 Heroin addiction is often regarded as one of the most serious sorts of substance abuse disorder by the general public. This is partly a misunderstanding because addiction to any drug can be just as destructive as an opiate addiction. That said, however, research has shown that herointreatment can take much longer than other drugs.
 Heroin is an illegal street drug with no medicinal use. It is classed as an "opiate" and is refined from opium poppies. Heroin induces a sense of euphoria and relaxation when used. It can be injected, snorted, and smoked. Heroin is sold in powdered form and can be white or brown in colour.
Heroin abusers will develop "tolerance" to the drug which means that as time goes by they will need ever increasing dosages in order to obtain the same level of intoxication. Heroin abuse will also result in "dependence" which means that the body becomes so accustomed to the presence of heroin that it will actually require a certain level of heroin in it just to feel "normal". Denying the body of heroin will result in heroin withdrawal symptoms.
 Because not all heroin addicts inject the drug it is not sufficient to check a person for needle marks. Also addicts may inject themselves in veins other than their arms. Heroin abuse causes a stereotypical physical appearance - gaunt, pale skin, sunken eyes, and a generally unhealthy appearance. While a person is under the influence of heroin their pupils will be very small, even in low light levels.
Heroin addiction can be successfully treated through an appropriate drug rehab intervention. Heroin users will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug. This means that treatment will begin with a medically supervised detoxification. This helps to reduce the impact of the withdrawal symptoms, which can be otherwise extremely uncomforatable. In fact many heroin addicts find it nearly impossible to go "cold turkey" (quit without medication).
Detoxification from heroin will usually take approximately a week, depending on the physical condition of the patient. A medical doctor will assess the patient and pronounce them ready for treatment. When the patient joins a heroin  rehab program they will be assessed by a multi-disciplinary team that includes medical professionals, psychologists, social workers, and addiction counselors. Together the team will develop a rich holistic understanding of the patient's individual circumstances and prescribe a course of treatment. Treatment for heroin has been shown to be most effective when provided for a period of at least 8 months, but some programmes will last as long as 2 years.
Heroin rehab at Minnesota House will include therapeutic groups, individual counseling, 12 step work, physical rehabilitation, and spiritual aspects. This ensures that all of the facets of the patients recovery are properly addressed.
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