Heroin use can quickly spiral into addiction, but recognizing the signs of heroin abuse can help you or your loved ones get the treatment they need in order to recover. Reach out to Insight Recovery Center at 828.826.1376 to start heroin rehab in Asheville. We can provide the evidence-based treatment necessary to spark a lifetime of recovery.
The Signs of Heroin Abuse
Heroin abuse can be difficult to spot if you don’t know what you’re looking for. People who misuse heroin often go to great lengths to hide their use, deny that they have a substance use problem, or rationalize that their substance use is not problematic.
But there are signs of heroin abuse that indicate that a person has developed a substance use disorder, including:
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities that used to be important to them
- Spending a great deal of time using, recovering from, or seeking out heroin
- Various paraphernalia being strewn about – including aluminum foil with black residue, bent spoons, several lighters, cotton swabs, or needles and needle caps
- Constantly seeming tired, drowsy, or falling asleep while standing or sitting
- Running into financial trouble or asking for money
- Red marks on the arms or legs from injections
These are all indications that someone has developed an addiction to heroin and may need professional treatment in order to quit successfully. While addiction is not a choice, seeking treatment is, and there are evidence-based techniques for helping people overcome heroin use disorder.
Effects of Heroin
The effects of heroin have a wide range of implications and consequences. People use the drug for several different reasons, but the effects heroin produces are typically the same. These include:
- Drowsiness and sedation
- Itchiness
- An intense wave of euphoria
- Drug cravings
- Pain and anxiety relief
While these effects can be pleasurable for the person using heroin, it often results in severe and life-threatening consequences. The most glaring consequences are addiction and overdose.
Heroin Addiction
Heroin addiction is a debilitating mental health disorder. When a person develops a substance use disorder, they can lose the ability to stop or cut down on their own, and they face severe physical withdrawal symptoms if they do suddenly stop.
While many believe that their addiction only affects their physical health, addiction can have a wide range of consequences. Substance use disorders hurt friends, families, and communities and have a wide range of social and mental health effects on the person with the addiction.
Heroin addiction treatment can help to ameliorate many of these consequences. An addiction treatment center can help people learn the skills they need to stay sober and allow them to begin the work of repairing relationships harmed by addiction.
Heroin Overdose
Heroin overdose is a dangerous side effect of heroin abuse. When people take too much heroin, they may stop breathing, lose consciousness, and may die if they don’t receive emergency medical care.
If you recognize someone showing the signs of a heroin overdose, call 911 immediately so they can get the medical help they need in order to survive.
Signs of Heroin Abuse? Reach Out to Insight Recovery Center for Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin abuse, reach out to the professionals at Insight Recovery Center by calling 828.826.1376 or contact us online. Our team can walk you through the different treatment options we have for helping people overcome heroin addiction and start you on the path to recovery.
Despite how difficult overcoming addiction can be, it is possible—and Insight Recovery Center can help. Don’t delay seeking treatment any longer. Call our team today to get started with your journey to better health.