The signs of heroin addiction are not always easy to identify. A person who is addicted to heroin may carry on their addiction for weeks or months before anyone realizes they have one. It may only be after they recognize the need for a heroin rehab center program that others are alerted to the addiction.
However, the longer a person uses heroin, the more difficult it becomes to hide their condition. Their changes in behavior, obsession with the drug, need to isolate, and health problems are clear indicators that there is a problem. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common signs of heroin addiction.
Common Signs of Heroin Addiction
Agitation
When someone seems agitated all of the time, those around them may dismiss their agitation as hormones, stress, or just part of their personality. However, individuals addicted to heroin may be agitated due to using heroin on a regular basis. The agitation may come as a withdrawal symptom when they are not on the drug. Or, it could be a side effect of using the drug.
Changes in Appearance
Like other drugs, heroin abuse often causes the user to not care about anything else but the drug. One of the first things to go is their appearance. They may not shower, change their clothes, or get ready to go out in public for days at a time. A heroin addict becomes quite comfortable living this ragged lifestyle.
Risky or Dangerous Behavior
When a person becomes dependent on heroin, they may forego any sense of restraint to get the drug. As a result, they may engage in risky or dangerous behavior just so they can score some more heroin. They may resort to theft, sexual behavior, or other dangerous behaviors.
Financial Issues
Someone who uses a lot of heroin quickly finds that it is an expensive habit. However, regardless of the financial risks, the user will maintain their habit even if they go broke. A heroin user can potentially spend thousands of dollars on drugs.
Feelings of Isolation, Anxiety, or Depression
A user may take heroin to deal with anxiety or depression. However, ongoing heroin use often leads to further depression, causing the symptoms to become worse. Eventually, they will live in isolation and not want to have anything to do with anyone. Their entire world becomes wrapped up in heroin. Dual diagnosis treatment can help when heroin abuse is tied to depression, anxiety, or other mental health symptoms.
Neglecting Personal or Professional Responsibilities
Friends and family may notice that the user is neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school. They may become forgetful, neglect their duties, or even stop caring about their responsibilities. Thus, they can be kicked out of school or fired from their job.
Getting Treatment for Heroin Addiction
Once you recognize the signs of heroin addiction it is important to help the user seek professional care at a Texas heroin addiction treatment center. A treatment center provides services designed to help heroin addicts like this Texas heroin detox program. These services may include:
- Evidence-based treatment
- Holistic care
- Inpatient and outpatient services
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Aftercare programs and support groups
Getting a person started on professional treatment may include an intervention from family or friends. It is important to seek professional treatment for heroin addiction before it is too late. Heroin can cause a wide range of psychological and physical problems that can harm a person for life.
Get Help for Heroin Addiction
If you recognize the signs of heroin addiction, then it is time to get help. So call your local rehab center to find out more about outpatient substance abuse treatment programs and start your road to recovery.
