Opiate Addiction

Heroin

Heroin is a highly addictive drug with very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. It is a depressant that creates a feeling of wellbeing and drowsiness. It suppresses physical and emotional pain.

Dependence develops quickly - over a period of a few weeks - and increasing tolerance follows. Larger amounts need to be used more often to achieve the same effects until eventually it is only used to prevent withdrawal.

Withdrawal can start as early as a few hours after the most recent dose. Typically this includes anxiety, widespread pain, insomnia, muscle spasms, sweating and vomiting. Withdrawal can be dangerous as all of the body's systems go through changes as the effects of the drug wear off.

Methadone

Methadone was initially developed as a painkiller. It has become a popular choice for treating heroin addiction. Methadone is a synthetic opiate which is used to replace heroin. As its effects last longer than those of heroin it can be taken only once a day.

Whilst it does not provide the euphoria related to heroin, it reduces the harms associated with heroin addiction. It enables some heroin addicts to adopt a less chaotic lifestyle.

Unfortunately, "topping up" methadone with heroin is common. Methadone, which is also highly addictive, can be diverted and sold on the street. This substance, developed to help people overcome addiction, has become an increasingly popular drug of abuse. Overdoses of methadone have become tragically common.

How can Cygnet Health help?

Our hospitals in Godden Green, Harrogate and Harrow all offer detox, rehab and aftercare support as an inpatient, day patient or outpatient for addictions to all opiates including heroin, methadone, morphine and subutex.

In addition we also offer our Detox 5 service based in Harrogate. Detox 5 is a 5-day inpatient detox followed by a course of naltrexone, an opiate blocker. Over 7,500 opiate users have safely detoxed with Detox 5 since 1995. Find out more on the Detox 5 website.

We treat opiate addictions at the following Cygnet Health hospitals: