Heroin addiction is a serious issue and one that can be incredibly difficult to overcome. Recent studies found that the number of people who admitted to using heroin doubled in less than 10 years, making it one of the most rapidly growing addictions in the United States. Trying to identify the symptoms of someone on heroin isn’t easy, particularly if you’re not entirely sure how to find evidence of opiate use or even precisely what you are looking for. Heroin addiction is notoriously difficult to spot, too, because users are heavily invested in keeping their secret. No one wants to be that person who was kept in the dark by their friend or loved one who is actually an addict, but it happens frequently.
This article will explore everything you need to know about heroin addiction and how to get help if you or someone you love is struggling with it. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Heroin?
For those who don’t know, heroin is a highly addictive opioid drug made from morphine, an opium-derived substance. People who abuse heroin use it for a powerful “high” feeling and to feel relief from physical and emotional pain. Heroin can be injected, smoked, snorted or inhaled as a “skyball,” which is when a person crushes the drug into a fine powder and snorts it. People who abuse heroin sometimes mix it with other substances, like fentanyl, a synthetic drug that is significantly more dangerous.
Signs And Symptoms Of Heroin Abuse
The signs and symptoms of heroin abuse can vary greatly between individuals. Some people may experience few physical symptoms, while others may exhibit behavioral traits that are associated with heroin abuse. Some of the signs of heroin abuse include:
– Changes in mood or behavior – People who are abusing heroin may experience sudden shifts in mood and become unusually happy, calm or sedated. They may also demonstrate unusual irritability, restlessness, or aggressiveness.
– Respiratory issues – People who abuse heroin have an increased risk of respiratory problems, including slowed breathing and an increased risk of an overdose due to decreased oxygen levels in the blood. They also have an increased risk of contracting blood-borne diseases, such as HIV.
– Skin issues – Some people who abuse heroin will develop skin infections, discoloration on the skin, or sores, especially if they inject the drug into their veins.
– Poor hygiene – People who abuse heroin may appear unkempt and disheveled and have trouble taking care of their hygiene needs, like showering and eating.
The Dangers of Heroin Addiction
Heroin is a serious and dangerous drug. Some of the dangers of heroin abuse and addiction include:
– Death – The most obvious danger of heroin use is death, as overdose is extremely common. Studies have shown that nearly half of all people who die from an opioid overdose die from a heroin overdose.
– Infections – Sharing needles or syringes, which many people do with heroin, can put you at risk of contracting infectious diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, parasites and infections like tuberculosis.
– Mental health issues – Heroin abuse can lead to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, psychosis and mania.
– Social problems – Heroin abuse can lead to problems at work, in school, in friendships and with family members. It can also lead to financial problems and legal issues, such as problems with the law due to drug-related incidents.
How To Help Someone with a Heroin Addiction
If you suspect a loved one is abusing heroin, there are a few things you can do to help them get the treatment they need.
– Talk to them – One of the most important things you can do is engage in open, honest communication with the person suffering from the addiction. You don’t have to wait for them to ask for help or bring up their issues. Be proactive in your approach, and talk to them about their drug use and any concerns you have.
– Don’t shame them – While you should definitely express your concerns about their drug use and urge them to seek treatment, you also don’t want to shame them for their decisions. This can only drive them further away from addressing their issues.
– Offer your support – Let the person know that you are there for them and that you want to help them with their issues. Let them know that you care about them and don’t want them to hurt themselves with the drug use.
– Get them help – If your loved one isn’t ready or open to treatment, you can still help by getting them in contact with a rehab center. There are many rehabilitation facilities that will take patients without an official referral.
Where to Get Help and More Information
Those who suffer from opiate addiction are in need of effective addiction treatment. But traditional methods like rehab centers or Opiates Anonymous meetings often aren’t enough for those who are addicted to kick the habit truly. Ibogaine retreat for opiate addiction presents a new and effective option for those who are struggling with this disorder. When ibogaine treatment is used for opioid addiction, up to 98% of withdrawal symptoms are alleviated, and the risk of post-acute withdrawal syndrome is reduced. Ibogaine treatment will allow them to look at their life and choices in a new way and will significantly reduce the chances that they will relapse. Essentially, it’s the best way for opiate addicts to get their life back.
For more information, you can contact our Transcend Clinic.