Signs of Heroin Addiction

Heroin is a dangerous, highly addictive, illicit drug. Because it is a type of opioid, heroin can create addiction with only a few uses. Even worse, it is increasingly being mixed with other drugs, including the highly dangerous fentanyl, creating a high risk of overdose. If you or your loved one have the signs of heroin addiction, it’s critical to act quickly to protect your life and your future. Alina Lodge can provide you with the help you need through this.

To learn more about the long-term heroin addiction treatment programs on offer at Alina Lodge, reach out to us today using our secure, confidential online form, or call our addiction specialists at 833.685.1700.

Common Signs of Heroin Addiction

The use of heroin is increasingly common. Because it is so addictive, it takes just a few uses to create dependency and a dire need for more. Achieving that desired high, though, comes with consequences. In addition to ruining an individual’s physical health, heroin is a drug that isolates individuals as their use increases. Heroin breaks apart families, lays waste to one’s finances, and ruins social and work relationships as the drug takes over a person’s life.

There are several symptoms of heroin use to watch out for if you are unsure whether someone close to you has a problem.

If you have reason to believe that someone you care about is abusing heroin, you might notice physical symptoms like:

• Flushed skin
• Itching, often uncontrollably
• Dry mouth
• Loss of self-control
• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting

Other signs of heroin addiction include feelings of heaviness or confused thinking. Many people also experience memory loss and struggle with disorientation.

Health Complications Related to Heroin Use

Many of the signs of heroin addiction are similar to those of medical trauma or disease. Among the health complications that often accompany heroin use are:

• Brain damage
• Liver disease or reduced liver function
• Kidney disease and diabetes
• Heart disease and heart failure

Some of the most deadly health complications arise from the actions individuals take while using heroin. Their behavior may be riskier, for instance, and there is also always the chance that they will overdose on the drug.

Changes to Lifestyle as a Sign of Heroin Addiction

Other indications of heroin addiction have to do with the changes in lifestyle. Those who have any type of addiction develop the need to focus on that drug. That means a lot of their time is devoted to getting more of it, using it, and recovering from its effects. As dependency takes hold, a person may also need to use more and more of the drug to maintain the same high. Signs of heroin addiction along these lines may include:

• Pulling away from family and friends
• Using more and more of the drug
• Financial difficulties
• Social and personal isolation
• Hiding drug use from family and friends

This list is far from comprehensive. However, if you or someone you care about is exhibiting any of these symptoms, it is worth reaching out to an addiction treatment center like Alina Lodge.

What Can We Do to Help You?

At Alina Lodge, we offer a range of treatment options designed to help you. For many, this starts with our drug detox program. You’ll spend some time in detox working to break your dependence. This is also an excellent time to gain stability from any mental health concerns you have that might be fueling your addiction. From there, many people enter into our long-term care program. It’s designed to give you the care you need to heal as you overcome your addictive behaviors.

We also provide you with family support services, nutritional counseling services, and continuing care planning. Our team will work closely with you to ensure long-term benefits.

Reach Out for Immediate Help from Alina Lodge

Do you see the signs of heroin addiction in yourself or a loved one? If so, that means it’s time to take steps to get on the road to recovery. At Alina Lodge, we have the compassionate counselors you need to help you to find the right way forward. No matter what you are up against, our team of dedicated professionals can help you. Give us a call at 833.685.1700 to learn more.