending evidence-based practices with holistic therapies to heal the mind, body, and spirit. Whether you require medically supervised detox or an immersive residential experience, our dedicated team provides the highest quality care in a serene and luxurious environment. Our programs are tailored to address the diverse needs of individuals from all backgrounds, ensuring every client receives the compassionate care and respect they deserve.
