People struggling with heroin abuse are often experts at hiding their addiction, even from themselves. Those who start using heroin can quickly fall into addiction and suffer severe consequences. But a heroin addiction treatment program can be the key to genuine, long-lasting recovery.
At Blueprint Recovery Center, we’ve hand-selected a team of addiction experts who can help you break free from the cycle of addiction. Contact us today and learn more about our heroin addiction treatment program by completing our online form or calling 833.654.1004 to begin your new life free from heroin use.
Signs of Heroin Addiction
Spotting the signs of heroin addiction can be challenging if you don’t know what to look for. Especially in the early stages of use, the effects of heroin are often less noticeable than you might think.
Some of the common signs that somebody is under the influence of heroin include:
- Drowsiness, such as falling asleep in a chair or droopy eyelids
- Excessive itchiness and scratching
- Constriction of the pupils
- Weight loss
- Mood swings
People who use heroin regularly are well aware of the outward signs of heroin use and can go to great lengths to hide or explain away the effects to others. Heroin addiction affects a person’s physical, mental, and social health and can quickly spiral out of control. It’s beneficial to know some of the additional signs of heroin addiction so that you or someone you care about can find the addiction treatment that is needed.
Physical Signs of Heroin Addiction
The physical signs of heroin addiction come from the body’s growing dependence on substance use. After somebody has used narcotics for a sustained period, their body adapts to the drug to the point that they appear and feel more normal while under the influence than they do while sober.
After as few as twelve hours without access to opiates, people with heroin addiction will begin to enter withdrawal.
Physical withdrawal from heroin has several identifiable characteristics, including:
- Tremors or shakes
- Profuse sweating
- Dilated pupils
- Restlessness
- Repeated yawning
- Vomiting or diarrhea
Heroin withdrawal can be immensely uncomfortable and accompanied by intense cravings. Without outside help, these symptoms often lead people quickly back to active use and can keep people trapped in addiction.
Mental Effects of Heroin Addiction
Heroin affects the mind as well as the body. People addicted to heroin are often subject to dramatic mood swings, overwhelming anxiety, and intense cravings for the drug. Repeated heroin use actually affects the brain’s ability to make decisions, making it more likely that the afflicted will return to heroin use despite the severe consequences.
Fortunately, sustained recovery can reverse the effects of addiction, and former users can enjoy a new life that is free from heroin use.
Social Effects of Heroin Addiction
One of the main criteria for substance use disorders is people continuing use despite harmful social consequences. Since heroin affects the brain’s reward pathways, heroin users can quickly lose motivation and drive for other aspects of their lives.
Simply put, rewarding activities such as work, exercise, socializing with others, competitive sports, or creative endeavors lose their appeal compared to the intense sense of reward from heroin use. Giving up on previous passions is a tell-tale sign of heroin addiction, and regaining them is a sign of recovery.
Overcome Heroin Abuse at Blueprint Recovery Center
Fortunately, effective treatment can help people overcome their addictions and regain control over their lives. Blueprint Recovery Center offers premium recovery services for people struggling with heroin addiction. We can help you or a loved one learn to enjoy life without drug addiction.
Contact 833.654.1004 to talk to one of our addiction experts and discover how professional addiction treatment can help. Or, you can complete our convenient online contact form. The sooner you treat your addiction, the sooner you can start living your new life in recovery.
