Heroin is one of the most dangerous drugs in the United States. Heroin comes from morphine, an element found in the sap of opium poppies. Then the sap is turned into a white or brown powder or a black, sticky substance. Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive drug. It can be sniffed, snorted, smoked, or injected into a muscle or vein. It is often mixed with other drugs or substances such as sugar, baking soda, powdered milk, or even poison.
If someone you know has become addicted to heroin, they’re probably not going to come right out and tell you. So that means you will have to figure it out for yourself, and that means knowing the signs and symptoms of heroin use. At Michael’s House, we want to help educate you on heroin use and the signs to look for in a loved one. Additionally, we provide a heroin addiction treatment program to those ready to get help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 760.548.4032 to get the support you or a loved one requires.
10 Signs of Heroin Use
Addressing heroin use with a loved one can be challenging, but it is essential to intervene as soon as possible. Here are the top ten signs of heroin use are:
- Grogginess, drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting
- Euphoria and feeling immense pleasure
- Shallow breathing
- Abscesses or scars on the arms
- Often seems confused or disoriented
- The individual has contracted hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV/AIDS
- Poor performance at work or school
- The individual has withdrawn from friends and family
- They have asked to borrow from you or have stolen from you
- The individual has had run-ins with law enforcement
If a friend or family member exhibits one or more of the signs and symptoms above, they may be using heroin. If this is the case, they need help.
Signs of Heroin Addiction
Heroin addiction is a severe problem that can have devastating consequences. However, it is treatable, and many resources are available to those who need help. The first step is to recognize the signs of heroin addiction. These include changes in the following:
- Physical appearance, including weight loss and a lack of hygiene
- Behavior, such as lying or stealing to obtain heroin
- Health, including lung and liver problems and infections at injection sites
- Relationships, with increased isolation from loved ones and strained relationships due to addiction
They may also suffer from financial, legal, and health issues. If you suspect someone you know is struggling with heroin addiction, contact them and offer your support. Many organizations can help, such as Narcotics Anonymous or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. People can recover from heroin addiction and lead healthy, happy lives with treatment.
How Can Heroin Addiction Treatment Help?
Heroin addiction treatment can help people in many ways. First and foremost, it can give them the support they need to overcome their addiction. This may include individual and group therapy, as well as medication-assisted treatment. In addition, heroin addiction treatment can help people to rebuild their lives. This may involve reconnecting with family and friends, finding stable housing, and returning to employment. Finally, heroin addiction treatment can help people reduce their relapse risk. Usually, this can involve education about the dangers of using heroin and how to identify and avoid triggers. Ultimately, heroin addiction treatment can be vital for helping people to recover from this debilitating disease.
Get Help for Heroin Use at Michael’s House
Please reach out to Michael’s House to get in touch with one of our admissions coordinators. We are glad to answer your questions and can even help you determine what treatment forms are covered by insurance. If you don’t have insurance, that is not a problem either. We offer many flexible plans so you can get the information you need to make a decision regarding your loved one. Don’t wait another day. Contact Michael’s House at 760.548.4032 to get access to help for heroin use.
