Heroin addiction is a very serious thing to deal with. Heroin is illegal and it is semi-synthetic created from the opium poppy and also morphine. Heroin is most often used as strong pain relief but when used as a depressant, heroin creates a very relaxed and euphoric state which is almost instantaneous from an injection. It may be smoked or snorted but either type of ingestion could be potentially lethal.
What are the signs and symptoms to look out for?
When abusing heroin, it often affects the individual’s physical and psychological states. Over time, this will present itself in a number of ways which can be devastating for friends and family to see. For long-term use, users may find that they acquire heart problems, chronic pulmonary disease, or types of bacterial infections and more if they are sharing the same needles with other users. This can also prove fatal, or the overdose may be slow and kill them at a slower pace.
The signs and symptoms to look out for are: shortness of breath, increased sleep, disorientation, and sudden changes in their behavior, such as outbursts or mood swings, lack of hygiene, and no attention relating to their outward appearance. They may not eat as much and be withdrawn from society most often. Other issues that should be looked out for are a refusal to make eye contact, abscesses cuts, and scrapes as well as bruising from injecting. Slurred speech is another common indicator and track marks.
History of Heroin
Heroin, the hydrochloride of diacetylmorphine, was discovered by the acetylation of morphine. In fact, heroin is proven to be much stronger and more effective than morphine or codeine. It first appeared on the market via The Bayer Company which started the production of heroin in 1898, commercially. The first clinical results were so promising and even used to treat certain respiratory diseases. However, drug users have abused this method and taken much larger doses, which are very dangerous.
Dangerous addictive drug
Hands down, heroin is certainly the most dangerous drug in the world, so for long-term users, it is only a matter of time before they succumb to their addiction. The tolerance builds up quickly in heroin users but eventually, the user cannot feel normal without taking the drug. This is because their brain cannot produce natural amounts of dopamine, so rehab can also be tricky but the good news is that there are ways to get people off heroin.
Rehab and Recovery
There is hope when it comes to heroin addiction. At our Robert Alexander Recovery Center, we offer programs that can help users get their normal life back. By treating them as individuals and giving them the support they need, our treatments can be very positive. Most often, there are plenty of therapies that can assist, such as one-on-one counseling as well as group therapies. Types of therapy may include music and art therapy, family therapy, and ways for the users to feel included again whilst providing them with adequate distractions and all the care they need in order to move away from heroin use. Our recovery center is fully equipped and ready to help, today.
