Heroin is a highly addictive opiate that causes a rush of pain relief and euphoria followed by a relaxed state of being. However, a heroin overdose can lead to physical harm or death. For teen heroin users, it is essential to understand how long heroin remains within the body.
At Destinations For Teens, we provide heroin addiction treatment to support young adults in living a substance-use-free life. Contact us at 877.466.0620 to learn about our comprehensive teen heroin rehab treatment programs.
How Long Does Heroin Stay in Your System?
Since heroin is illegally made and sold, its strength and purity vary, especially when mixed with other substances. Whether a user smokes, snorts, or injects heroin, its impact can be felt quickly. A euphoric feeling will last from 45 seconds to a few minutes as soon as it is used. Then, other effects, such as nodding off, will happen for at least two hours. Within three to five hours, the effects of heroin will wear off, and users will often seek more. Just how long does heroin stay in your system? Heroin use can be detected in the following ways:
How Long Does Heroin Stay in Urine?
Heroin can be found in a urine test between one to four days following the last usage.
How Long Does Heroin Stay in Saliva?
A saliva test would have to be given soon after the last use to be effective.
How Long Does Heroin Stay in Hair?
Heroin usage can be detected by testing hair follicles for up to 90 days after the last use. It is also important to note that people who have used heroin for prolonged periods will have greater hair detection.
Identifying Teen Heroin Use
Heroin can be snorted, but it is commonly used intravenously with a syringe or smoked using tin foil and a small tube. If you suspect that a young adult in your life is using heroin, look for changes in their physical appearance. Like other drugs, heroin will leave clear, physical reactions that cannot be ignored. Here are some distinct signs of teen heroin use:
- Wearing long-sleeve shirts or sweatbands, even in hot weather
- Small, squinting pupils
- Dry mouth
- Infections & abscesses
- Visible exhaustion and drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Unexplained weight loss
Behavior Changes
In addition to the physical side effects, some behavioral changes are associated with teen heroin use. These include:
- Avoiding eye contact
- Lack of motivation
- Poor academic performance
- Borrowing money from friends and family
- Stealing money from friends and family
- Hostile or aggressive reactions to loved ones
- Secretive behavior
How Can Teen Heroin Rehab Help?
If your teen is experiencing a heroin use disorder, it’s time to seek treatment. Teen heroin rehab can save your teen from experiencing academic and social setbacks. And even more important: they can avoid an overdose.
Heroin rehab can provide teens with the tools and resources to manage their substance use disorder. At Destinations For Teens, we create personalized treatment plans for each teen that are designed to meet their individual needs. Our clinicians work together with our clients to identify triggers and develop effective coping skills that can be used in everyday life. We also offer an on-site medical detoxification program that can help teens safely manage the withdrawal process.
Benefits of Teen Heroin Rehab Programs
Some of the benefits of teen heroin rehab programs include:
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
- Improved physical health
- Developing sober living skills
- Comfortably managing relapse triggers
- Better decision making skills
- Relapse prevention techniques
Heroin is a highly addictive substance that can be difficult to quit. That’s why it’s important for teens to seek professional help if they are struggling with a heroin use disorder.
Heroin Addiction Treatment at Destinations For Teens in California
Our residential programs in Southern California specialize in heroin addiction treatment. Teens will be protected from the risks associated with heroin use, allowing them to heal physically and emotionally. As part of their treatment, your teen will learn why they decided to use drugs initially. Then, your teen can begin to build the tools to avoid relapse.
Your teen’s individualized treatment plan will support their ability to fight their substance use disorder. Through various therapies, such as dual diagnosis treatment and art-based therapy practices, your teen will learn how to become emotionally strong enough to avoid negative peer pressure.
And when they leave Destinations for Teens, they will be a part of an alumni network that will continue to provide support.
For more information about our heroin addiction treatment services, contact us at 877.466.0620, and let’s begin a journey to a substance-use-free life.
References: https://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/quality-science/the-asam-appropriate-use-of-drug-testing-in-clinical-addiction-medicine-full-document.pdf