Heroin is one of the most addictive opioids. It’s also illegal. However, as anyone at a heroin addiction treatment center can tell you, getting the drug is surprisingly easy. What are the physiological and psychological signs of heroin use?
A Day in the Life of a Heroin Addiction
Once the addiction takes hold, the drug becomes the focal point of someone’s life. This person no longer cares about friends and family members’ fears and worries. Getting the drug and using it are of paramount concern. They’ll do anything to achieve this goal.
Physical Signs of Heroin Use
People most commonly inject heroin. Look for track marks on the inside of the arms but also along the legs. Some people snort the drug. They frequently present with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose.
You might notice scabs on the extremities. While high, the skin feels itchy, and users scratch it. Because they’re numb to the sensation of pain, they often scratch themselves until bloody. Since people use daily, they also scratch open existing scabs, which can result in infections that present as red pustules.
While high, a person goes in and out of consciousness. People call it nodding. One moment, your loved one is alert and talking. The next, they’re spacing out or sleeping.
Psychological Symptoms
When discussing the mental and behavioral signs of heroin use, people commonly talk about mood swings. Happy one moment and angry the next, a person’s mood becomes erratic. It depends on where the individual is at in the use process. Prior to their drug use, people are frequently anxious or feel depressed.
While on the drug, they’re mellow. As they come down, anxiety and aggression increase. The cycle then starts again. During withdrawal periods, look for sweating, signs of pain, and constant yawning.
Gastrointestinal upset is a common sign of someone undergoing involuntary withdrawal. To avoid going through withdrawal, your loved one will lie, cheat, and steal to get the money for the drug. They’ll promise you anything and everything if you help with money. As soon as they’re high, the promises mean nothing.
Your Loved One Needs Help
Financial instability, sudden weight loss, mood swings, and secrecy are also warning signs. In contrast to what people might tell you, the individual doesn’t need a lecture. Addiction’s a disease that requires professional intervention from one of the heroin addiction rehab programs. There, addiction specialists work with your loved one to overcome the dependency.
Treatments include:
- Detoxification that lets her or him withdraw from the drug without pain
- Behavioral therapies that get to the root of the addiction process
- Life skills training for an easy reintegration after program graduation
- Coping skills development that helps with stressor and trigger management
- Family counseling, which reopens avenues of communication
If you suspect that your loved one displays signs of heroin use, get help. Vital drug addiction treatment centers provide the assistance individuals need right now. Call today.
