Heroin addiction is a problem that’s been plaguing the United States for decades, but it’s rapidly getting worse. In fact, the heroin epidemic has become devastating since the rise of prescription opioid addiction in the early 2000s. More and more people are developing an addiction to heroin, so it’s important to know the signs. Knowing the signs of heroin addiction will give you a better understanding of the disease and how to take control of it.
The Various Signs of Heroin Addiction
There’s a common misconception that people jump straight into using heroin. However, it usually starts with prescription medications. Most people shrug off their abuse of prescription pain medications but then cross over to heroin. Often times they begin using heroin because they can no longer get the same high from the medications. In some cases, they may turn to heroin because they can’t get the medications anymore.
When a person begins using heroin, the signs may be very clear, but sometimes the signs are much more elusive. For example, a misconception is that heroin abusers have to use needles, but this isn’t the case. Heroin can be used in all of the following ways:
- Smoking
- Snorting
- Injecting
The important thing to realize is every person is different. The way one person’s body deals with heroin addiction may not necessarily be the same as another person.
Recognizing the Behavioral and Physical Signs of Heroin Addiction
When it comes to the physical signs, you’ll have to look for paraphernalia, like needles or burnt foil. Behavioral signs, however, are much easier to recognize. Heroin is a depressant that changes the way a person behaves, so he or she may become more withdrawn from society. In addition, you may see they isolate a lot more, and he or she may also have irrational changes in their mood.
Those who have an addiction to heroin are often going to have mood swings because of the symptoms of withdrawal from the drug. Depending on the person’s tolerance, he or she can begin feeling withdrawal from heroin within hours. The symptoms of withdrawal can make a person experience pain, and they will also have flu-like symptoms. If you notice that your loved one is showing the signs of heroin withdrawal, it’s definitely time to consider substance abuse treatment programs.
How Drug Rehab Can Help
Crest View Recovery Center is a drug rehabilitation center in beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. In fact, we’re here to help your loved one learn how to stop using heroin for good. Heroin addiction makes a person feel as though there’s no other way to live than to continue using the drug. We’re here to show our clients that it’s possible to live an incredible life without drugs.
For example, our programs at CVRC include:
Here at Crest View Recovery Center, we’re fully accredited and work with a variety of different insurance providers. For more information about our rehab counseling services and addiction treatment, call us today at 866-327-2505.
