Heroin Treatment in Colorado & New Mexico

Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine, a natural substance taken from the seed pod of the various opium poppy plants

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Clinically Reviewed By Dr. Jeremy Dubin

In the battle against heroin addiction, hope emerges at Porch Light Health, serving New Mexico and Colorado. Heroin addiction is a complex issue, and it's crucial to address it comprehensively. At Porch Light Health, we are committed to combating the heroin epidemic by providing effective Medications for Addiction Treatment, Behavioral Health, and Psychiatric Services, and a range of accessible treatment options.

Understanding Heroin

Before we delve into our approach to heroin addiction treatment, it’s essential to understand the nature of heroin itself. Heroin, derived from morphine, is a potent and highly addictive opioid. It's recognized for its capacity to provide pain relief and induce an intense euphoric state. The improper use of heroin can result in serious consequences, leading individuals down a perilous road of addiction.

What is Heroin, and Where Does It Come From?

Heroin, classified as an opioid, is synthesized from morphine, extracted from the opium poppy plants predominantly grown in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and Colombia. Refining morphine into heroin involves chemical modifications, resulting in a drug that is significantly more potent and addictive than its precursor.

What Does Heroin Look Like?

Heroin exhibits diverse physical forms, which include a powdery substance that can be either white or brown, as well as a dark, viscous variant commonly referred to as "black tar heroin." This range of appearances underscores the adaptability and versatility of the drug, making it essential for individuals to be aware of its various manifestations and associated risks.

What Are Some Street Names for Heroin?

Heroin is frequently known by a multitude of street names, including "big H," "horse," "hell dust," and "smack." These colloquial terms may vary, but they collectively allude to the drug's potency, origins, and the profound effects it can have on the lives of those who use it.

How Do People Use Heroin?

Heroin consumption involves various methods, each carrying specific risks. Injecting heroin delivers an immediate high but poses severe dangers such as infections and overdose. Sniffing or snorting powdered heroin, while less invasive, can lead to nasal damage and cravings. Smoking heroin reduces injection risks but can cause respiratory issues. Speedballing, mixing heroin with stimulants such as crack cocaine, is particularly hazardous, creating unpredictable highs and increasing overdose risk.

Heroin Use And its Effects on the Brain and Body

Heroin affects the brain by binding to specific receptors, inhibiting pain signals, and releasing dopamine, creating a sense of pleasure and reward. Heroin use can lead to a wide range of physical and psychological effects.

Short-Term Effects of Heroin

These short-term effects often lead to long-term health problems, addiction, and a devastating impact on one's quality of life.

Intense euphoria
Dry mouth
Skin flushing
Heaviness in limbs
Sedation
Pain relief
Nausea and vomiting
Itchy skin
Slowed heart rate
Shallow breathing
Nodding off, or oscillating between consciousness and semi-consciousness

Long-Term Effects of Heroin Use

Prolonged heroin use can result in a range of lasting health issues, including:

Insomnia
Collapsed veins for those injecting heroin
Nasal tissue damage from snorting or sniffing the substance
Heart lining and valve infections
Abscesses
Chronic constipation and digestive problems
Organ damage
Respiratory problems
Sexual dysfunction for men
Menstrual irregularities
Mental issues like depression and personality disorders may develop

Understanding these short-term and long-term effects underscores the urgent need to address heroin addiction, as it not only compromises physical health but also leads to significant mental, social, and emotional challenges.

Can a Person Overdose on Heroin?

Yes, heroin overdose is a significant and life-threatening risk. Heroin, a potent central nervous system depressant, can lead to profound respiratory depression. In this condition, breathing slows down significantly or even stops altogether, necessitating immediate and decisive action.

How is a Heroin Overdose treated?

In treating a heroin overdose, calling 911 or seeking help from medical professionals without delay is essential. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is a medication specifically designed to counteract the effects of a heroin overdose. It works rapidly by binding to opioid receptors in the body, effectively reversing the overdose's effects, particularly the dangerous respiratory depression. Timely intervention with naloxone can be the critical factor in saving a person's life, ensuring they regain normal breathing and consciousness.

Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal

When a person with a history of heavy and prolonged heroin use decides to stop or significantly reduce their intake, they may experience heroin withdrawal. Signs and symptoms of heroin withdrawal may include the following:

Restlessness: Individuals may feel constantly on edge, finding it difficult to relax.
Muscle and Bone Pain: This pain can range from mild discomfort to more severe aches and pains that affect various parts of the body.
Insomnia: Restlessness and discomfort can make it challenging for individuals to get the needed rest.
Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal symptoms are common during heroin withdrawal. Dehydration can become a concern, so it's essential to stay hydrated during this phase.
Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can also be part of the withdrawal process. This can further contribute to dehydration and discomfort.
Cold Flashes: Individuals experiencing heroin withdrawal may alternate between feeling excessively cold and experiencing sudden hot flashes.
Involuntary Leg Movements: Restless leg syndrome, characterized by involuntary leg movements and discomfort, is a hallmark of heroin withdrawal. This can be exceptionally bothersome, making it challenging to sit or lie still.

