Heroin Addiction & Recovery Resources
The leading cause of accidental death in America is drug overdose, and opioids are among the most common drugs that claim the lives of users. While opioid addiction typically begins with a doctor’s prescription, it can easily lead the abuser to the most commonly used opioid on the street: heroin. Here is some information to help you understand heroin addiction and the process of recovery.
The Heroin Epidemic
Lethal, readily-available, and highly addictive, heroin is a drug that devastates entire communities. Few other drugs can cause severe addiction or death in a single usage. Heroin takes its toll on experienced and inexperienced addicts alike. The drug’s tendency to take the lives of young people makes it one of the most despised and serious drugs on the street. A derivative of morphine, Americans consume almost half of the world’s heroin.
Is Someone You Know Abusing Heroin?
If someone you know is using heroin, every day is another opportunity to get them the help they need. The first thing you can look for is physical evidence of heroin abuse. This can mean small baggies, syringes, pipes, tin foil, or powder residue depending on how they use the drug. If someone suddenly wears a lot of hoodies, coats, and long sleeve shirts, this could be a sign that they’re concealing track marks. The biggest changes, however, are likely to be seen in the addict’s behavior. We discuss these changes in more detail below:
The Priorities Of A Heroin Addict
Within just a few uses, heroin can become addictive enough to cause an intense sickness in its users. Therefore, one of the biggest signs that someone is abusing heroin is their shifting priorities. Instead of the normal things they care about in life, they’re more likely to be solely focused on avoiding drug sickness by planning to score their next fix. Unfortunately, this often includes stealing from loved ones and committing crime to avoid the devastating effects of heroin withdrawal.
Other Common Changes That Due To Heroin Addiction
Dry mouth and itchiness are signs of heroin abuse, as are nausea and vomiting. Dilated pupils and flushed skin are common signs that the addict is currently using the drug. Extreme fatigue is common after using as well, since the rush of euphoria takes a lot out of the addict. Once woken from after using the drug, the addict may seem to have diminished memory or an inability to focus.
Signs Of Withdrawal From Heroin
Heroin provides an intense high for the user, and addiction sets in early, causing them to crave the drug just to feel normal. While heroin withdrawal is an painful experience characterized by intense nausea, it’s not known to be deadly. Withdrawal symptoms from heroin typically subside within a few days, and may be completely gone within a week.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS)
Most users will see the withdrawal symptoms from heroin dissipate within a week, but long-term addicts may experience more severe symptoms. This is considered a separate condition known as post-acute withdrawal symptoms, or PAWS. Some symptoms of heroin use are caused by the long term damage from the drug, and may include seizures and psychiatric problems. If diagnosed with PAWS, your doctor will decide if medications may help your recovery.
Get Help With Your Recovery
Heroin addiction is extremely serious, and every single day is vital. Don’t hesitate to speak up, because it could save a loved one’s life. Myrtle Beach Recovery can help you get in contact with the resources you need for detox and treatment. And for ongoing recovery, we provide a residential facility for addicts to safely work the 12 Step Program. Our amenities include a half-court basketball and a peaceful location, and we provide group and individual programs that can help you make real progress toward your recovery.
Contact us today for more information.
