Opioids are potent drugs that act on the central nervous system to reduce pain perception. Heroin is an illegal opioid synthesized from morphine. It has a high potential for misuse due to its rapid absorption into the bloodstream and its effects on the brain’s reward system. Over time, taking this drug may lead to physical dependence and heroin addiction.
Fortunately, heroin addiction treatment can help you or a loved one. Sophros Recovery is a dedicated team of clinicians and counselors in Jacksonville, offering a comprehensive approach to treating heroin use disorders. Contact us today at 904.760.4295 to let us help you overcome the challenges of addiction and regain control of your life.
How Do People Develop Heroin Addiction?
Opioids like heroin attach pain receptors in the brain to discomfort and increase physical relaxation. Heroin also works on parts of the brain that control sleeping, breathing, and heart rates. The feeling of euphoria and relaxation keeps people returning for more doses of heroin. Over time, the body and brain of someone who frequently uses this drug won’t function correctly without heroin. People who use heroin may need more potent or frequent doses to achieve the same effects, known as building up a tolerance, which increases the risk of addiction.
Compared to other opioids, heroin can be easier to come by and is sometimes less expensive than prescription opioids, which increases the potential for addiction.
Physical Heroin Addiction Signs
Addiction isn’t always visible, especially in the early stages. However, there are many ways to tell if you or a loved one has developed a heroin use disorder. Physical symptoms may appear within minutes after heroin use but can linger for hours or days. Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Constricted, pinpoint pupils
- Slow breathing
- Itching
- Slurred speech
- Restlessness
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Drowsiness or sudden sleepiness
- Extreme weight loss
- Changes in personal appearance or hygiene
Additionally, scabs, wounds, or sores, especially on the arms, may indicate that someone uses heroin by intravenous injection.
Behavioral Heroin Addiction Symptoms
When someone develops an addiction to a drug, they aren’t able to control or monitor their use of it, even if they experience negative consequences. If heroin use interferes with someone’s relationships and responsibilities, that’s a sign that treatment is necessary.
Not everyone will exhibit the same addiction symptoms. However, behaviors that can often indicate a heroin use disorder include:
- Social isolation and withdrawal from family and friends
- Financial difficulties that have no other cause
- A decline in work or school performance
- Sudden mood swings, irritability, or paranoia
- Making risky decisions, such as driving under the influence of heroin
- Poor judgment
- Inability to focus
- Constant cravings for heroin
- Aggression and anger
- Difficulty thinking straight, remembering things, or making decisions
Many of these symptoms may make it difficult to be around someone addicted to heroin and even more challenging to convince them to get help. If you’re worried about a loved one, it’s essential to approach them from a place of care and concern, not judgment.
Risks of Heroin Use and Heroin Addiction
Ultimately, heroin use harms short-term and long-term health. Heroin sometimes includes unknown additives, leading to heart attacks, clogged blood vessels, strokes, or even death. Even without additives, heroin can damage the kidneys, liver, heart, and immune system, preventing the body from fighting off bacterial infections. People who inject heroin by sharing needles also risk contracting infectious diseases.
Pursuing treatment can save someone’s life. Heroin addiction treatment programs include medical detox and withdrawal support, so clients can safely get the drug out of their system and rebuild their physical and mental health.
Get Heroin Addiction Treatment at Sophros Recovery
Sophros Recovery is a trusted and compassionate provider of heroin addiction treatment in Jacksonville. Our experienced team of certified professionals provides comprehensive care tailored to each individual’s needs, utilizing evidence-based practices and holistic methods to promote long-term recovery.
Breaking heroin addiction may seem intimidating, but a better life is possible. With our client-centered, empathy-driven programs, individuals have access to multiple treatments to help them recover and live more fulfilling lives. Contact us at 904.760.4295 or complete our web form to learn more.
