August 24 2020

Physical Signs of Heroin Addiction

A heroine is a term used for a female hero. So, please don’t make the mistake of confusing it with heroin, which is an illegal drug that is highly addictive and can kill you. If you, or someone you love, is suffering from an addiction to heroin, then call us today at 706-480-8733. Our experts will help you get the proper treatment. Do not be afraid. We are here to help you lead a healthier life as soon as possible.

Heroin Has Many Different Forms

Heroin comes from morphine, which originates from poppy plants. Furthermore, heroin is a discolored white powder. It is mixed, or cut, with other white powders like sugar or starches when sold on the street. Heroin also comes in the form of “black tar heroin,” appropriately named for the sticky, roofing tar-like appearance of heroin from Mexico. Conversely, black tar heroin can also appear as a hard lump of black coal. Moreover, black tar heroin is black from impurities from savage processing forms.

Methods of Use

Pure heroin tastes bitter and is mutable enough to be snorted, smoked, or injected. Injecting heroin causes “track marks” or needle scars, however, this is vital in how to tell if someone is shooting up heroin. Distinguishing features such as these are signs of physical addiction to heroin. An injection is the fastest way to get high on heroin. Track marks are typically inside an addict’s arms because that is where the veins are the easiest to access.

Call us today if you need help with heroin addiction. Whether it is you, or someone you love, that is suffering. We are here to help. Call our experts today, and start a healthier life now.

Substance Use Disorder

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that over 650,000 people used heroin in 2012. The number of users has been increasing since 2007.

Addiction is the most severe stage of substance use disorder and requires medical attention to recover. The stages of substance use disorder range from casual use to addiction. In addition, it is often quickly veering toward addiction.

The Transition From SUD to Addiction

Some drugs, such as heroin and methamphetamine, are capable of drawing out addictive tendencies in as little as one use. Addiction is the result of powerful drugs re-wiring brain functionality by interfering with neurotransmitters’ messages to different areas of the brain.

Different areas of the brain control everything from our personalities to essential bodily functions.Â Drugs feed natural and unnatural chemical compounds into the brain, blocking and releasing different regulating receptors and then thereby altering nearly all these processes.

Signs of Heroin Addiction

Receptors are responsible for coding and decoding neurotransmitter messages. Then that dictate our emotions, behaviors, and thought processes. The ones most associated with addiction trigger the release of dopamine, a reward chemical that essentially makes you want to repeat the action (i.e. drug use) that released it.

Substance Use Disorder has officially mutated into addiction when the user is aware of the abnormalities in their behavior, relationships, and finances and continues to use drugs. Need help with addiction? Then call us today. We are here to help you face these difficult times. Do not hesitate. Let us help you start your happier life.

Symptoms of Heroin Addiction

Neurotransmitters bind to mu-opioid receptors (MORs) due to balance pain, hormones, and feelings of well-being. In the reward center of the brain, MORs become activated by heroin, because it floods the user with dopamine.

When dopamine releases from an artificial trigger like heroin, the effects can vary. For example, determining the level of damage depends on:

How much heroin was used
Which receptors the drug bound to
Strength of the binding
How long receptors are bound for
The speed at whichÂ heroin got to the receptor (method of use)

Are you worried about someone in your life abusing heroin? Then call our specialists today. We will work with you to get the treatment that you need today.

Short-Term Physical Signs of Heroin Addiction

Heroin transforms into morphine once inside the brain. Opioid receptors bind quickly with the morphine to create the “rush,” or high, due to the heroin being produced.

The high from heroin depends on how much was used and how quickly the receptors are bound. For instance, heroin highs come with

Flushed skin
Heavy limbs
Dry mouth
Nausea
Excessive itchiness
Vomiting

After the high wears off, there are still some lingering effects. The user will feel sluggish, sleepy, foggy, and experience slowed breathing.

Depending on the dosage, breathing can slow to dangerous levels that cause coma or brain damage. Even with lower doses, repetition over a few months can cause asthma and other breathing complications.

Long-Term Physical Signs of Heroin Addiction

Chronic heroin use re-wires the integrity and functionality of the brain at a physiological level. This triggers long-term neuron and hormonal imbalances.

Furthermore, excessive heroin use gives rise to bodily tolerance and dependency, motivating addicts to use more.

Tolerance Signs in Heroin Addiction

Chronic heroin use can cause natural resistance to the effects of the drug. Thus, an addict seeking to feel high would have to use more and more heroin over time.

This tolerance can keep building until the dosage reaches dangerously toxic levels.

Dependency Signs in Heroin Addiction

Dependency can happen in the body before tolerance. Heroin is an addictive substance that can cause the user to lose functionality in their life without it.

Dependency begins when the user transitions from casual use to scheduled use, such as after work every day. Worried about someone suffering from the effects of heroin? Call our professionals today, and we will get you the help that you need. Even if you are using heroin yourself. We want to help you save a life, even your own.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Cravings and compulsive behaviors that focus on getting high again are called withdrawals. Withdrawal symptoms are physical ailments that accompany withdrawals. These include:

Insomnia
Bone pain
Muscle pain
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Cold flashes
Leg spasms

Withdrawal symptoms typically surface a few hours after last use but can heighten up to a day or two later. Infrequently, users have reported withdrawal symptoms lasting for months after their previous use.

