Heroin Addiction in Boulder, CO

In 2020, more than 13,000 people in the U.S. died from a drug overdose involving heroin. From 1999 to 2020, the rates of heroin-related overdose death increased approximately seven times. Today, nearly 20% of all opioid-related fatalities involve heroin. Heroin use, dependence, and overdose have become some of the most significant public health threats the country currently faces. Fortunately, many treatment centers have opened in an attempt to combat the nationwide epidemic.

At Flatirons Recovery, we have developed a comprehensive program of heroin addiction treatment in Boulder, Colorado. Our multi-staged recovery program addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual implications of heroin addiction. We offer several distinct levels of care, each facilitated by a team of experienced and compassionate professionals. To learn more about heroin addiction treatment in Colorado, contact us today.

What is Heroin?

Heroin is a naturally derived and highly addictive opioid narcotic. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Heroin can be a white or brown powder or a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin. People inject, sniff, snort, or smoke heroin. Some people mix heroin with crack cocaine, a practice called speedballing.”

Heroin binds to opioid receptors within the brain and throughout the central nervous system. These opioid receptors control feelings of pleasure and pain and vital functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Overdosing on heroin can lead to respiratory depression, which can, in turn, lead to death. If an individual is experiencing a heroin overdose, it is crucial to seek emergency medical care as quickly as possible.

Heroin Abuse & Dependence

There are both short and long-term effects of heroin use. Some short-term effects include dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, heavy feelings in the arms and legs, disorientation and confusion, sedation, and moving in and out of consciousness. Long-term effects of repeated heroin use include collapsed veins, permanently damaged tissue, insomnia, heart infection, chronic gastrointestinal issues, kidney disease, liver disease, sexual dysfunction, and the development of a heroin use disorder.

Even short-term heroin use can lead to the development of heroin dependence. The opioid narcotic is highly addictive, and certain methods of use (intravenous use, more specifically) can lead to addiction in a matter of days or weeks. Once a heroin addiction develops, seeking professional help becomes necessary. At Flatirons Recovery, we effectively treat heroin addiction at our Boulder, Colorado, treatment center. To learn more, contact us today.

Heroin Addiction Signs & Symptoms

The symptoms associated with heroin addiction can be both physical and behavioral. Physical symptoms of heroin addiction include track marks, bruising on the inner arms, and a lack of attention paid to personal hygiene. Behavioral symptoms include an increased need for privacy, stealing from friends and family members, and getting defensive when heroin use comes up in conversation.

The most consistent symptoms that indicate a heroin use disorder are:

Repeatedly attempting to quit but being unable to quit for a significant period.
Intense and overwhelming drug cravings.
Spending a disproportionate amount of time obtaining heroin, using heroin, and recovering from its effects.
Neglecting personal responsibilities and obligations.
Stealing from loved ones.
Developing a physical tolerance.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when heroin use is abruptly stopped.
Continuing to use heroin despite personal consequences.
Physical and psychological issues that are exacerbated by heroin use.
An increase in risk-taking behaviors linked to heroin use.

Treatment Options for Heroin Addiction

The most effective treatment options for heroin addiction depend on the individual client’s unique needs. Generally speaking, medical detox is a recommended first step on the road to heroin addiction recovery. In medical detox, a person undergoes a safe, pain-free heroin withdrawal. Once they have been physically stabilized, they transition into the stage of the treatment process.

The services we offer at our Colorado heroin addiction treatment center include the following:

The Recovery Ranch Program — Our inpatient rehab in Colorado provides clients with 24/7 care in a comfortable, supportive environment. Clients participate in 6 hours of intensive therapeutic and holistic programming, followed by participation in a range of recovery-friendly activities.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment — We offer daytime and nighttime Intensive Outpatient treatment (IOP). Our IOP program includes individual and group therapy, relapse prevention training, vocational training, and other treatment services.
Day Treatment — Our Day Treatment program resembles a traditional Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Therapeutic groups meet Monday through Friday from the morning until the afternoon. PHP is a step above IOP and below inpatient rehab regarding program intensity and commitment level.
Sober Living — Sober living facilities can be an excellent accompaniment to heroin rehab during and after treatment. Our Boulder, Colorado, sober living home is comfortable and structured, providing residents with the accountability they need to thrive in their newfound lives of recovery.

Which Level of Care is Right for Me?

When looking for heroin addiction treatment in Boulder, Colorado, considering the following factors is a good idea.

Does the Colorado heroin rehab offer several distinct levels of clinical care?
Is the Colorado heroin addiction treatment center licensed and accredited through the state?
Is the rehabilitation center staffed by a team of experienced and licensed therapists, clinicians, and support staff members?
Does the Boulder, Colorado, heroin addiction treatment center offer dual-diagnosis treatment options for those with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders?
What amenities does the treatment center offer its clients?
Does the program offer a step-down treatment plan, which includes residential treatment and some type of outpatient treatment program?

It is also a good idea to consider covering the cost of heroin addiction treatment in Colorado. Many reputable treatment centers, including Flatirons Recovery, accept major regional and national health insurance coverage.

Heroin Addiction Treatment in Boulder, CO

Finding effective heroin addiction treatment in Boulder, Colorado might feel overwhelming, especially if you aren’t sure what step to take first. At Flatirons Recovery, we take the guesswork out of receiving quality clinical care. Our dedicated team of licensed addiction specialists is standing by to help guide you or your loved one toward heroin addiction treatment. All you need to do is make initial contact.

We look forward to speaking with you soon and helping you begin your healing journey as quickly as possible.

How to tell if you or a loved one is using heroin problematically?

The following criteria come from the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) released by the American Psychiatric Association in 2013:

Heroin is taken in larger amounts or over a longer period of time than was intended.
A persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control heroin use.
A great deal of time is spent in activities, necessary to obtain heroin, use heroin, or recover from its effects.
Craving or a strong desire or urge to use heroin.
Recurrent heroin use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school or home.
Continued heroin use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol.
Recurrent heroin use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
Heroin use is continued despite knowledge of having persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problems likely to have been caused or exacerbated by heroin.
Physical or psychological issues that are likely to have been caused or exacerbated by heroin use.
High tolerance for heroin use.
Withdrawal symptoms experienced without using heroin.

If you or a loved one’s heroin use meet at least two of these criteria in the past 12 months, then you may be suffering from a substance use disorder requiring heroin addiction counseling and treatment.

Heroin Addiction Counseling & Treatment At Flatirons Recovery

Those wishing to engage in heroin addiction treatment & counseling for Heroin Use Disorder at Flatirons Recovery will typically engage in a medical detoxification program for a clinically determined period of 2-7 days to ensure that a client is medically stable.

Post-detox, treatment for Heroin Use Disorder at Flatirons Recovery typically begins in our PHP/Day Treatment program for a period of at least 4 weeks, the details of which can be found here.

From there, clients often step down into our IOP for a period of 4-12 weeks, while continuing to work with their therapeutic team on a plan to address support needs that will be crucial to maintaining recovery after structured treatment ends.