The signs of heroin addiction can be subtle at first. Heroin is an opioid. It is an illegal drug but consumed for the euphoria it causes. The real danger in heroin use is that heroin is so addictive that it only takes one time for your body to begin craving the drug. Heroin addiction withdrawal symptoms can occur within 6 hours of the last dose. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction to heroin, admission into a heroin addiction treatment center in Los Angeles is the first step towards lasting heroin addiction recovery.
Common Signs of Heroin Addiction
Addiction is the inability to stop abusing a substance despite efforts to do so. Heroin produces a range of withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult to quit with the help of a heroin addiction treatment program in Los Angeles, CA. Common signs of heroin addiction include:
- Feeling euphoric after using and experiencing withdrawal when you need more
- Mood swings and hostility towards other people
- Depression, chronic sleepiness and anxiety
- Obvious itching and picking at skin
If you are using heroin and you have tried to stop on your own without success, you are dealing with an addiction to heroin. You might think you can fool others about addiction. But those close to you will notice changes in your behavior or appearance. Help is required to fully stop abusing heroin and move on with your life safely.
When a Loved One Abuses Heroin
Signs of heroin addiction in a loved one can be more difficult to uncover. People who are abusing substances are generally secretive about their abuse and will go to great lengths to hide it. If you are concerned and looking for signs that heroin is being abused, observable signs of heroin abuse include:
- Lack of care about appearance
- Wearing long-sleeved clothing, even when the weather is hot
- Burnt spoons and other types of drug paraphernalia in the home
- Difficulty holding down a job and maintaining relationships
When you are worried about a loved one who you believe is using drugs, it’s important to have tough conversations. While a heroin addiction treatment program in CA may be needed, the individual that needs treatment has to agree that this is the right thing to do. You can express your concerns and help locate an addiction treatment program. Deciding to go to treatment is the decision of your loved one.
Heroin Addiction Treatment Programs
A heroin addiction treatment program in CA treats not only the symptoms of your drug addiction but also the underlying mental health conditions contributing to your heroin addiction. A heroin addiction treatment program in CA provides a range of substance abuse treatment programs and addiction therapy services necessary to make a lasting recovery from heroin addiction including:
- Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Life Skills Training Program
- TMS Therapy Program
- Trauma Therapy Program
Overcoming Heroin Addiction
Withdrawal from heroin isn’t easy. The first step of working through addiction is to go through detox. The process of withdrawal can cause mood changes, hallucinations, profuse sweating, or agitation. This is why a detox facility is important. Trying to go detox home alone generally leads to relapse because using will stop the withdrawal symptoms.
Once detox successfully removes heroin from the body, it is vital to learn how to prevent a relapse. A commitment to sobriety is essential. You accomplish this in several ways. Learning new ways to cope with stress can help ease the cravings for heroin and other substances. It is necessary to remember that although detox may be complete, working on behavioral changes is what will lead to long term sobriety.