Heroin Addiction
Heroin is not to be trifled with.
You can become addicted to heroin after a single use. Physical dependence can occur within one week of consistent use, if not sooner.
If you’ve used heroin once, a few times, or use it consistently, you may have developed an addiction. Don’t wait until things get worse to get help. Call us now.
What is Heroin?
Heroin is an opioid derived from the sap of a poppy pod, which contains naturally-occurring opiates. In the context of addiction, the term ‘opiate’ references potentially fatal synthetic drugs.
Opiates have been recognized as the most effective painkillers in medicine, as they produce an intense effect of relaxation while temporarily blocking pain receptors in the brain. Unfortunately, this also makes them popular recreational drugs. It’s also what makes them dangerous.
Heroin Is Deadly
Heroin is among the deadliest substances used recreationally. When you ingest or inject heroin, it attaches to receptors in the brainstem that controls breathing and blood pressure. When you build a tolerance or have too much, it greatly increases the chances that you will experience heroin-related respiratory complications or death.
How Heroin Addiction Affects Families
Heroin use has a compounding effect on families. Family members of a person with a heroin addiction often live in constant fear that their loved one will overdose or contract an intravenous disease. If a parent is addicted to heroin, she is likely emotionally and physically unavailable to her children, which can lead them to feel neglected, depressed, or anxious. Experiencing these feelings as a child could result in lifelong issues with abandonment and even addiction.
Possible Signs of Heroin Use
Heroin is considered a “downer” that results in a euphoric experience. Heroin acts fast. The immediate effects of heroin include:
- Shortness of breath
- Dry mouth, also called cottonmouth
- Constricted pupils
- Erratic behavior
- Confusion
- Involuntarily falling asleep, also called “nodding”
- Slow, heavy movements
These symptoms aren’t exclusive to heroin use, but if your loved one has a history of substance abuse and you suspect heroin use, get them help before it’s too late. Your suspicions are likely correct.
Behavioral Effects of
Heroin Addiction
As the addiction to heroin progresses, a person commonly begins to show behavioral inconsistencies, including:
- Lying / Theft
- Substantial increases in sleeping
- Incoherent speech, rambling
- Lack of pride in personal hygiene and appearance
- Sudden distance from friends and family
- Borrowing money
- Extreme mood swings, manic behavior
- Emotional projection
If you or a family member needs help with heroin addiction, get it now.
You aren’t the only one who is suffering.
Withdrawing From Heroin
The high of heroin is described as calm warmth spreading through the body. Users experience temporary feelings of happiness, contentment, and ease of any concerns.
But when the high wears off, the user will experience mild symptoms like irritability, anxiety, sweating, aching muscles, and insomnia. Then, if they don’t use again, they could start showing more severe symptoms like vomiting and intense muscle cramping.
Although withdrawal from heroin is not life-threatening, the effects can happen so quickly that an addict continues to use just to avoid “dopesickness.”
About Heroin Addiction Treatment
Sadly, the number of heroin-related deaths continues to rise. At Ivory Plains, we support and believe in every individual’s ability to turn their life around and heal from heroin addiction. The first step is admitting you have a problem. Then, Ivory Plains can help you start on the path to recovery.
We’ll walk with you through the difficult withdrawal process. We’ll prepare you for all that comes next in your ongoing recovery.
Your journey to sobriety can start today. Give us a call and save your life.
Health Risks From Heroin Use
There are many health risks associated with heroin abuse. Short-term risks include fatal overdose. Here are other potential risks:
- HIV/AIDS (intravenous use)
- Hepatitis C (intravenous use)
- Collapsed veins (intravenous use)
- Infection of the heart lining and valves
- Abscesses
- Cellulitis
- Liver Disease
- Pulmonary complications, including pneumonia
Some are from long-term use, but it only takes one dirty needle to contract HIV or Hepatitis C.