The presence of withdrawal symptoms is one of the main signs of heroin addiction.

The Final Stage

Not all chronic heroin use qualifies as addiction, but addiction is nearly always the end result. This level of extreme dependency becomes mania in the brain to get high again.

Using heroin essentially rewires the brain’s reward centers, causing dysfunction and abnormalities. Addiction is what we call the mental illness caused by these structural changes. These are visible in decision-making, reactions, and aggressive or violent behaviors in addicts.

Heroin is a highly addictive drug and can lead to addiction no matter how responsible it is first administered. Delivery methods that fast-track heroin to the brain, such as injection, increase the risk of addiction. Let us help you before it is too late. Waiting to get help could only worsen the symptoms. Call us today before fatality strikes. Get help from our specialists.

Medical Complications

Chronic heroin use abuses bodily organs until they burn out. Like a small motor continuously on the highest setting, eventually, the body gives out and cannot perform its essential functions.

Lungs

Respiratory issues are common in heroin addicts.

Heroin depresses lung function, increasing the risk of potential complications like pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Mind

For the most part, addiction to any substance gives rise to mental health disorders. However, heroin, in particular, has proven to reduce sexual function in men and cause menstrual irregularity in women.

Furthermore, antisocial personality disorder and depression are common diagnoses among addicts. Contact us today if you are worried about a loved one suffering from physical damages of heroin addiction. Our professionals are here to help you start your healthier life.

Types of Physical Damage

Snorting

Users who snorted heroin reported mucosal tissue damage and nasal septum perforation. Repetitious snorting burns the inside nasal tract en route to the brain.

Injection

Heroin administered via injection can cause the most visible damage. Needlepoint scars, or track marks, are strong physical signs of heroin addiction.

Injection sites can become infected quickly, especially when addicts share needles. Sharing needles spreads infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.

Additionally, repetitive injections cause scarring and collapsed veins as well as boils, soft tissue infections, and bacterial infections of the blood vessels and heart valves.

Street Drugs

Narcotics and other street drugs are often mixed or “cut” with other drugs for enhanced effects. Some of the added drugs do not dissolve, clogging blood vessels.

Blockages in blood vessels restrict blood flow to vital organs like the brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys. Clogged blood vessels can cause infections and kill cells in vital organs.

Asking Questions

Some addicts are excellent at hiding their addiction. They believe themselves to be “high-functioning” and that therefore, there is no problem. Frequently addicts are aware that they are addicted to drugs but do not consider it a problem. It can take losing a job, house, or significant other to change this perception.

If someone you care about is showing warning signs of heroin use, all you can do is ask them about it. However, using the correct approach is crucial. Call us today and we can give you the help and treatment that you need.

Â Questions to Ask Yourself First

Before approaching someone suspected of having a drug addiction, observe them yourself.

Is the person:

Agitated
Slurring their words
Unable to focus
Having memory problems
Showing small pupils
Unaware of surroundings
Having difficulty with physical coordination

That person is likely on drugs at the time if they are experiencing those symptoms.

Has the person been:

Agitated
Always sleepy
Depressed
Confused
Mentioning nose sores or showing needle punctures

That person might be hiding a substance use disorder, perhaps even full-blown drug addiction.

Talk to Your Loved One

If you suspect someone you love is suffering from substance use disorder or drug addiction, asking questions can save their life.

Approaching a loved one about a disorder is hard. You may feel scared or apprehensive. However, pushing through those feelings may save their life if you are right about their drug use.

Always lead with love, compassion, and active listening to create a safe space for your loved one during an uneasy discussion. Do you need assistance in helping someone in your life? Call us today, and we will be able to provide you with the help that you need. Do not hesitate. We will work with you to get the help you are looking for.

Heroin Addiction Recovery

Ultimately, recovery specialists, doctors, and therapists will need these tough questions answered before prescribing treatments:

What drugs are you taking?
Are you taking prescription medication as well?
How often are you using?
Do you feel like this is a problem?
Are you in pain?
Do you want help?
When was the last time you used it?
Do you want to quit?
Do you think you are addicted?
When did this start?
Where are you getting drugs?

Ideally, all of these questions would be answered quickly and honestly. However, that is very seldom the case. Addicts are quick to become defensive when asked about their drug use. If you feel as though your loved one will not open up about their drug use to anyone, reaching out to recovery specialists may help.

The professionals at rehabilitation centers are experts at spotting addiction cases and can help make an evaluation appointment.

Moving forward

In conclusion, heroin is an addictive narcotic that works by flooding the body with dopamine, creating a euphoric high. Extended use of heroin reconstructs dominant portions of the brain that control emotions, reactions, decision-making, priorities, physical movements, and judgment. This alters healthy behaviors and thought patterns toward focusing entirely on getting high again.

Addiction is a mental illness brought on by substance use disorder. Highly addictive substances, such as heroin and methamphetamine, can become addictive after only one use.

Chronic heroin use can damage lung, brain, kidney, and liver function. Nose sores are common for addicts who snort heroin, whereas track marks are common for those who inject it. Both, however, cause slowed breathing, mental fog, hours of drowsiness, and lack of awareness of surroundings.

Heroin addiction, if left unchecked, can kill even the strongest person. Look for the signs, and call for help. Our experts are available today to offer advice and answer all your questions.