Heroin Addiction

Heroin is a very intensely addictive street drug. There aren’t many more drugs on the street which can top the level of addiction escalation that the statistics of heroin seem to be revealing on somewhat of a continuous basis. Almost every personal heroin addiction story is remarkably similar to the next in terms of the potency of heroin’s addictive properties. It seems to be the drug that really leaves its mark in more ways than one. There are so many cases where the addict had only done the drug one time before becoming hooked. Once a heroin addict is hooked there is usually no turning back, unless of course they seek proper treatment for their drug problem. Being hooked on heroin is often known as “chasing the dragon” and this chase can drive the addict to do nearly anything for money in order to get their next fix. It really is one of the more sick addictions, seeming to push people into situations they wouldn’t ordinarily be in had they not been addicted to this drug. It seems to have its way with people from all walks of life. This is the type of drug that can pull a long time reformed addict off of their path of sobriety due to the intensity of the euphoria supposedly attained from the high.

There are lots of things to say about heroin addiction, because it’s very addictive and strong like meth yet a lot more covert and easier to hide than most narcotics. So it seems to have two qualities that are really dangerous and that is both potency and secrecy. There are plenty of stories of addicts having hid their addiction from their family, spouses and others they were in close proximity to location-wise but also emotionally. The drug can consume somebody’s life and have power over that person over a long stretch of time. It is known as one of the most life ruining drugs for this reason, that people tend to choose it over anything else in their life. Putting heroin as a priority will inevitably lead the user into addiction no matter how many times they tell themselves that it’s going to be their last fix (which is a common occurrence). Using the drug, even one time, appears to be a huge risk factor in the chance of heroin addiction.

If you’re able to spot a heroin addiction with somebody it’s important to get them to recognize the gravity of the situation they’ve become involved in. Having said that, it’s even more important to get them to seek help in the form of treatment at a rehab clinic. Getting clean alone is significantly more difficult than becoming clean when you’re surrounded by a supportive environment that has the precise tools to handle your drug problem. Luckily, there are tons of rehab clinics specifically designed to deal with heroin addicts from all walks of life due to the very reason that it’s such a common and detrimental type of addiction. Sometimes a full blown intervention may be necessary in order to get the heroin addict to gain the necessary clarity that will get them to see that not only do they have a serious issue they’re evidently struggling with but also that they need to get help immediately.

The Signs of Heroin Addiction

There are various signs you can see when someone is using heroin. Sometimes they might be very obvious and other times you might have to watch out for them. These signs include:

Small, constricted pupils
Dry mouth
A droopy appearance (such as extremities that look heavy)
Shortness of breath
Disoriented
Alternating between being alert and then nodding off
Syringes or needles
Burnt silver spoons
Aluminum foil with burn marks
Gum wrappers with burn marks
Straws with burn marks
Small plastic bags with white powder residue
Water pipes
Lying
Acting deceptively
Sleeping for long stretches of time
Slurred, garbled or incoherent speech
Avoiding eye contact
Lack of productivity
Failure to meet obligations in life or work related
Lack of motivation
A sense of apathy toward the future goals
A decrease in hygeine
Withdrawal from friends and from family
Spending time with new friends which are isolated from people they know
A lack of interest in hobbies
A lack of interest in what was once their favorite activities
Stealing money, or borrowing money
Stealing valuables
A worsening of body image
A lack of self esteem
Wearing long sleeve or long pants in order to hide the track marks (even in hot weather)
weight loss
A runny nose
Loss of menstrual cycle
Cutes, bruises or scabs
Itching a lot
Flushed skin
Euphoric

Look out for these signs. If you’ve pinpointed an addiction to heroin in somebody that you know then take the necessary steps to help them achieve sobriety. Heroin addiction can and will lead to a deteriorated state physically and mentally. The person will be left with a lack of self esteem and will need the support to get and stay clean as soon as they can. It is definitely one of the more heavy street drugs and action needs to be taken to deal with the problem accordingly.

Withdrawing From Heroin

The symptoms that an addict will suffer through when withdrawing from the drug include:

Abdominal cramps
Nausea and/or vomiting
Diarrhea
Restless leg syndrome
Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
Cravings that are strong
Agitation
Anxiety
Aches in the muscles and bones
Body discomfort
Depression
Goosebumps
Yawning
Runny nose
Fatigue
No motivation
Watery eyes
Elevated heart rate
Loss of interest in food
Low blood pressure
Feeling dizzy
Irritable

There are some things which can go on and continue after withdrawal symptoms that can last for a few months after stopping heroin use. These are called post acute withdrawal symptoms. These include:

Brain fog (not being able to clearly think)
Not able to establish a regular sleeping pattern
Trouble with stress management
Rollercoastering on an emotional level (mood swings)
Cravings coming up
Problems with memory
Trouble dealing with other people
Repetitive thinking
Having trouble focusing or concentrating for long periods

Withdrawal can be intense in itself, and has been described as the flu. However once somebody is through with that they may experience the post acute withdrawal symptoms but the severity of this could depend on how bad their addiction was. This can last a few months. As the former addict learns to deal with life in a sober manner and stays positive about themselves these post acute withdrawal symptoms will not be so intense. Getting clean is about being able to change the way you dealt with life that lead you to drug use. So naturally you will come across things and change as you go, being sober won’t be so difficult.

Heroin addiction is a serious issue but millions of people have become sober with the right help. Anyone can do it. It’s a mentality that needs to be achieved and maintained as you go through a path of recovery. While getting sober from heroin it is especially important to cut ties with people who you were only connected to due to using. Being in an environment with people who don’t use is important.