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Heroin is a dangerous substance that can lead to death. There are a number of heroin warning signs of abuse. This substance occurs naturally in the seed pods of various opium poppy plants.
Entering the brain quickly and binding to your opioid receptors, heroin is strongly habit-forming and has been shown to be a major problem in the country. In fact, heroin addiction is an issue for over 600,000 Americans, according to the 2016 NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health).
Before we dive into heroin rehab options, let’s first look at how you can identify these warning signs in your loved one.
Heroin Abuse Warning Signs
After injecting heroin, the physical effects kick in almost instantaneously. An intense euphoria bathes users within seconds. Smoking the drug doesn’t produce such strong effects as it takes longer to reach the brain than when injected intravenously.
If you suspect a loved one is using this debilitating drug, here are some of the most common signs of heroin addiction:
- Suddenly nodding off
- Continually dry mouth
- Constricted pupils
- Loss of self-control
- Nausea and vomiting
- Ongoing constipation
- Slowed breathing
- Poor personal hygiene
- Neglected responsibilities
- Itching the skin constantly
- Confusion and disorientation
- Impaired decision-making
- Memory loss
- Dramatic and unintentional weight loss
- Runny nose and watering eyes
- Lethargy and extreme exhaustion
- Persistent flu-like symptoms
- Bruising and scabbing of the skin
- Shattered sleep patterns
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Damage to the liver and kidneys
- Hepatitis C
- HIV/AIDS
Some advanced warning signs of heroin use include burnt or missing spoons, syringes, missing belts or shoelaces, and more. Track marks—small dark dots on the arms—are another indicator of injection use. Many long-term effects of heroin can be deadly. See more here.
Warning Signs of Heroin Overdose
Heroin overdose can result in death if not treated immediately. Recognizing the signs is crucial. Look for:
- No or shallow breathing
- Dry mouth
- Small pupils
- Weak pulse
- Stomach or intestinal spasms
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Coma
If any of these signs are present, call 9-1-1 or seek medical attention immediately.
Heroin Relapse Warning Signs
Addiction is a lifelong disease. Even after treatment at a heroin rehab center, relapse can occur. Warning signs include major shifts in attitude or behavior, increased isolation, and returning to old patterns.
How To Identify Heroin Addiction
Identifying heroin addiction is not always straightforward, but certain physical and behavioral markers can help. Watch for:
- Wearing long sleeves in warm weather to hide track marks
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Neglect of personal hygiene
- Presence of drug paraphernalia
Early identification is key to getting help and starting recovery.
Get Insurance-Covered Addiction Treatment
Heroin Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery
If you need heroin addiction help, Renaissance Recovery provides comprehensive care for all levels of opioid use disorder.
Treatment programs include:
- Drug detox to overcome early stages of sobriety
- Dual diagnosis treatment for underlying mental health disorders
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Vocational development programs
To get started, call the admissions team at 866-330-9449.
Sources:
- https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-DetTabs-2015/NSDUH-DetTabs-2015/NSDUH-DetTabs-2015.pdf
THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE
At Renaissance Recovery our goal is to provide evidence-based treatment to as many individuals as possible. Give us a call today to verify your insurance coverage or to learn more about paying for addiction treatment.
