Heroin is a semisynthetic opiate or narcotic that acts as a central nervous system depressant.

The drug is derived from morphine, a chemical compound extracted from the opium poppy. It is infamous for its highly addictive nature – it takes very few doses for the body to begin to build up a tolerance.

Heroin users experience an initial “rush” of euphoric feelings, followed by hours of drowsiness and slowed bodily functions. It takes very little for heroin addiction to establish, and once dependent, the drug’s notorious withdrawal symptoms make unaided recovery very difficult.

The use of heroin and other opioids has risen sharply in the past twenty years across the United States.

The National Center for Health Statistics illustrates the scope of this with the following data:

• In 2019 the number of deaths from drug-involved overdoses rose to 70,630
• Of these, 49,860 fatal overdoses involved opioids of some kind – up from around 21,000 in 2010
• Heroin was responsible for over a third (14,019) of these deaths in 2019

The signs of heroin use are usually very apparent minutes after administration.

The physical indications are:

• Constricted (pinpoint) pupils
• Nausea or vomiting
• Itching
• Dry mouth
• Slowed cognition
• Nodding off or abruptly falling into a sleepy or semi-conscious state
• Long periods of drowsiness
• Lowered appetite
• Slowed heart rate
• Shortness of breath

Heroin addiction is disastrous and tends to get worse with time.

Coupled with this, the long-term physical effects get increasingly severe and include:

• Heart and blood infections
• Skin infections, including abscesses
• Increased risk of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C
• Liver, kidney, or lung diseases
• Changes in menstrual cycle
• Worsening withdrawal symptoms
• Miscarriage
• Overdose

If you notice symptoms such as these in someone you care about, it can be hard to know what to do next. If you find yourself in this position, our dedicated team at Cirque Lodge can provide you with advice and guidance.

Heroin is quickly metabolized and cleared from the body, but the detox period is still long and grueling.

Complex factors influence the intensity and duration of heroin withdrawal, which can last for days or weeks.

Severe or persistent symptoms often entice those trying to get free of addiction to relapse, and it is essential to embark on this journey with dedicated medical support. Following withdrawal, further expert treatment is critical for building the skills you need to maintain abstinence.

Withdrawal is not easy alone. A professional treatment plan in a therapeutic environment can make all the difference when attempting to cease using the drug. At Cirque Lodge, our world-class team will provide the care and support you need throughout the detox process and beyond. A dedicated therapist will create an individualized treatment program that is adapted as you progress through treatment. We provide a judgment-free space where you can learn to feel like yourself again in the serene natural environment of the Rocky Mountains.

At Cirque Lodge, we approach heroin addiction treatment from a holistic standpoint.

When you check-in, the first phase of your stay here will be a physical evaluation, followed by a medical detox period.

We support our clients through detox with medication to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. We monitor this stage closely to ensure our client’s safety, and there are medical professionals on call around the clock to address any needs that arise. Our staff is knowledgeable and compassionate, and we aim to make this step in the recovery process as comfortable as possible.

After this, we follow up with the second stage of our recovery program. Cirque Lodge’s rehabilitation program is based on the 12-step model of recovery. Clients receive a customized program of therapies to aid them in building an understanding of addiction, their relationship to it, and strategies for sustainable sobriety.

Our programs involve individual and group therapy, and we employ both cognitive and experiential therapies to communicate these skills. Our dual diagnosis program will address any underlying mental health issues that may be present, and these will be treated alongside your addiction.