Find Drug Treatment Centers in San Francisco to Overcome Fentanyl and Heroin Addiction

The Tenderloin district in San Francisco has long been known for its struggles with drug addiction and related issues, including the use of heroin and fentanyl. This place has historically been a neighborhood characterized by poverty, crime, and homelessness. These factors create an environment conducive to drug use and trafficking. Homeless populations are particularly vulnerable to drug use and addiction due to factors such as trauma, mental health issues, and lack of resources. In areas like the Tenderloin, drugs like heroin and fentanyl in the form of opioid needles and pills are often readily available and relatively cheap, making them accessible to individuals struggling with addiction. The easy availability of these substances contributes to their widespread use and abuse in the community. Fentanyl, in particular, has been implicated in a significant number of overdose deaths across the United States, including in San Francisco. The fatalities nationwide linked to synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl excluding methadone, experienced a continued upsurge, reaching 70,601 overdose deaths in 2021. Its potency makes it especially dangerous, and even small amounts can lead to overdose or death. [1]

Many people seeking addiction treatment might believe that the best center is the one that promises a cure. However, addiction isn’t something that can be completely cured, and even the most renowned drug treatment centers in California have alumni who experience relapses. In reality, the effectiveness of any treatment center relies heavily on the individual in treatment—their mindset, readiness for change, and determination to stay sober. While personal factors greatly influence success, finding a treatment facility that aligns with your needs is essential, as it can significantly aid long-term recovery. The ideal treatment isn’t about a magical fix, as it’s about finding a program that offers a strong foundation for a fulfilling life in recovery. A reputable treatment facility will provide the knowledge and skills necessary for sustained sobriety. Fortunately, you might discover multiple drug rehab centers in San Francisco that meet these criteria.

Is there a heroin crisis in San Francisco?

Opioids are a class of drugs that include prescription medications like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine, as well as illegal drugs like heroin. They are commonly used for pain management but can also lead to addiction and overdose when misused. According to data from the city’s Department of Public Health, there were 806 overdose deaths reported in 2023, marking an increase from the 647 deaths recorded in 2022. [2] More than 80% of those overdose cases are believed to have involved fentanyl. People may start with heroin for various reasons, including its availability, affordability, and its potent effects on the brain’s opioid receptors, leading to feelings of euphoria and relaxation. However, some individuals may eventually switch to fentanyl because while it is more potent, it can also be cheaper to produce than heroin. Some drug dealers may mix or substitute fentanyl for heroin to increase their profits, making it more accessible to individuals seeking opioids.

The following are the most commonly abused opioids in San Francisco:

• Fentanyl: Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid pain reliever that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. It is often illegally manufactured and distributed, contributing to a significant portion of opioid-related overdose deaths.
• Heroin: Heroin is an illegal opioid drug synthesized from morphine, a natural substance extracted from the seed pod of certain varieties of poppy plants. It is highly addictive and can cause severe health complications, including overdose and death. 
• Morphine: Morphine is a naturally occurring opioid analgesic commonly used for pain relief, particularly in medical settings such as hospitals. It is derived from the opium poppy plant and is one of the oldest known analgesic drugs.
• Codeine: Codeine is a mild opioid analgesic often used to treat mild to moderate pain and to suppress coughing. It is frequently found in prescription pain medications and some over-the-counter cough syrups.
• Oxycodone: Oxycodone is a potent opioid analgesic prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain. It is available in various formulations, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets.
• Hydrocodone: Hydrocodone is a semi-synthetic opioid analgesic commonly prescribed for the treatment of moderate to severe pain and as a cough suppressant. It is often combined with other medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Does heroin cause weight loss?

A person on heroin may experience a significant decrease in appetite and neglect healthy eating habits compared to an average individual. Short-term effects of heroin include poor eating routines or lack of appetite, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Heroin also affects the digestive system, causing constipation, nausea, and vomiting, further reducing appetite and causing weight loss. Severe constipation can even result in life-threatening GI tract blockages.

In the long term, ongoing heroin use can cause significant weight loss and muscle wasting due to malnutrition. This rapid weight loss can result in several complications:

• Heroin may cause pituitary gland dysfunction and disrupt hormone regulation for appetite, metabolism, and growth.
• Electrolyte imbalances from dehydration and malnutrition can lead to heart rhythm abnormalities and even death.
• Vitamin deficiencies increase the risk of bleeding and bone density loss.
• Muscle loss (sarcopenia) leads to fatigue, weakness, and a higher risk of falls.
• Chronic health problems such as liver and heart damage.
• Mental and emotional issues, including mood changes, depression, and anxiety due to hormonal imbalances.

According to research in 2020, individuals who smoke heroin appear to have a lower BMI and body weight than nonusers. [3] The study reported that drugs like heroin may compete with food in the brain, activating reward pathways and increasing dopamine receptor availability, thus suppressing the appetite and leading to lower body weight. This is particularly noted among heroin smokers. Furthermore, poverty, a common outcome of unemployment among people who use drugs like heroin, makes it challenging to afford nutritious food, further contributing to lower BMI levels.

How long is heroin in urine?

The duration heroin stays detectable in the body varies based on factors like dosage, method of use, and metabolism. Typically, heroin can be detected in urine for about three days. In blood, it’s detectable for up to 6 hours post-use, while in hair, it can show up for as long as 90 days. Heroin is a powerful semisynthetic opioid derived from morphine, with increased potency and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. In the body, it metabolizes to 6-acetylmorphine (6-AM), then to morphine. Detection of morphine in bodily fluids confirms recent heroin use, aiding in clinical diagnosis and forensic investigations. [4]

Get the Support You Need Today with the San Francisco Treatment Centers for Drug Addiction

Abusing heroin poses significant dangers, regardless of the ingestion method or frequency of use. Its highly addictive nature and the constant risk of overdose, even for long-term users with high opioid tolerance, make it a lethal substance. Moreover, the current prevalence of fentanyl and its analogs as heroin additives heightens these risks. Fortunately, recovery from drug addiction is possible. Evidence-based treatments, combining medication with behavioral therapies, offer hope for those struggling. Rehab treatment centers in San Francisco provide essential tools for individuals to change their mindset about drugs and address underlying issues driving their addiction. Also, for those unable to access formal treatment, 12-step groups or halfway houses offer a supportive, cost-free alternative available in most communities.

If you’re tired of the cycle of addiction, explore treatment options and drug treatment centers in California that suit your needs or those of your loved ones. Research drug treatment centers in San Francisco that align with your goals and offer the support necessary for lasting recovery.

Resources:

[1] Drug Overdose Death Rates – National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

[2] Drug overdose and treatment data and reports – City and County of San Francisco

[3] Mahboub N, Rizk R, Karavetian M, de Vries N. Nutritional status and eating habits of people who use drugs and are undergoing recovery treatment: a narrative review. Nutr Rev. 2021 May 12;79(6):627-635. Doi: 10.1093/nutrit/nuaa095. PMID: 32974658; PMCID: PMC8114851.

[4] Raouf M, Bettinger JJ, Fudin J. A Practical Guide to Urine Drug Monitoring. Fed Pract. 2018 Apr;35(4):38-44. PMID: 30766353; PMCID: PMC6368048.