Heroin is a highly addictive drug that can affect people in a variety of ways. There are many factors that make heroin addiction more difficult to overcome.
Heroin addiction is hard to recover from because it’s an emotional and physical dependence on the drug. Heroin addicts also often experience severe withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit, which makes it that much harder for them to stop using the drug.
This blog gives a detailed look at how heroin addiction works and how you can help loved ones who are struggling with this addiction.
Intro: What is Heroin? How Is It Addictive?
Heroin is a highly addictive drug that is primarily derived from morphine, a substance found in the seed pod of the Asian opium poppy plant. Heroin is typically injected, smoked, or snorted.
Heroin addiction usually begins with a non-prescribed use of the drug. It can also be triggered by prescription painkillers such as oxycodone or hydrocodone that are sold on the street and then used to support the continued use of heroin.
Heroin addiction has become an epidemic in recent years, leading to many negative side effects including overdose and even death.
How Heroin Addiction Can Affect Your Loved Ones
Heroin addiction is a severe problem that can have a devastating effect on the lives of those around the addict. It can also result in physical, emotional, and financial consequences for the addict.
This addiction is characterized by compulsive drug use, which leads to an intense need for more heroin in order to achieve its effects. This creates a cycle of dependency and withdrawal symptoms that can be difficult to overcome without professional help.
Heroin addicts often neglect their loved ones as they struggle with their addiction. They may also seem uninterested in family members or friends who do not share their addiction.
Heroin affects the brain, which makes it difficult for addicts to control their impulses. This leads to many negative consequences for loved ones – from financial troubles to legal issues.
What Are The Signs of Heroin Addiction?
Heroin addiction can be difficult to spot because it is a highly secretive disease. It can also follow a person through different stages of their life until they no longer have control over their actions. With the many signs and symptoms of heroin addiction, knowing what to look for will help you determine whether or not someone could be using heroin.
Take note that signs of heroin addiction vary between users. However, some of the most common signs include:
Behavioral
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Secrecy or lying
- Lack of interest in hobbies or activities previously enjoyed
- Not showing up/showing up late to work and school
- Isolation from friends and family
- Constantly needing money or stealing money
- Wearing long sleeves or pants to cover up marks from drug use
Physical
- abruptly falling asleep
- dry mouth
- lack of self-control
- nausea/vomiting
- diarrhea/constipation
Many addicts also suffer from withdrawal symptoms when they stop using, and addiction treatment is a long process that often includes therapy.
What Are The Treatment Options For Heroin Addiction?
Heroin addiction is a chronic, progressive, and often fatal disease. The most effective treatment options are inpatient/outpatient rehabilitation centers that offer a comprehensive approach to recovery. These rehab centers have specific treatments for heroin addiction such as counseling, detoxification therapy, medical care, and behavioral therapy.
Outpatient LA is one of the best rehab centers for heroin addiction. Our treatment programs have been highly successful in helping people overcome their addictions and reclaim their lives. We offer a variety of treatment services that are designed to help clients find the treatment that is best for them.
You can contact us today for yourself or a loved one to learn more about our rehab center, or get the admissions process started!