There are many types of drugs you can be addicted to. Heroin is among the most dangerous.
Heroin is an opioid drug that can be injected, smoked, or snorted. It is highly addictive and has been linked to many instances of fatal overdose. If you or a loved one is using it regularly, it’s essential to get help as soon as possible.
This article will review the signs of heroin addiction so you can determine if it’s time to reach out.
What is Heroin?
Heroin is made from morphine, naturally sourced from the poppy seed plant. It can come in the form of a white or brown powder, or a black, sticky substance known as black tar heroin. It can be smoked, inhaled, or injected.
When heroin enters the body, it binds to opioid receptors in the brain to reduce feelings of pain and increase feelings of pleasure. The euphoric sensations it creates make people want to do more of it.
Signs of Heroin Addiction
The first sign of heroin addiction is an increased tolerance. After doing the drug for a while, you will need to take more of it to get the same effects. The increased usage will get the body used to having the drug in its system.
Once the body adjusts to the drug, it will begin producing withdrawal symptoms when heroin is not present. These flu-like symptoms can only be relieved short term by doing more of the drug. This puts people on a vicious cycle of dependency and addiction.
Other signs of heroin addiction include:
- Spending a lot of time getting and taking the drug
- Withdrawal from society
- Lack of interest in the things you once loved
- Nodding out
- Pinned pupils
- Flushed skin
- Itching
- Legal troubles
- Financial difficulties
- Troubled relationships
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unclear thinking
- Lack of appetite
- Collapsed veins in people that shoot it
- Sexual disfunction for men
- Irregular menstrual cycles for women
Can Heroin Cause Withdrawal Symptoms?
Yes, heroin can cause withdrawal symptoms that can kick in after the user stops taking the drug abruptly. They can begin as early as a few hours after the drug was taken. They include the following:
- Sleep problems
- Restlessness
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Severe muscle and bone pain
- Chills
- Restless leg movements
- Heroin cravings
Heroin Rehab Programs Near Me
Heroin addiction is not easy to kick, but fortunately, rehab programs can help you leave your dependency issues behind.
Typically, overcoming heroin requires a three-phase treatment program that includes:
Detox: Detox involves allowing the body to rid itself of harmful substances. Patients will experience withdrawal symptoms as their body gets used to sobriety, but the staff supervises them to ensure they stay as comfortable as possible and to see to it that relapse doesn’t occur.
Therapy: After patients complete detox, they move on to therapy. The therapist analyzes them to find the best treatment plan based on their personal situation. They often integrate a dual diagnosis approach, simultaneously addressing the addiction and its underlying causes.
Aftercare: Once patients complete therapy, they move on to an aftercare program. The staff realizes that residents may have a hard time adjusting to sober living after they leave the facility. They may be faced with stressors that drove them to use in the first place, and they may fall back with the old crowd tempting them to go back to their old ways. The facility continues to provide support to ensure they maintain sobriety during these challenging times.
There are many heroin treatment facilities out there, but which one is right for you? You can spend hours researching what’s out there, or you can save some time by contacting My Recovery Source first.
My Recovery Source is a free treatment referral program that will get you the help you need regardless of your personal or financial situation, location, and background. You can call or email to get help for you or a loved one. Their caring representatives are standing by to assist 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Heroin is a hazardous drug. If you or someone you love is showing signs of heroin addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out to My Recovery Source today. We will connect with a rehab that will set you on a path to healthier living.
