Heroin Addiction Rehab Centers in Arkansas

Updated on January 24, 2018

Heroin abuse impacts families each year, but the rates of addiction fluctuate and change over time. Although the rates remained stable for several years, the CDC reports that the last five years have shown an upward trend of heroin abuse and casualties. Since 2010, the rates of heroin-related casualties have increased by three times, says the CDC. While national rates show an upward trend, the number of individuals entering treatment for addiction in Arkansas remain stable, explains the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Since 2010, Arkansas residents have shown an upward trend of opiate abuse, but heroin abuse levels have only risen slightly. Due to the increased rate of heroin abuse across the country, treating the addiction in an appropriate facility helps reduce the risks of long-term health consequences.

Health Consequences of Heroin Abuse

Abusing heroin causes complications to personal health and well-being over a lifetime. A single experiment with the drug increases the risk of addiction and potentially causes serious health concerns that persist for years or even a lifetime.

The health risks of abusing heroin include:

• Slow respiratory rates, which result in oxygen deprivation and related health concerns
• Brain damage
• Organ damage
• Slow heart rate, which also contributes to oxygen deprivation in the body
• Coma
• Overdose
• Death
• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness

The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that the short-term consequences potentially cause lasting complications to personal health if breathing rates or the heart rate reduces to the point of causing coma or brain damage. In the long-term, individuals face a high risk of addiction and the related complications that stem from long-term heroin abuse.

Treating an Addiction to Heroin

Heroin treatment solutions depend on personal goals and concerns. As a general rule, a treatment plan incorporates the use of medications and cognitive treatments that help reduce the risk of a relapse in the future. Medication helps reduce the cravings associated with the drug and reduce the impact of withdrawal symptoms until an individual has the ability to avoid the drug without the medications.

A medically supervised program helps reduce the number of risks and complications because it addresses the health concerns that develop. An effective program also recognizes the impact of mental health disorders on an addiction and identify any underlying mental health concerns that contribute to an addiction to heroin.