Addiction to heroin, or any controlled substance, wreaks havoc within the life of the person abusing drugs and the lives of their loved ones. Unfortunately, one of the primary casualties of heroin addiction is human connection and the relationships that once played an essential role in your wellbeing and happiness. Do not wait if you suspect that heroin use has taken over your life, eclipsed your happiness, and destroyed your relationships. Learn more about heroin addiction treatment in Rehrersberg, PA today.
Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge (PAATC) offers reputable rehab programs to help you achieve lasting recovery and renew the relationships addiction has damaged. For information, reach out to us by filling out our online form or calling 844.442.8673.
Heroin Addiction and Relationships
Heroin addiction can have a disastrous impact on relationships. Not only do the physical and emotional changes associated with addiction take their toll, but so does the lack of trust that develops between partners. The addicted individual may lie and manipulate in order to keep using drugs. This creates extreme tension and mistrust between them and their partner. Consequently, this tension can be especially difficult to face if the partner is in denial about the addiction.
In addition, many people addicted to heroin develop financial issues. This is due to their drug use and are unable to keep up with their bills or care for themselves, which can lead to arguments and frustration. Finally, relationships can be impacted by a lack of communication as the addicted individual may become withdrawn from their partner and have trouble expressing their emotions.
When you are addicted, you can’t really think about anything but your addiction. You are focused on acquiring and using heroin, recovering from use, and repeating the cycle. In fact, nothing else matters when you are addicted to that feeling. Getting help for heroin addiction can help you reform the communication and community that your focus on heroin use has destroyed.
Does Your Relationship Need Heroin Addiction Help?
Some of the effects of heroin addiction on relationships are due to the following:
- Lies and secrecy become commonplace. They increase as you try to hide the truth. Whether out of shame, fear, or guilt, deception becomes the standard. In many cases, you may feel that you must protect your secrets at all costs. Lies and secrecy are not conducive to good relationships.
- Loss of trust can attack a relationship at its foundation. The more you lie, shut people out, and cut off communication, the harder it is for the people in your life to trust you.
- Diminished mutual respect, affection, and compassion. These are vital to relationships. When heroin abuse erodes those due to dishonesty, unavailability, and loss of interest, resentment, anger, and even jealousy can brew, and they are anathema to any other relationship.
- Enabling behaviors have become established. These typically emerge without anyone noticing. One of the most corrosive manifestations within a relationship, enabling, is when someone will do anything to help you avoid the consequences of your actions when using. Has a loved one consistently given you money when asked, without question, or provided an alibi when you failed to show up at a notable event or caused harm to others? That is enabling. It feels like helping but actually harms.
What Happens in Heroin Addiction Treatment?
Heroin addiction treatment typically involves detox, behavioral therapy, and medication-assisted treatment. During detox, the patient rids their body of drugs in a safe and medically supervised environment. The length of time needed to complete detox varies depending on the severity of the addiction.
Behavioral therapy is then used to address underlying issues that contribute to drug abuse and addiction. This includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps the patient recognize triggers for compulsive use and how to respond differently. Other forms of therapy may also be used, such as motivational interviewing or contingency management.
Medication-assisted treatment is an important component of heroin addiction treatment. Medications like buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone are used to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These medications allow patients to focus on the other aspects of treatment without being overwhelmed by drug cravings.
In addition to these components of heroin addiction treatment, many programs also provide additional support services such as group therapy, individual counseling, family therapy, and 12-step programs. These services can play an important role in helping the patient remain abstinent after treatment is completed.
Get Help for Heroin Addiction at PAATC
Are you are struggling with addiction? Are you seeing your relationships crumble? Do you feel you are losing someone you love because of heroin abuse? If so, find out more about heroin treatment options.
At PAATC, we can offer you heroin addiction help provided by experienced and caring professional addiction treatment specialists. Family therapy is one aspect of our individualized treatment plans created for you in our heroin addiction treatment center. In family therapy, both the client and their family can heal. You can repair relationships, break the cycle of codependency, and develop compassion and knowledge about what the other person is going through. These factors are essential in family therapy as part of heroin addiction treatment. Becoming educated about addiction and addiction treatment is also a significant way family members can support your recovery.
To learn more about how PAATC can help you return to a life of sobriety, healthy relationships, and a genuine sense of wellbeing not dependent on heroin, reach out today to speak to one of our staff. We can walk you through your options, explain our evidence-based therapies, and answer your questions. Use our online form or pick up the phone and call 844.442.8673 today.
