What Are Some Heroin Addiction Symptoms?
The typical symptom associated with heroin users is track marks on the skin from needles. However, new users don’t usually inject heroin, which can make noticing their symptoms a bit harder. If you suspect a loved one is using heroin, keep an eye out for these other symptoms:
– Bloodshot eyes
– Tiny pupils
– Changes in behavior and appearance
– Sudden weight loss
– Extreme lethargy and drowsiness
– Borrowing money
– Lack of motivation
One of the strongest signs of any drug addiction is a marked change in behavior and attitude. Drug-seeking tends to become the top priority of an addicted person, and they may lose interest in hobbies or anything else in their life.
Side-Effects of Heroin Addiction Symptoms
Most people realize that heroin is a very dangerous drug due to its strong potential for addiction. However, heroin also has a number of short and long-term side-effects that present additional dangers and risks. One of the most common risks is blood-borne viruses that result from sharing needles. HIV and hepatitis rates are high among heroin users. They also have a strong tendency to engage in risky sexual behavior.
The risk of suicide is another danger of heroin addiction. Sometimes users intentionally overdose on heroin to commit suicide. If you use heroin and also have an underly mental disorder like depression, you have an even higher risk of suicide. If you try to quit heroin by yourself, the resulting withdrawal symptom of depression could be strong enough to trigger an attempt at suicide. This is why it’s important for heroin users to go to a heroin addiction treatment center in order to withdraw safely.h
Physical signs and symptoms of heroin use include slurred speech, paranoia, difficulty breathing, collapsed veins, dry mouth, nausea and severe itchiness. Side effects typically get worse the longer you use heroin. Lung, liver, and heart disease are not uncommon serious side-effects of long-term heroin use.
Recognizing Symptoms of Heroin Addiction
Experimenting with heroin almost always leads to addiction. However, some cases of addiction are more severe than others. If you’re wondering how severe your addiction is, then you can look at the 11 criteria of heroin addiction. The more criteria that you fit, the more severe your addiction. Some of the criteria include a strong desire to use the drug, continued use that results in failure to meet obligations and giving up previously enjoyable activities in order to use more heroin.
If you meet any of these criteria, it’s likely that you need professional help to overcome your addiction. At that point, you should start seeking a quality rehab center for treatment. Addiction treatment centers offer a wide range of therapies and programs to help patients return to sobriety.
The following are some programs that an Oregon heroin rehab center might offer:
– Detox
– Cognitive-behavioral therapy
– 12-Step recovery programs
– Experiential therapies
– Group and individual counseling
– Dual diagnosis
– Gender-specific treatment
Don’t allow addiction to control your life for another moment. Reach out to a quality heroin addiction treatment facility and get the help you need to overcome your addiction.
