Heroin addiction is one of the most difficult afflictions that one can battle against and overcome. That doesn’t mean that it can’t be done. Heroin is a highly addictive substance with many people currently suffering from a heroin addiction across the United Kingdom. It can be seriously dangerous and even in some cases fatal when it is taken in a higher dose.
The heroin withdrawal symptoms that come with trying to stop taking the substance are highly intense which causes many people to retake the drug in order to feel ‘normal’ again, that’s why it’s crucial that you seek medical help through rehabilitation that can help you beat you or a loved one’s heroin addiction.
Heroin is a highly addictive substance, it can either be taken by injecting it, smoking it or in some cases snorted. Due to it being highly addictive, people will build up a high tolerance extremely quickly due to taking the drug frequently to chase ‘highs.’ Heroin is a depressant that can slow down your breathing, this can be dangerous as it could possibly lead to you being in a coma or in some cases people have been found dead as they’ve lost a high amount of oxygen quickly.
There is a wide range of withdrawal symptoms that come with a heroin addiction depending on how the drug is consumed – those who inject the drug run a massive risk of collapsed veins, abscesses in the skin where you have injected and liver or kidney disease.
Some signs that you can see when dealing with heroin addiction are visible needle marks in places they have injected mostly in the arms or legs, slurred speech, glassy eyes, constantly moving, playing with their fingers, touching their clothes frequently or runny nose if they sniff the substance frequently.
Heroin addiction can quickly take over and destroy someone’s life due to the highly addictive nature of the drug. Helping spot signs and symptoms of heroin addiction early can help you find that you are addicted to the substance and seek out a rehabilitation centre that can help you battle against your addiction so you can start a life of sobriety.
As previously spoken about, the most common sign that you can spot is frequent needle marks from injecting the drug – there are many other signs such as a sudden weight drop due to a lack of hunger, pupil size increased and dry mouth.
The side effects of abusing heroin are:
There is always a road to recovery. There are many different types of rehabilitation options out there for a heroin addiction such as inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation and 12-step programs.
Inpatient rehabilitation is by far the most effective way of treating heroin addiction as it provides people with a safe space with medical professionals who can successfully treat withdrawal symptoms plus you have trained counsellors who are hand to talk to so you aren’t alone on your journey.
If you feel that you can’t take the time away from work or your family, another effective way is through outpatient rehab where you can live in your home but have arranged visits to a rehab centre where you can be medically treated plus get therapy to help find the root of your addiction.
Therapy is a massive part of helping treat addictions as you are able to find triggers that bring you towards taking the substance and through finding these triggers you can create successful defences that can stop a potential relapse.
Reach out to our rehabilitation support team who can help advise on the best steps in treating your or your loved one’s heroin addiction.
Heroin addiction is a serious and challenging condition that affects individuals and their families in profound ways. If you or someone you know is struggling with heroin addiction, seeking help and understanding the process of recovery is crucial. This section aims to provide informative answers to frequently asked questions about heroin addiction, offering insights and support on the path to recovery.
Heroin addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and use of heroin, an illegal opioid. It develops as the brain adapts to the drug’s presence, leading to physical dependence and tolerance. Addiction can result from repeated use as the drug hijacks the brain’s reward system.
Signs of heroin addiction include intense cravings, neglect of responsibilities, changes in behavior and appearance, social withdrawal, track marks (from intravenous use), financial difficulties, and tolerance requiring higher doses for the same effect.
Yes, heroin addiction can be treated effectively. Treatment options include medication-assisted treatment with drugs like methadone or buprenorphine, behavioral therapies like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and contingency management, counseling, and support groups like Narcotics Anonymous.
Supporting a loved one with heroin addiction involves understanding their struggle, avoiding judgment, and encouraging them to seek professional help. Offering emotional support, helping them find treatment options, and attending family therapy sessions can be valuable steps in their recovery journey.
Our trained addiction counsellors are available 24 hours a day to help you