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If you or someone you know may be addicted to heroin, this guide is worth reading. It is one of the most highly addictive drugs out there. It can also be easy to overdose on.
The overdose itself can lead to fatal consequences. Heroin addiction is serious. Now is the time to beat the addiction by getting the help you need.
To begin, find out what Epiphany Wellness can do for you. Let’s take a look now at the following signs, dangers, and treatment programs for heroin addiction so you (or someone dealing with it) gets started now.
What are the signs and symptoms of heroin addiction?
Some signs and symptoms of heroin addiction are less than noticeable. Others may be more so. Let’s take a look at the following list of what to look out for:
- Mood swings: These can include good moods and sudden changes into bad ones including sadness and irritability.
- Euphoria: Heroin and other opioid drugs can create feelings of euphoria. That’s because opioids can attach to the receptors of your brain. Meanwhile, it will flood your brain with more than enough dopamine to make you feel good. This feeling is one of the reasons why heroin is highly addictive.
- Weight loss: A person may be dealing with weight loss. This can be associated with other digestive symptoms such as a loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and stomach aches among others. Their inability to eat on a regular basis can lead to weight loss that can be dramatic over a short period of time.
- Behavioral issues: This can include aggression, violence, risky behaviors, lying, sleeping for increased periods of time, and an inability to interact with others. They may be isolating themselves from friends and family. This is due to the fact that they choose to use drugs compared to social interaction.
- Inability to think clearly: When you are under the influence of heroin, you will not have the ability to think clearly. You may also have the inability to be aware of your surroundings. This can also include disorganized thoughts.
- Psychosis: This can occur as a long-term effect of heroin. They may have psychotic episodes if they are either on or off the drug itself. Some may mistake this as having a mental disorder known as psychosis. However, there is no evidence that mental disorders are directly caused by drugs. Although drugs like heroin can exacerbate any undiagnosed mental disorders.
- Unkempt appearance/lack of hygiene: Those who are addicted to heroin will lack the ability to take care of themselves. Meaning they will forgo grooming or taking care of themselves. They may also not keep up with their regular hygiene. This may be one of the most noticeable signs of heroin addiction (aside from weight loss and a change in appearance).
What are the dangers of heroin addiction?
The dangers of heroin addiction can lead to consequences – albeit fatal ones. After finding out what can arise from this, it will give you more motivation to quit now and get the help you need. Here are the dangers to be aware of:
- Insomnia. A lack of sleep can lead to various health and behavioral issues
- A higher chance of contracting infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B and C
- Skin infections including sores. Abscesses and cellulitis are also possible
- Menstrual problems.
- A higher risk of miscarriage in pregnant women
- Kidney and liver disease
- Lung diseases including tuberculosis and pneumonia
- Collapsed veins, which can lead to poor circulation issues
- Existing mental disorders can get worse
- Building a tolerance that requires more doses
Severe withdrawal symptoms
Of the many dangers, one of them is no greater than severe withdrawal symptoms. Since it is a highly addictive drug, the occurrence of such symptoms is high. The following are common symptoms that can be present:
- Uncontrollable leg movements
- Cold ‘flashes’
- Sleeping issues
- Muscle and bone pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Jitters
These are severe symptoms that can lead to serious or even fatal consequences. That is why if someone starts addiction treatment, they need to check into an inpatient facility. This will ensure that you get medical attention for treating these withdrawal symptoms.
Signs of a heroin overdose
If you are unsure of what the signs of a heroin overdose are, it’s important to know what they are. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Very shallow breathing
- Blueness present in nails, lips, skin
- Slowed pulse
- Low blood pressure
- Limp body
- Uncontrolled vomiting
- Drowsiness
If you or someone you know may be exhibiting these signs, call 911 immediately. It may be a good idea to use Narcan (nasal spray) or Evzio (auto-pen). Naloxone can also be used to block any overdose effects if used just in time.
Heroin overdoses are most likely fatal. Even if someone survives an overdose, they may face long-term effects. Some may survive and may face severe brain damage (even vegetation).
Treatment programs for heroin addiction
It is highly recommended that someone fighting heroin addiction get the treatment they need. Because of the serious nature of the disease, it is important for someone to start treatment in an inpatient facility. This is due to the likelihood of the patient suffering severe withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, individuals may consider seeking specialized care, such as a Christian rehab for women that can provide a supportive and faith-based environment for those seeking recovery.
Make sure an assessment is done by your doctor to ensure an accurate treatment to beat your addiction. If you believe you suffer from mental health disorders, have a separate assessment done by a doctor. This will put together a plan that will combat both your heroin addiction and your mental health disorder.
Final Thoughts
Heroin overdose is a serious disease. It’s never too late to get the help you need. It will save your life.
Imagine living life after beating a heroin addiction. You will look back knowing that you have made the right decision. Life is a precious treasure – don’t let addiction throw it away.
Get the help you need as soon as possible. You will thank yourself for doing so in the future.
Image Credit: Photo by christopher lemercier on Unsplash