News headlines continue to talk about the opioid crisis. The CDC estimates that over one hundred people die from opioid overdose across the country every day. If you or someone you love is addicted to heroin or other opioids, you already know how devastating the problem is. You may have lost someone to drug use or fear you will lose your own life. Addiction can trick you into believing there is no hope, but that is a lie. Find outpatient rehab centers for heroin and opioid addiction near you for effective, evidence-based addiction treatments that can save your life.
What Does Heroin or Opioid Addiction Look Like?
Opioids include a group of prescription and illegal drugs that latch onto receptors in the brain and interrupt pain signals. They are used to relieve pain and to produce feelings of euphoria.
Some of the drugs in this category include:
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
- Methadone
- Morphine
- Opium
- Oxycodone
Because of how they interact with the brain, opioids are highly addictive, and once addicted, withdrawal from opioids can be painful and severe. An outpatient heroin rehab center offers multiple treatment options to help minimize the discomforts of detoxing and keep patients safe as they work toward recovery.
Signs of Addiction to Opioids and Painkillers
The signs of addiction to opioids and painkillers aren’t always obvious. People you least expect can become addicted. If you suspect someone is abusing their painkillers or using illegal opioids, there are some important clues to watch for.
Drug Paraphernalia
Many people who abuse opioids crush and snort pills instead of swallowing them to get a faster and more intense effect. Look for rolled-up dollar bills or short straws, or hand mirrors with a small amount of white residue left behind. Opioids can also be smoked or injected. Pipes, rubber tubing, syringes, or droppers may be signs of drug use.
Changes in Behavior
Once a person becomes dependent on opioids, they will do almost anything to get more of the drug. Some of the behavioral changes that indicate an opioid use disorder include:
- Constantly needing money, selling off their possessions, or stealing
- Avoiding family and friends
- Having a new set of friends who are known to use drugs
- Unusual angry outbursts
- Stop caring about their physical appearance
- Wearing long-sleeved clothing all the time (may hide scars from intravenous drug use)
- Keeping secrets and telling lies
- Neglecting work or school
People struggling with addiction do their best to hide their problems from those they love. They may fear consequences or are simply ashamed of their actions.
Physical Symptoms
While intoxicated on heroin or other opiates, a person may show signs, such as:
- Constricted pupils
- Tiredness or drowsiness
- Poor memory
- Inability to focus
- Slowed breathing
- Moves and reacts slowly
- Mood swings
- Digestive problems such as nausea or complaints of constipation
- “Nodding out,” which is appearing to be asleep while still talking
When a person reaches the point of drug dependence, it is almost impossible to hide all of the symptoms. If someone you know is exhibiting any behavioral or physical symptoms of drug use, look for outpatient rehab centers for heroin and opioid addiction.
Choose an Outpatient Rehab Center for Heroin and Opioid Addiction
Not everyone with a substance use disorder refuses to get help, but the nature of addiction does make it difficult to accept help when it is offered. One reason people are hesitant to enter treatment is that they fear opioid and heroin withdrawal symptoms. Detoxing from heroin can be physically and emotionally painful. Severe symptoms like seizure, stroke, and coma are rare but possible.
Outpatient rehab centers for heroin and opioid addiction offer medication-assisted programs proven to ease withdrawal symptoms. If you’re struggling with opioid addiction, contact a rehab center near you and learn how to break the cycle of addiction for good.