Heroin is a highly addictive drug. Unlike cocaine, a stimulant, heroin is an opioid that makes users feel relaxed and calm. Like many substances, heroin is often used to numb an emotional trigger such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic disorder. A heroin rehab center in California, such as Rise Above Treatment, can support you in dealing with an addiction to heroin and depression. Reach out to a staff member today to learn more about how heroin impacts depression by calling (877) 641-0717.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
When heroin use and depression are happening simultaneously, this is defined as a dual diagnosis or experiencing co-occurring disorders. There are many signs that someone is experiencing a co-occurring disorder. These signs include:
- Isolating and withdrawing from others
- Sudden mood swings
- Craving heroin
- Believing that they need heroin to function in their lives
- Participating in risky behavior
- Abusing heroin under dangerous conditions such as sharing needles
- Using frequently and losing control over how much is used
- Experiencing a need for more heroin to achieve the desired high because of an increased tolerance
- Having painful withdrawal symptoms that can also be painful
In addition, the severe warning signs of a co-occurring disorder include:
- Confused thinking
- Inability to concentrate
- Suicidal thoughts
The effect of heroin use and depression is different for everyone. However, if someone is exhibiting any of the signs listed above, they should receive medical attention, including medical practitioners, mental health therapists, and drug abuse counselors.
Why Is Self-Medicating So Common?
Depression and other mental health disorders such as anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder are factors leading to people abusing drugs such as heroin. The calming effects of heroin make people feel like they do not have to deal with their emotional triggers temporarily.
Yet, researchers have proven that heroin use and other opioids are not as effective for people experiencing depression. As a result, heroin users will increase their usage to achieve their high.
Self-medicating is a dangerous choice. By using heroin, you can develop:
- An addiction
- Increased mood disorders
- Health problems as a result of drug use
When you consider that heroin and depression can lead to addiction, you also have to think about how your drug use will affect your ability to maintain your relationships with family and friends. In addition, you also have to think about how mental health and substance use disorders will hurt your educational and professional goals.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Rise Above Treatment
If you have a loved one that is currently self-medicating their depression with heroin, it is time to stage an intervention. If your loved one is in the early stages of abusing heroin, you can support them before crossing the line into a full-blown addiction. And if they’ve been addicted for some time, they still need your support to fight against heroin and depression.
And if you are actively using heroin to mask the pain associated with your depression, you need help. Our team of mental health professionals, physicians, and supportive sober living community will help you navigate your co-occurring disorder to live a healthy life free of drugs.
In our dual diagnosis treatment program, you will have the opportunity to participate in various therapy programs get training on various life skills and medication to support your recovery.
Participants in the dual diagnosis treatment learn how to identify their emotional triggers and work in structured support groups. Finally, confidence and optimism come from overcoming substance abuse and a mental health disorder.
Contact Rise Above Treatment (877) 641-0717 to end self-medicating and get the help you truly need from a comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment program today.
