At Ventura Recovery Center, we specialize in treating heroin addiction by providing individualized drug rehab treatment plans for those addicted to heroin.
ASKING FOR HELP IS THE FIRST STEP
Heroin abusers are usually in a dark mental state and don’t know where to turn, but this is where we can help. By understanding how addiction works, we are able to offer guidance, counseling and successful treatment for the underlying issue and the addiction itself. Drug addiction is a family disease. It harms the lives of loved ones, children, parents, coworkers and friends.
If you have a loved one struggling with substance abuse, we know this is probably a difficult time for you as well. The staff at Ventura Recovery Center is highly skilled and has the experience to help addicts recover and heal family relationships. The never-ending cycle of quitting and relapsing can be stopped for good. We are in recovery ourselves and we know what works. Let us help you and your family rebuild your lives.
“Change. It has the power to uplift, to heal, to stimulate, surprise, open new doors, bring fresh experience and create excitement in life. Certainly it is worth the risk”
DO I NEED HEROIN ADDICTION TREATMENT?
Heroin addiction in America has reached epidemic proportions since 2000, leaving in its wake thousands of broken lives and families each year. Heroin use is particularly prevalent among young adults 18-24 years old. It is crippling our young population during what should be the most carefree time in their lives.
Heroin is cheap and easy to find. It is in every city, every town, in every high school. For many, drug rehab is the only way they could quit taking drugs. If you or someone you love is addicted to heroin, call us now. (800) 247-6111.
Are you unable to stop using heroin?
Do you spend money on heroin that you need for necessities like food or rent?
Have you lost interest in doing the things you used to love to do?
Has “getting high” become the thing you think about the most?
Do you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using heroin?
HOW DOES HEROIN ADDICTION START?
Four out of five heroin addicts started with prescription pain medication. Prescription opioids act on the same brain systems and produce a similar euphoric effect as heroin. People using opioids non-medically are 19 times more likely to switch to heroin. As prescriptions become harder to get and more expensive, many opioid users start using heroin because it is cheaper and easier to obtain. This trend has resulted in a rise in heroin users, particularly young people. The rate of heroin addiction among people aged 18-25 rose 108% between 2011 and 2013.
A thousand thanks to Ventura Recovery Center in Thousand Oaks, CA. After 12 years of heroin addiction and four rehabs, my son was at death’s door. VRC talked him onto the plane when a last minute detox sickness almost kept him from going. After eight weeks in the program I have never heard my son sound as bright and hopeful as he does now. I believe he is getting good physical and psychological care. He is taking advantage of the alternative therapies. He is learning skills that will enable him to live a sober life. He is feeling part of a community that understands him. His recovery at VRC has been the most positive movement towards health and happiness that my son has known in over a decade. Since entering VRC’s program our son’s well being is matched only by our own feeling of relief and gratitude. My hat is off to my son and the staff and program at VRC.
Martha P. Delaplane, VA
If you or a loved one is addicted to heroin, we can help.
The most important thing to remember is to offer positive support. According to Drugabuse.com, “The thing that a heroin abuser needs the most is support in sobriety. Make sure they know that you love them and will encourage them throughout their abstinence journey. When initially bringing up the suggestion of treatment, do your best to avoid negative dialogue that focuses on blame and judgment. Drug addiction is already isolating and stigmatizing so negative communication can push the addict further away. You will likely have better results if you encourage drug rehab treatment in a caring and supportive manner while also making your personal boundaries clear and consistent.”
Call us now. We can help you.
Heroin Rehab Treatment: Medically Supervised Heroin Detox
Heroin Detox: What Can I Expect?
Those who have developed an addiction to heroin realize that the drug is controlling their lives. In many cases, they are unable to accomplish heroin detox on their own. The reason is that once addicted to heroin, the body and the brain become accustomed to having the drug in the system.
As soon as the brain detects that the levels of heroin in the body are dropping, the brain will create very intense cravings for more of the drug. Heroin usually completely leaves the system and after 5 to 7 days. Heavier heroin dependence can take up to 10 days to leave your system.
Someone who uses heroin daily knows what detoxing alone feels like. Many feel the effects of heroin detox every day so they need to “get well” to avoid discomfort. Medically supervised heroin detoxification is a different story. We are very proud of our JCAHO accreditation. It means that we keep to strict protocols when it comes to the care we give. Situated in a quiet home, our drug rehab facility is a serene oasis. Our medical doctor prescribes medicine to ease anxiety and sleeplessness. We keep a very close eye on vital signs and make sure the client is healthy and safe. Our staff also monitors the emotional state of each client and provides psychiatric care should the need arise. Counselors visit and provide emotional support. Our amazing full-time chef makes healthy delicacies each day so the body can be replenished. While “heroin detox” sound like a scary process, we make sure the heroin withdrawal symptoms are minimized and you are comfortable and protected.
Next: Continued treatment
Once the physical effects of heroin withdrawal subside, you are able to start residential, or “inpatient” drug rehabilitation. Our counseling staff provides individual and group therapy. Heroin addiction is caused by many factors. Trauma from the past, negative thinking patterns, and isolation from our fellows can all cause addiction. With counseling and life skills training, trauma can be healed and positive thinking patterns can be learned. Group therapy and interaction ends isolation and fosters a sense of belonging. True healing of the mind and heart begins at this phase.
We like to have fun here too. Comedy night, intramural sports, hiking, and beach trips are just a few of the enjoyable activities we plan here. While we believe that addiction rehabilitation takes some work, we also think a good amount of fun helps too. Also, when you come to Ventura Recovery Center, you become a part our sober family. The Conejo Valley is a hubs of very strong sobriety. You will attend meetings and meet mentors who will help you along the way. People with long term sobriety are here to help you through the beginning stages of sobriety and show you how to stay sober and live a happy life.
Serving the Los Angeles area. Located in Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village, CA. Rolling hills, beautiful weather, close to beaches. Call us. You’ll be glad you did.
Health Risks of Heroin Use
- Lung Damage (pneumonia/ tuberculosis) or you just stop breathing
- Danger to the heart (Bacterial infections of the blood vessels and heart valves.)
- Mental damage
- Kidney Failure, Liver Disease
- Hepatitis B and C, HIV, and other diseases, if using shared injection equipment or fluids.
Young drug abusers were up to three times more likely to suffer brain damage, than those who did not use drugs.Results showed similar to the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
“Our study shows…increased risk of brain damage associated with heroin and methadone use, which may be highest in the young. That is when individuals are most likely to acquire the habit.”— Condon, Deborah, “Heroin Causes Alzheimer-like Brain Damage” Web blog post. Irishhealth.com, June 27, 2005. June 14, 2016.a
SIGNS OF HEROIN USE
IMMEDIATE SYMPTOMS
Some users report immediate negative symptoms from the drug like:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Itching
• Dry mouth
DELAYED SYMPTOMS
Following the immediate effects of heroin, another set of symptoms begin to occur that involve the body slowing down and being less active and alert. These signs of heroin use include:
• Feeling drowsy and sleepy
• Foggy mental state
• Slowed breathing
• Slowed heart rate
• "Nodding," (alternating sleep and alertness)
SIGNS OF LONG TERM USE
With continued use over a period of time, the person abusing heroin may exhibit other signs like: