Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine, which is a natural substance taken from the seed pod of the various poppy plants grown in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and Colombia. At Continuum Recovery of Denver, CO we will discuss the various signs of heroin addiction, withdrawals and what can be done to help those who are addicted to opioids.
Signs of Heroin Addiction
As others might struggle with different substances, Heroin has been widely known for being extremely addictive. In the eyes of someone addicted to this substance, they revolve their entire world around their ability to use this drug. If someone starts becoming hooked on this substance, they will start to become more secretive and start becoming negligent in their daily responsibilities like not going to work, concerned about financial issues, and family obligations. While it may be emotionally draining, these simple signs might not be enough for you to spot the addiction immediately.
Some of the physical signs may include clouded thinking, flu symptoms, track marks, and frequent drowsiness, to name a few. Due to its high potency, it can be overwhelmingly easy to find yourself abusing this substance and becoming addicted. One’s desire to get a hold of the drug becomes their number one priority. Over an extended period, one will become physically dependent on the drug. They will find themselves running to this substance to fulfill their own desired pleasurable effects.
How To Cope With Withdrawals
Withdrawals and drug addiction almost go hand in hand. With withdrawals being inevitable, it is imperative to learn how to cope with these withdrawals as they tend to come in waves. Withdrawals can be seen as a clear indicator of physical dependence on the substance. Once a person decides to quit and/or reduce their amount of the substance, they will likely experience some uncomfortable feelings and symptoms.
Some of the symptoms that are aligned with heroin dependence are not the most pleasant. Due to its painful symptoms, some addicts find themselves using heroin again just to avoid the pain that is associated with the detox. While everyone’s journey is different, this substance abuse can cause tremendous damage to the person’s mind and body.
Indicators of Heroin Addiction
Those that partake in the abuse of this drug regularly can find themselves developing a tolerance for the drug, thus causing them to continually increase their dosage to achieve the same high that was reached during their initial introduction to this addictive substance.
Some heroin addicts may have needle tracks on their bodies. This drug can cause the user to appear drowsy and cloud mental functioning. This substance is also known to change your cardiac functioning. They may also have paraphernalia in regards to their heroin tool collection, these may include metal pipes, spoons, rubber tubing, and belts.
Symptoms can include those listed below, but are not limited to, the following:
- Itching
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Skin Infections
Signs of a Heroin Overdose
Although you may not want to think about the worst-case scenario in regards to this type of addiction, there are some factors that you need to consider when dealing with some struggling with this illness. Once someone finds themselves overdosing on this drug, their breathing often slows or stops. Thus, decreasing the appropriate amount of oxygen that reaches the brain. This condition is often referred to as hypoxia.
Hypoxia can cause long and short-term mental effects as well as effects on the nervous system. Over some time, this could cause one to go into a coma or experience permanent brain damage.
Heroin overdose affects a multitude of different parts and systems of the body. The side effects can differ between individuals and become more noticeable. Here are some other signs of a heroin overdose that you may want to be aware of:
- Bluish-colored lips or nails
- Weak pulse
- Pinpoint pupils
- Extreme drowsiness
- Repeated loss of consciousness
- Constipation or spasms of the stomach or intestines
- Low blood pressure
Signs of Heroin Withdrawal
Symptoms can be detected within a few hours after the drug intake and some of the symptoms can appear to resemble flu-like symptoms. The other side effects of withdrawals may include:
- Restlessness
- Severe muscle and bone pain
- Sleep problems
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Cold flashes
- Severe heroin cravings
Drug Rehab in Denver, CO for Heroin Addiction
If you need treatment for a heroin addiction, contact us at Continuum Recovery Center of Colorado right now. We can help you overcome the challenges you are facing with heroin addiction for good.
