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Heroin use has been a problem in America since the drug was prescribed as a medicine for pain in the early 1900’s.

 

The drug has remained popular throughout history and it’s likely that it will not go away despite law-enforcement and governmental efforts to eradicate its use.

 

Identifying heroin addict symptoms and signs of heroin use can help us recognize if the epidemic has hit close to home. It can also allow us to extend a helping hand to the people we love who might be in need.

Signs of Heroin Use

Because heroin is highly addictive, it causes both psychological and physical dependence, making it extremely difficult for users to get clean and sober.

 

The effects of heroin can be devastating, both mentally and physically, and they have even been known to cause death in some cases. 

 

Identifying and responding to heroin use signs in others could mean the difference between life and death for addicts.

 

The first step towards helping someone who is using drugs is to identify the symptoms of addiction.

 

Psychological signs of heroin use

When opioids are used and abused, the flood of dopamine in the brain interferes with normal brain functions, causing several psychological problems.

 

Psychological signs of heroin use can be split into two main categories:

• Behavioral
• Cognitive

Behavioral Symptoms

A simple way to identify heroin use is to look for odd behaviors. Addicts under the influence of heroin exhibit an array of behavioral changes that can be identified even by those who might not be familiar with the addict.

Heroin abuse behaviors may still be apparent even after the addict has sobered up.

Slurred speech and skin picking, for example, are both odd behaviors associated with heroin addiction during and after use.

 

A great way to identify these odd behaviors is by peeking into the addict’s daily routines. Subtle changes in their routines could tell us a wider story. 

 

The sudden change of friends or disappearance of a beloved relative could indicate heroin use, for instance.

 

Other behavioral heroin addiction symptoms to look out for include:

 

• Involvement in crime
• The disappearance of personal value objects
• Bursts of anger or disturbance
• Increased anxiety
• Lack of care about one’s appearance
• Change of clothes to cover needle scabs or bruises
• Changes in mood
• Depressive moods and loss of interest

Cognitive Symptoms

This category is related to conscious activities, such as thinking or reasoning. Cognitive changes are most prevalent while the user is under the influence of heroin.

 

Cognitive heroin addict symptoms include – 

 

• The inability to make sound decisions
• Being disoriented
• Lack of focus
• Being impulsive
• Talking nonsense
• Drifting in and out of sleep

Physical Signs of Heroin Use

Heroin abuse does not only affect the mind. There are also physical symptoms associated with heroin addiction. Physical heroin addict symptoms can range from chapped lips to displaying symptoms of serious illness such as liver failure.

 

In general, heroin users will start to lose weight and start showing signs of physical fatigue. It will also be possible to see bruising and scabs on the skin. 

 

The occurrence of scabs is not only a result of injections but can also be a result of anxiety-induced skin picking. Scabs and bruises are most common in areas of intravenous access such as the arm, and fingertips.

 

Other common physical heroin addict symptoms include –

 

• Dry mouth
• Weight loss
• Runny nose
• Dilated pupils

What to Do If Someone You Know Is Using Heroin

If a loved one or someone you know shows signs of heroin use it’s important to get help.

 

You may want to look out for additional hints such as drug paraphernalia that can include needles, pipes, small zip-lock bags, or burnt aluminum paper in the trash. 

 

While heroin smell doesn’t tend to linger around, sensing a vinegar-like smell in clothes or personal areas could also be an indicator of a person smoking heroin.

 

If you worry that this is the case then you must seek professional help immediately, acting promptly and decisively.

 

Veritas Detox offers heroin detox and inpatient rehab services that can help your loved ones get the help they need to get sober.

 

Contact Veritas Detox today and ask to speak to one of our admission representatives who can better help you determine the next steps in helping those you love.

Addiction is considered to be a mental health disorder, and as such, therapeutic practices can be employed to help patients overcome it.

The way we think has an impact and how we behave. If addicts are able to change their behaviors with therapy then they can be able to triumph over their cravings and addictive habits.

Let’s examine some of the most common types of drug rehab therapy.

What Types of Therapy Are Used in Drug Rehab

There are many types of drug rehab therapy available to treat addiction. 

An individual’s choice of addiction therapy will depend on their addiction severity, treatment history, financial ability, and other personal factors.

You can determine the right type of treatment plan for you with the help of a licensed addiction treatment professional.

Psychotherapy

This treatment category is one of the most common types of drug rehab therapy for addiction. 

Talk therapy consists of one-on-one sessions between the therapist and the patient. The report they built allows them to work through their cognitive problems.

Psychotherapy includes multiple types of therapies such as:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

One of the leading psychotherapy practices is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).  

The effectiveness of this therapy has been researched extensively, demonstrating a high degree of efficacy in the treatment of addictions, anxiety, and depression.

This type of therapy examines the relationship between the patient’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and addresses them to improve their psychological well-being.

The principle behind the therapy states that our feelings, thoughts, and actions all influence our well-being. 

A CBT therapist will explore the behaviors that are negatively impacting your life and how to “un-learn” or change them. 

A variety of methods may be used by CBT therapists to unlearn negative behaviors. Breathing exercises are a helpful example of this. It is possible for therapists to change patients’ behavior by teaching them how to control their breathing.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is another leading form of psychotherapy in addiction.

