There is an opiate epidemic in the United States. Heroin is dangerous and addictive, and it can have detrimental effects on your health. If you're a heroin user, it's not too late to quit. Here are four tips that can help you overcome your heroin addiction:

1. Call a helpline.

There are many resources available to you, but you may not be aware of them. If you want to get sober, a helpline can assist you. It's free to call, and a knowledgeable and caring person will be able to walk you through the steps you need to take on the road to healing. Find the number of a helpline in your region and give it a call. The call is completely anonymous, so you won't have to worry about legal repercussions to admitting your drug use over the phone.

2. Take advantage of a detox treatment service.

Quitting heroin cold turkey can be dangerous. The withdrawal from this powerful drug can be fatal, causing heart attacks or strokes. That's why it's in your best interest to detox in a safe facility where medical professionals can monitor your progress. A detox heroin treatment service will allow you to purge the heroin from your system in a clean and safe environment. They can give you prescription drugs to mitigate the worst of your withdrawal symptoms.

3. Seek therapy.

Therapy is helpful for most people, but it's especially useful when trying to beat a heroin addiction. Find a therapist in your area who specializes in addiction counseling. You may think that you can't afford therapy, but many counselors offer a sliding scale to people who can't afford to pay the full price. If you don't feel comfortable doing individual therapy, there are support groups you can join. Having the opportunity to talk openly about your struggles can make it easier to stay sober and overcome your addiction. You need to be able to talk about the temptation to start using drugs again so people can help you beat it. Secrecy and silence only make it easier to relapse.

4. Make a doctor's appointment.

After you stop doing drugs, you should make an appointment with your physician. Although you may no longer be harming your body, you may have done some damage by using heroin over the years. Be frank and honest about your drug use so your doctor can run the appropriate tests. Your doctor can tell you how to improve your health so you can have a healthy, strong body once again.

Reach out to a detox heroin treatment service to learn more.