Heroin Addiction: What to Watch For
Heroin Addiction: What to Watch For
Heroin is an addictive drug.
The seed pods from poppy plants are processed to produce heroin.
The impact of heroin abuse in communities has skyrocketed.
Millions are suffering from heroin addiction.
There are no legitimate medical uses of this drug.
Heroin is one of the strongest and most addictive drugs.
There are signs and symptoms that someone is in the cycle of heroin addiction.
Some signs are noticeable, while others are hidden.
You can tell if someone is high on heroin by observation of certain behaviors and physical signs.
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How to Tell if Someone is on Heroin
If you think someone is using heroin, it is important not to jump to conclusions.
Heroin addiction comes with a stereotype.
While there are obvious signs of heroin abuse, there are subtle signs that you can observe.
Once you are aware of these symptoms, you can tell if someone is on heroin.
There are physical signs to look for, but there are numerous emotional and psychological signs that are difficult to identify.
By understanding how heroin affects the body and the mind, you can learn how to tell if someone is on heroin.
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Warning Signs of Heroin Abuse
There are many ways to tell if someone is on heroin. Once you are aware of these signs, how to tell someone is on heroin becomes easier. Despite attempts to cover their addiction, the effects of heroin use are evident.
- Track marks
Users who inject heroin will have needle marks on their bodies. Tracks marks are areas of discoloration along veins. Track marks leave permanent scars long after treatment and recovery. These marks can be on elbows, wrists, hands, and knees.
- Paraphernalia
Heroin users take pride in their drug paraphernalia. Many have their own supplies for drug use. If an individual shoots up heroin, they will have a bowl to dissolve the heroin in water, pieces of cotton to soak it up, and needles to inject the drug. If a user snorts heroin, you will find rolled-up bills, straws, and razors used to create lines.
- Nodding out
When someone is under the influence, they have a hard time staying focused and coherent. They often nod out. Individuals who use heroin appear as if they have fallen asleep. You can tell if someone is on heroin if they move one moment and then appear asleep the next moment.
- Small pupils
While under the influence of heroin, pupils shrink in size. Normal pupils will constrict according to the amount of light that the pupil is exposed to. When someone is using heroin, pupils constrict regardless of the amount of light.
- Health problems
Heroin use causes serious health problems. These health problems can include miscarriages, sexual dysfunction, and blood infections. Heroin addiction also devastates the lungs. A persistent cough can develop, which also indicate heroin use. Many chronic users to end up with fatal lung diseases. Others share their needles exposing themselves to a myriad of diseases. If you inject heroin with someone else’s needles, you can unintentionally expose yourself to hepatitis B and C and HIV.
- Personality changes
Heroin affects a person’s ability to connect with other people. When someone has a heroin problem, it becomes a fixation in their life. They disengage from family and friends. They will stop working and may engage in criminal activity. Self-care is no longer a priority. Anyone else’s needs or problems are overshadowed by the desire to use. This is especially true if they feel that the conflict will prevent them from getting or staying high.
- Withdrawal symptoms
If you use heroin, even for a brief period, it can cause significant physical symptoms of withdrawal. Some common symptoms include heavy sweating, nausea, vomiting, irritability, and aches. Withdrawal from heroin is the number one reason why so many people leave treatment. This can begin within a few hours after the drug is taken. Withdrawal is a red flag that indicates someone is using heroin.
- Overdose
Overdose is apparent from the user’s lips, nails, and skin turning a bluish tint. A person who overdosed on heroin is unconscious. Family and friends often believe their loved one who overdosed is asleep. These situations are a missed opportunity to intervene and save a life. If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately.
Mental Health and Heroin
The brain undergoes major changes when a person uses heroin. These changes can often take years to reverse. In many cases, permanent brain damage occurs from long-term use. These changes in your brain from long-term heroin use may result in the inability to control your behavior. You can experience problems processing intense emotions and stress. You can suffer from memory problems and poor impulse control. Repeated heroin use changes the structure of the brain.
Treatment for Heroin Addiction
There are many options available to treat heroin addiction. Both behavioral and pharmacological interventions are proven methods to help you overcome addiction. When you first start the process of detox, you can experience pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Medication, such as Suboxone, can be helpful during this stage of recovery. The FDA approved
Intervention
If you or your loved one is abusing heroin, it is important to set up an intervention. An intervention lets you speak to your loved ones in a safe environment about their behaviors. Reach out to Regency Behavioral Health to assist you in confronting your loved ones about heroin addictions.
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Insurance Coverage Programs
At Resurgence Behavioral Health, we offer many different programs to ensure you get the help you need.
We will reach out on your behalf and talk to your insurance company.
Everyone deserves the chance at recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use, please reach out to us today.
You are not alone on this journey and speaking out can be the catalyst to make the change!
