Heroin is extremely addictive and it can be dangerous to manage the process of withdrawing alone.
I was a broken man when I walked through the doors of Refocus. I couldn’t stop using heroin and I felt like I would never be able to kick my addiction. Nobody knew what I was feeling and what was going on inside my head.
All the staff at refocus were extremely helpful and experts in their fields. It felt like a home and not a rehab. My life couldn’t be better these days, and taking drugs feels like a distant memory, something I thought at the time I walked through those front doors would never be possible. — Michael O (not pictured)
UNDERSTANDING HEROIN What makes heroin so addictive?
The primary reason this drug is one of the most dangerously addictive substances is because of the intense high it creates. Once inside the body, it is rushed to the brain’s opioid receptors and eventually triggers the release of a chemical called dopamine.
Dopamine is responsible for imparting feelings of reward and pleasure, which is directly tied to users becoming conditioned to use it repeatedly.
Unfortunately, because the high doesn’t last very long, it’s easy for users to begin craving more of the drug to achieve the same feelings of euphoria that came with their first high. The body builds up a tolerance to the drug fairly quickly, so the feelings of pleasure begin to diminish unless the user ups the dosage or finds more potent versions of it.
What is Heroin?
This drug belongs to a class of substances known as depressants. Depressants, or “downers,” work by slowing down the messages that travel between the brain and the nervous system. It is also considered an opiate and is even more addictive than prescription opioids.
The drug can be found in a few different forms, including:
— Coarse, salt-like granules
— Small pieces of brown “rock,” similar in appearance to rock lollies
— Fine, white powder
The powder can be snorted, but it is also sometimes smoked either alone or mixed with tobacco or Marijuana. It can also be injected into a vein, which many people prefer because of the immediate effect it gives.
Typically, when smoked or injected, the high is immediate. If the powder is snorted, it can take up to 15 minutes for the full effects to be felt.
What are the
effects of using
heroin?
With each injection, users typically experience the following effects for three to five hours: slowed breathing, reduced appetite, relaxation, pleasure and pain relief.
While those few effects are not inherently bad, there are many other side effects that can cause severe problems, such as vomiting, irregular heart rate, confusion, slurred speech and vision, temperature change, and many others.
Due to how rapidly the body can build a tolerance to the drug, it is easy to overdose. This is especially true if it is mixed with other narcotics, over-the-counter medications or alcohol.
Besides the physical effects, drug abuse has serious psychological effects as well. Often, relationships are damaged, basic needs like eating and bathing are neglected, and personal issues such as career and finances are ignored.
Is there life after
heroin?
Refocus success stories describe life after heroin as “euphoric”. There is no longer a dark weight of guilt, anxiety and oppression hanging over them, and they describe feeling a sense of hope and purpose again.
Getting clean means that it will be possible to take steps towards recovering relationships with friends and family. With sobriety comes more opportunities to become financially stable and find an enjoyable career too.
Without the constant worry of finding the next high, success stories say that they have much more free time and a renewed appreciation for life. Often, mental health improves just as much as physical health, which can lead to more opportunities for exploring better options for work, study and hobbies.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING HEROIN WITHDRAWAL
A clear diagnosis is the key to the most effective
heroin treatment possible.
Taking the first steps toward being clean of heroin can be difficult, especially when it comes to detoxing. In the case of opioids, in particular, it is important to detox under the supervision of professionals. The symptoms of withdrawal can be severe, and a few can be life-threatening, so it is best to have medical assistance nearby during this process.
In addition, there is a much higher rate of relapse during the withdrawal period. This isn’t a sign of weakness. Rather, it’s because it can take a tremendous amount of willpower to start weaning off of a drug, and without support, it can feel overwhelming.
Typically, withdrawal can start within hours of the last dose. Early withdrawal symptoms include:
— Intense cravings
— Vomiting and diarrhoea
— Severe mood swings
— Sudden bouts of tears
— Bone and joint pain
— Muscle spasms and cramps
After the first 72 hours, the symptoms below may present and last up to 14 days:
— Chills
— Fever
— Racing heart
— Anxiety
— Insomnia
What is The Refocus Approach to Heroin Rehab?
Residential heroin rehab treatment can be the difference between a fulfilling, clean life or a life poisoned by addiction. There is no judgement, and clients are surrounded by support from counsellors and medical staff, as well as other clients who are walking the same path towards being clean.
Our approach utilises a variety of therapies, including:
— Cognitive behavioural therapy
— Group therapy sessions
— Meditation
— Stress management training
We ensure the environment is warm, welcoming and private so that every person feels comfortable and safe during their stay with us.
Please know that you are not alone. Whether you’re struggling with addiction or have a loved one who is in the grip of drug dependence, feel free to call anytime to request more information or a visit. We want to help you regain control and live a life free of addiction.
READY FOR LIFE THROUGH A NEW LENS?
Why choose Refocus Rehab Melbourne
for heroin addiction treatment?
Privacy is a priority.
Refocus Rehab Melbourne provides a space in which people feel comfortable talking about personal health and lifestyle with people sharing the same challenges.
Our team understands that amid daily stresses and pressures, providing comfort, support, and absolute privacy in care and communication is critical.
Our focus has been treating addiction for more than 20 years.
We can assist with arranging off-site detox through accredited facilities.
Located 50 metres from Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay.
Comfortable living areas and own private bedrooms.
An intimate and powerful approach to rehab is limited to small groups, ensuring individualised attention.
All our therapists have university degrees in rebab, including master's degrees and PhDs. They have decades of combined professional and lived experience and have had great success in the field.
PERSPECTIVE
All the staff at refocus were extremely helpful and experts in their fields. It felt like a home and not a rehab. My life couldn’t be better these days and taking drugs feels like a distant memory, something I thought at the time I walked through those front doors would never be possible.
— Michael O
THE INVESTMENT
We offer 28-day to 90-day residential rehab programs, with all the support necessary to refocus and see life through a new lens.
The investment for a 28-day program is $19,800 (standard room) or $24,800 (Bayview room); longer stays and extensions can be arranged.
THE REFOCUS TEAM Over 20 years The Refocus approach to drug and alcohol rehab has been constructed, evolved and refined so it can be individualised to suit those ready to refocus.
Today, a world-class team supports the knowledge, experience and affinity that is proven to cultivate drug and alcohol rehab. A number of Refocus practitioners have first-hand addiction experience and have lived clean lives for many years.
We believe seeking help, listening, and sharing genuine conversations nurture recovery.
MAKE AN ENQUIRY Your journey starts here.
The Refocus Team is here to support you with dignity and discretion.
Call us on +61 3 9537 0880
Alternatively, complete the form below and we will make contact to discuss first steps in the Refocus journey.