An addict can explore the underlying causes of their addiction in a safe and supportive environment with the help of a professional in this type of therapy. 

Addicts often benefit from group therapy sessions because they can share their experiences, discuss challenges, and learn from each other.

Typically, sessions include six to twelve recovering addicts who meet regularly with one or two group therapists.

Family Therapy

Addiction is said to be a family disease, as it affects every member of the household and beyond. 

Family therapy is a great way to ensure the entire family heals together so potential triggers, traumas, and challenges are cleared from the path of recovery.

Family therapy helps the entire family recover from the trauma, not only healing the patient, by teaching the family how to deal with addiction in a healthy way.

This form of therapy has been shown to help addicts stay sober more often than those without it. Families can also positively influence their decision to get into treatment.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

This is one of the most common types of drug treatment in rehab because it’s often used for detox.

Medication-assisted treatment is used mainly in the process of detoxifying patients from alcohol or drugs as a means to cleanse their bodies of toxins and allow them to commence the healing process.

This treatment involves administering low-risk replacement drugs used to mask cravings and diminish withdrawal symptoms.

Medication-assisted treatment is one of the most common types of drug treatment in rehab for patients suffering from alcoholism, opioid addiction, and other drugs which could cause severe life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.

Holistic Therapy

Holistic therapy is one of the most overlooked types of drug treatment in rehab; however, it can carry enormous weight in recovery.

The holistic approach to addiction treatment encompasses the physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of the addict’s health.

Instead of just treating the symptoms of addiction, holistic treatment addresses the underlying causes.

Examples of holistic types of drug treatment in rehab include:

• Acupuncture
• Yoga
• Equine therapy
• Mindfulness and Meditation
• Nutrition
• Massages

Finding the Right Types of Drug Treatment in Rehab

Finding the right types of drug treatment in rehab may feel like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. 

You don’t have to find these on your own, rehabs provide the right type of counseling to help you get the right bespoke treatment that fits your individual needs.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or alcoholism then it’s best to act swiftly and contact a rehab center right away.

At Veritas detox we offer help 24/7 and free-of-charge guidance on what kind of treatment you should receive. Contact us to speak to one of our counselors today!

Alcohol and drug rehab can provide you with the resources and tools you need to begin living a sober life. Like other medical opportunities, alcohol and drug rehabs are expensive. The prices may be more affordable, depending on your insurance provider.

Does my insurance cover alcohol rehab? Let’s take a close look at insurance and rehab to find out.

Does My Insurance Cover Rehab? 

Whether or not your insurance covers rehab depends on your provider and individual plan. Most health insurance provides full or partial alcohol and drug rehab coverage. However, you will have to double-check the specifics of your unique plan to determine if rehab is covered.

Does My Insurance Cover Alcohol Rehab?

It is estimated that 25.8% of adults have binge drank in the past month and 14.5 million people over the age of 12 suffer from alcohol use disorder every year. These statistics show us that alcoholism is a pressing health concern in the nation.

Because of the prevalence of alcoholism, most health insurance plans cover alcohol rehab treatment. Your individual plan will determine if alcohol rehab is covered, what treatments are covered, and how long coverage is provided.

Does My Insurance Cover Drug Rehab?

Drug use and addiction are increasingly common problems within the United States. Nearly one million people have overdosed since 2000, and about 25% of illicit drug users have a substance use disorder. Unfortunately, the statistics show that illicit drug use and addiction are only continuing.

Since drug addiction continues to be a major concern and source of pain within the community, most health care plans cover drug rehab. Once again, you will have to check with your individual plan to learn what is covered and its specifics.

Commonly Accepted Insurance Providers 

Even though researching your insurance plan’s specifics will require a little bit of work, it’s the only way to confirm that your health insurance plan provides coverage for addiction treatment. Just to give you some reference, here is a list of commonly accepted insurance providers at rehab facilities:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Humana
• united healthcare
• Aetna 
• Cigna 
• Anthem 
• MultiPlan
• Beacon 
• Value Options 
• New York State Health Insurance Program 
• Tufts Health Plan 
• Gilsbar 
• Meritain Health 
• Core Source 

If you do not see your insurance provider on this list, it does not mean that you are not covered. It simply means that you do not use one of the bigger insurance providers. So, don’t immediately panic and instead double-check with your plan.

How to Learn What Your Plan Covers 

If you are not sure what your health insurance covers in regards to rehab, there are easy ways you can find out.

You can contact your health insurance provider and talk to a representative. A representative will explain the specifics of your plan so you understand what is covered during your alcohol and drug rehab treatment.

Another option is to talk to a representative at a rehab facility. The rehab facility should be able to run your insurance to see if it is accepted.

See If Your Insurance Covers Rehab at Veritas Detox 

If you are looking for alcohol and drug treatment, it’s important to learn about the specifics of your health insurance plan. Your plan will determine what is covered, how much is covered, and for how long. You can learn about your plan by talking to your provider or drug rehab.

Veritas Detox is a top-rated treatment facility in California. We accept a variety of insurance plans. Our staff will be happy to help you learn if you are insurance is covered at our facility. Contact Veritas Detox today to learn more.