People from all walks of life struggle with opiate and opioid addiction. Originally derived from the opium seeds of poppies, opiates are a natural painkiller. Often taken for their euphoric high, common opiates include morphine, heroin, and codeine. Unfortunately, like many substances, opiate addiction disproportionately affects the LBGTQ community. Access to heroin may lead some to self-medicate to cope with difficult family life and prejudices. Many in the LGBTQ community struggle to find safe, comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs.
If you are struggling with heroin dependency, call La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center today. Our LGBTQ opiate rehab center serves the community in the heart of Southern California. Don’t wait. Call us at 888.903.9898 to learn more about our opiate addiction treatments.
Opiate vs. Opioid?
Opiates are a natural drug, while opioids are made in a lab. Opioids mimic the natural effects of opiates. Some may think that opiates are safer because they are “natural.” Both opiates and opioids are highly addictive. They alter brain chemistry, making the body believe it cannot survive without the drug. When a person takes opiates and opioids, their body builds a tolerance. This means that in a short period of regular use, they need to increase their dose to feel the same effects. Opioids are often prescribed for pain management, routine procedures, dental work, and surgeries. The use of opioids can often lead to heroin use. While many prescription opioids are ingested or snorted, heroin poses additional risks of collapsed veins and blood-borne diseases through injection.
Both opiates and opioids are incredibly hard to stop taking without a detox program or addiction treatment–many who attempt to quit cold turkey relapse or overdose. Today, the United States is in an opioid overdose epidemic.
Opiate Treatment Programs
Because the body builds a tolerance to opiates, casual low-dose use can quickly become an addiction. During addiction, a person may experience physical and psychological effects when they withdraw from opiates. Changes in weight, appetite, mood, sleep patterns often occur. Those withdrawing from heroin may experience aggression, nausea, vomiting, and suicidal ideations. They may experience extended flu-like symptoms and exhibit drug-seeking behavior. Many struggling with heroin will attempt to hide the addiction from those they love. They may also try to quit using at home.
Detoxing and recovering from opiates is most successful in an addiction treatment program. Inpatient and outpatient programs limit access to opiates, provide medically assisted treatment and psychological support. At La Fuente, we offer 24/7 monitoring for our inpatient clients, along with various types of therapy for holistic healing.
Get Help From Hollywood’s Opiate Rehab Center
If you are using heroin, La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center can help. Whether you need inpatient, partial hospitalization, or outpatient substance abuse treatment programs, we can meet your needs. Our board-certified addiction medicine doctors administer medication to ease opiate withdrawal symptoms during detox. This treatment approach is especially effective for long-term users and those who have relapsed.
Our inpatient programs provide clients with 24/7 nursing care, addiction therapy, and addiction education. Our combinations of therapy and medically assisted detox are on the cutting-edge of LGBTQ substance abuse treatment programs.
Begin Addiction Treatment at La Fuente Today
If you are struggling with heroin dependency, know you are not alone. La Fuente offers a safe, inclusive place for those in the LGBTQ community to regain control of their lives. Many of our staff members are in recovery themselves. Their unique experiences help clients navigate early recovery with compassion. At La Fuente, we believe healing individuals can heal the community. Get the help you need right here in Hollywood, CA. Call La Fuente at 888.903.9898 to learn more about our opiate rehab programs.