Although these symptoms can be challenging to endure, they typically are not life-threatening. The discomfort that comes with heroin withdrawal, however, can be a substantial obstacle to conquering addiction. During this challenging phase of recovery, having healthcare professionals by your side for monitoring and support, along with engaging in a structured addiction treatment program, can make a big difference.

How is Heroin Addiction Treated?

Addressing heroin addiction requires a multi-faceted approach. Behavioral therapies, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) with methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone, can be effective. Porch Light Health offers comprehensive treatment options to support individuals on their journey to recovery.

Treatment for Heroin Addiction at Porch Light Health

It's essential to differentiate between tolerance, dependence, and addiction when using heroin. Tolerance refers to the body's adaptation to the drug, dependence involves physiological reactions, and addiction is a complex behavioral and neurological condition.

At Porch Light Health, we believe in a holistic approach to heroin addiction treatment. We understand that addressing the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction is essential for lasting recovery. This includes education on problem drug use, the potential of fentanyl-laced substances, as well as providing treatment

Our treatment options include:

Ambulatory Medically Supervised Withdrawal Services

Porch Light Health's Ambulatory Medically Supervised Withdrawal Services (AMSWS) addresses the needs of individuals in the "middle ground" between service for patients who require higher levels of care versus traditional outpatient treatment. This service offers a safe space in designated clinics for monitored withdrawal from substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines, along with in-house buprenorphine induction. AMSWS fills a vital gap in Colorado's treatment landscape, reflecting our commitment to individualized care and providing a flexible and compassionate option for those requiring support during withdrawal.

Medications for Heroin Addiction

At Porch Light Health, we proudly offer Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) services for individuals seeking addiction treatment in Colorado and New Mexico. MAT combines medications like buprenorphine (Suboxone®) and naltrexone (Vivitrol) with counseling and behavioral therapies, offering evidence-based care to effectively manage substance use disorders, reduce cravings, and help individuals achieve lasting recovery.

Behavioral Health and Psychiatric Care

Porch Light Health provides essential Behavioral Health Services in Colorado and New Mexico, offering in-person and virtual counseling, ASAM-accredited assessments, and flexible scheduling to support individuals on their recovery journey. Our experienced counselors address underlying mental health issues, equipping clients with tools to navigate life's challenges without resorting to substances.

Our specialized Psychiatric Services work with behavioral modalities to bridge the intricate relationship between mental health and addiction, utilizing comprehensive assessments, tailored treatment plans, medication management, and therapeutic interventions. This collaborative approach ensures individuals receive holistic care that addresses medical and therapeutic needs.

High Access, Low Barrier Treatment

We understand that accessibility is crucial to effective treatment. That's why we offer various treatment options, including telehealth services and mobile clinics, to ensure that quality care is always within reach. With over 60 points of care across Colorado, including over 30 rural and frontier areas, we bring recovery and addiction treatment to diverse communities.

Our unique initiative includes four MAT mobile routes covering strategic regions, offering medications for addiction treatment (MAT), supportive medications, and valuable recovery resources in remote areas. Our medical providers can prescribe MAT via telehealth, further expanding treatment options.

Integrated Infectious Disease Treatment

Porch Light Health's hepatitis C/HIV treatment program addresses related complications of opioid use disorder (OUD) and injecting drug use (IDU), including HIV and hepatitis C (HCV). We offer integrated evaluations, diagnoses, and treatments for hepatitis C and HIV within our comprehensive care framework. Our approach involves collaboration between our Infectious Disease and MAT teams, ensuring individuals with co-occurring conditions receive specialized, coordinated care.

Take the First Step

Recovery is possible, and it begins with taking that first step. If you're ready to break free from heroin addiction and start your journey to a brighter, healthier future, Porch Light Health is here. Don't let heroin addiction control your life any longer. Fill out our New Patient Registration Form today or call us at 866-394-6123, and let's walk this path to recovery together.

References

1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). 2021, April 13. What are the long-term effects of heroin use?. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/what-are-long-term-effects-heroin-use on 2023, October 17

2. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). 2021, April 13. What are the immediate (short-term) effects of heroin use?. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/what-are-immediate-short-term-effects-heroin-use on 2023, October 17

3. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). 2021, April 13. Why does heroin use create special risk for contracting HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C?. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/why-are-heroin-users-special-risk-contracting-hivaids-hepatitis-b-c on 2023, October 17

4. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). 2023, March 3. What can be done for a heroin overdose?. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/what-can-be-done-for-heroin-overdose on 2023, October 17

5. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). 2022, December 16. Heroin DrugFacts. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/heroin on 2023, October 17

6. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (n.d.) Street & Commercial Names. https://www.nihlibrary.nih.gov/resources/subject-guides/opioids/street-commercial-names

7. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). 2022, March 22. What effects does heroin have on the body?. Retrieved from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/heroin/effects-of-heroin-on-body on 2023, October 17

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