Ultimately, heroin is a dangerous drug with a notoriously high rate of abuse, addiction, and dependency, and (as a result) people will suffer as they slip between the gray areas of this dreadful mental illness. As the Opioid Crisis continues to rage across our streets, more people are falling victim to this deadly opioid, so it will definitely be important for you to be on the lookout. First and most importantly, you must understand that heroin addiction is not the same as chemical dependency (where a person cannot function without a drug in their system). So, on that note, how do you identify if a person is suffering from heroin addiction? What are the warning signs and indicators that your best friend, loved one, or an associate is suffering from this condition? Let’s take a closer look and find out some more information.
Physical and Psychological Symptoms
Ultimately, heroin withdrawal can be so agonizing that addicts will start using this drug again just to alleviate the dreadful symptoms of detox. As a result, you may have a hard time identifying if this person is a first-timer user or an experienced addict. Here are some physical and psychological signs a person is addicted to heroin:
- Short-Term: A person may feel drowsy or euphoric and suffer from bouts of itching, nausea, and vomiting and exhibit a flushed face.
- Atypical: Lasting from several hours into two days, these symptoms typically take root after a person consumes a tainted batch of heroin. Side effects including heart palpitations, tremors, severe headaches, and chest pain and require hospitalization.
- Overdose: Toxic additives or pure heroin can induce deadly overdoses. Signs of this life-threatening incident include bluish lips/nails, delirium, low blood pressure, light pulse, pinpoint pupils, spastic muscles, confusion, and (worst of all) coma.
- Withdrawal: Typically, heroin withdrawal takes place 6 to 12 hours after a user has stopped consuming the drug and will peak from 1 to 2 days. Common heroin withdrawal symptoms include anger, depression, frequent yawning, body aches (back, legs), diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, runny nose, and insomnia.
Changes in Behavior
When a person starts using heroin, his or her entire life begins to orbit the consumption of this drug and the desperation to obtain it. As with any form of addiction, this man or women may put their desire for heroin over the needs of their loved ones. These behavioral changes may include poor money management, use of street slang, lying, legal issues, and chipping (frequent use). Also, keep a lookout for drug paraphernalia (a commonality for heroin addicts).
Seeking Treatment for Heroin Addiction
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
