Signs of Heroin Use, Heroin Symptoms, And Warning Signs

Heroin Addiction Statistics

In 2020, heroin-involved overdose death rates decreased by nearly 7% 2019 to 2020. However, more than 13,000 people died from a drug overdose involving heroin in the United States, a rate of more than four deaths for every 100,000 Americans. The number of heroin-involved overdose deaths was nearly seven times higher in 2020 than in 1999. Almost 20% of all opioid deaths involved heroin.

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Most Popular Heroin FAQ’s

Physical Signs of Heroin Overdose

• Constricted pupils: Heroin can cause the pupils of the eyes to become small, making them appear like tiny dots. This is because the drug affects the muscles that control the size of the pupils, causing them to constrict.
• Drowsiness: One of the primary effects of heroin is a feeling of extreme relaxation and sedation. This can cause users to become drowsy and even nod off during use.
• Slurred speech: As heroin use progresses, it can cause the user’s speech becomes slurred or difficult to understand. The drug affects the central nervous system, impairing speech, and cognitive function.
• Itchy skin: Heroin can cause users to experience intense itching, particularly on the arms and legs. This is thought to be related to the release of histamines in response to the drug.
• Nausea and vomiting: Many heroin users experience nausea and vomiting due to the drug’s effects on the digestive system.
• Constipation: Heroin can slow down the digestive system, causing users to experience constipation and difficulty with bowel movements.
• Decreased respiration: Heroin is a respiratory depressant that can slow down breathing and reduce the amount of oxygen in the lungs. This can be extremely dangerous and even lead to overdose.
• Blue or gray lips and nails: In severe cases of a heroin overdose, users may experience a lack of oxygen to the body’s tissues, which can cause the lips and nails to turn blue or gray. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

Behavioral Signs of Someone on Heroin

• Lying or being secretive: People struggling with heroin addiction may lie or be secretive about their drug use, as they may feel ashamed or afraid of judgment.
• Stealing or borrowing money: Heroin addiction can be expensive, leading some individuals to steal or borrow money to support their habit.
• Neglecting personal hygiene: Heroin addiction can cause individuals to neglect personal hygiene, as they may prioritize drug use over daily tasks like bathing or brushing their teeth.
• Losing interest in hobbies or activities: People struggling with heroin addiction may lose interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed, as drug use may become their main focus.
• Isolating from friends and family: Individuals with heroin addiction may isolate themselves from loved ones, as they may feel embarrassed or afraid to ask for help.
• Sudden mood swings or changes in behavior: Heroin addiction can cause mood swings or changes in behavior, such as irritability, aggression, or apathy.
• Poor performance at work or school: Individuals with heroin addiction may struggle to maintain employment or perform well in school, as drug use can impact cognitive functioning and motivation.

 

Withdrawal Symptoms and Signs Someone is Doing Heroin

When a person stops using heroin, they may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms, including:

• Sweating: A common symptom of heroin withdrawal is excessive sweating, even in cool environments.
• Nausea and vomiting: Heroin withdrawal can cause severe stomach upset, leading to nausea and vomiting.
• Diarrhea: Diarrhea is another common symptom of heroin withdrawal that can lead to dehydration if left untreated.
• Muscle aches and pains: Heroin withdrawal can cause severe muscle aches and pains, making it difficult to perform daily activities.
• Insomnia: People going through heroin withdrawal may experience insomnia or difficulty falling asleep.
• Anxiety and agitation: Heroin withdrawal can cause intense anxiety and agitation, making it difficult to relax or remain calm.
• Depression: Withdrawal from heroin can also lead to feelings of depression and hopelessness. Seeking professional help is crucial to prevent relapse and support recovery.

Heroin Addiction Treatment Near Me

Heroin addiction is a chronic disease and should be treated like other chronic diseases. Like those, it should constantly be monitored and managed. Heroin is a type of opioid. Opioid addiction treatment is different for each individual. The main purpose of opioid addiction treatment is to help the person stop using the drug. Opioid addiction treatment can also help the person avoid using it again.

The body goes through specific symptom stages known as opiate withdrawal. The opiate withdrawal timeline varies from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of opioid used, how long it was used, and any other substances that may have been used with opioids. Medically managed withdrawal opiate detox ensures the individual remains safe and stays as comfortable as possible.

Heroin Detox Treatment

The first step in treatment is medical detox. It will help you navigate the complicated withdrawal process but doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior contributing to heroin addiction. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete detox.

Cravings are very common during detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can give the necessary medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and the effects of withdrawals.

Inpatient Treatment for Heroin Addiction

There isn’t one treatment approach or style that will suit everyone. Treatment should speak to the needs of the individual. Inpatient drug rehab and addiction treatment aren’t just about drug or alcohol use. the goal is to help the person stop using drugs like heroin. Drug and alcohol rehab should also focus on the whole person’s needs.

Addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. When someone or their family is considering different treatment facilities, they should account for the complexity of addiction and the needs of the individual. The objective of attending an inpatient drug and alcohol rehab center for addiction treatment is to stop using the drug and re-learn how to live a productive life without it.

Most people benefit from inpatient rehab after a full medical detox from drugs and alcohol. Inpatient drug rehab can last anywhere from 28 days to several months. Patients stay overnight in the rehab facility and participate in intensive treatment programs and therapy. Once someone completes rehab, their addiction treatment team will create an aftercare program, including continuing therapy and participation in a 12-step program like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

Psychotherapy

Many rehab programs will also have early morning classes or programs. Group sessions occur during inpatient rehab, as do individual therapy sessions. Family therapy may be part of inpatient rehab when it’s feasible. Alternative forms of therapy may be introduced during inpatient rehab, like a holistic therapy program, yoga for addiction recovery, or addiction treatment massage therapy.

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of mental health disorders along with addiction, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – is an effective treatment that involves changing both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression.
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) – is a comprehensive mental health and substance abuse treatment program whose ultimate goal is to aid patients in their efforts to build a life worth living. The main goal of DBT is to help a person develop what is referred to as a “clear mind.” 
• Solution-focused therapy is an approach interested in solutions that can be quickly implemented with a simple first step leading to further positive consequences.

Heroin Addiction Signs Recovery Story Video

Carlos’ Heroin Addiction Recovery Story

Carlos’ Heroin Addiction Recovery Story Carlos’ story is one of strength and courage in the face of his ongoing struggle with heroin addiction. Through dedication and faith, Carlos overcame the physical and mental challenges of seeking recovery from a crippling heroin addiction. His story highlights the importance of having a positive support system, staying motivated, and building a life of hope and strength despite the darkness of addiction. His is a story of self-determination and resilience in the face of adversity.