When it comes to addiction, most of us know that some types of drugs are more addictive than others, and amongst those types of drugs, certain ones in those categories are even more addictive. This is part of what makes addiction so difficult to deal with. The best way to help someone you love who is struggling with addiction is to be able to identify the signs of addiction and get them help at a licensed treatment facility. Only by getting real help from professionals at a treatment center is it possible to break the cycle of addiction and get and stay sober.
At See Purpose, our mission is to give all of our clients and their families the best chances of recovering from addiction and getting back to their everyday life with their loved ones free of drugs and alcohol. One way we do that is by giving everyone the information they need. In this post, we will discuss the drug heroin, what it is, the signs of heroin addiction, the dangers of a heroin overdose, and how to find heroin addiction treatment in Bloomington, Indiana.
What is Heroin?
Heroin is in a class of drugs known as opioids and is derived from the poppy plant. Originally, heroin was a widely prescribed drug due to its potent pain-relieving qualities. However, heroin has become illegal in modern times due to being highly addictive and dangerous when abused.
It is now known as one of the most addictive drugs available and is incredibly dangerous when used recreationally. Part of the issue is that, like most opioids, it interacts with the body in such a way as to create dependency. This makes it difficult to stop using once a person starts. Dependency ultimately leads to addiction and is the main reason why heroin was made illegal in the first place.
What Are the Signs of Heroin Use?
There are generally both physical and psychological symptoms that are associated with heroin use. These signs include sweating, itching, flushed skin, an initial high that feels similar to an adrenaline rush followed by slowing the heart rate and respiration, drowsiness, heaviness of limbs, and inability to think clearly or focus.
Other more severe symptoms may manifest themselves as well. These symptoms may include but are not limited to heart palpitations/murmurs, chest pain, headaches, seizures, and shortness of breath. Any of these symptoms can be incredibly dangerous when coupled with existing medical issues. Without proper supervision, they can even be deadly.
Additionally, withdrawal symptoms will occur when using heroin if a person lowers the amount the use or stops using for even a short time.
The Dangers of a Heroin Overdose
Heroin is one of the easiest drugs to overdose on. Once a person becomes addicted, they continually seek the feeling they get from using the drug, causing them to use it more and more to achieve the same feeling. Two specific factors can impact whether or not a person overdoses from heroin, the purity of the heroin and the potential for additives in the heroin that can be poisonous.
Signs of a heroin overdose can include feeling flush, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, disorientation, delirium, muscle spasms, low blood pressure, drowsiness, weak pulse, and coma. The potential for dying from a heroin overdose is incredibly high as the side effects alone can be deadly. When combined with any existing health issues, the potential for a fatal reaction goes up.
Finding Heroin Addiction Treatment in Bloomington, IN
The best way to get treatment for heroin addiction is from a licensed treatment facility like ours here at See Purpose. We provide specialized addiction treatment in our inpatient rehab facility in Bloomington, IN.
Each treatment plan begins with an evaluation of the client’s unique needs, followed by medically supervised detox to get them clean of the heroin before they begin their treatment plan. Once detox is complete, clients can begin their individualized treatment plan that works to help them deal with the effects of their heroin addiction and find the tools necessary to live a life clean of addiction.
Once treatment is complete, we offer aftercare planning to help keep clients sober for the long haul. If you or someone you know is showing signs of heroin addiction, contact us today to get the help necessary to get sober.
