Heroin addiction is a serious medical condition that can have devastating physical, emotional, and financial consequences for those affected. In addition to understanding the signs and symptoms of heroin addiction, the most important thing to remember if you or someone you love is struggling with heroin addiction is that help is available.
At Sophros Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, we offer outpatient addiction treatment programs designed to provide individuals with the skills and support they need to overcome their heroin addiction and reclaim their lives. If you have found yourself searching for “heroin addiction treatment near me,” reach out today at 904.760.4295 to learn more.
Signs That I Need Heroin Addiction Treatment
Heroin use most often begins as recreational experimentation but can quickly become an ongoing struggle with addiction. If you are concerned that you or someone you love may be addicted to heroin, there are some signs and symptoms to look out for. These include:
- Feeling like you need heroin just to function normally
- Developing a tolerance to heroin so that more of the drug is needed over time to achieve the same effects
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using heroin (nausea, vomiting, chills, anxiety, flu-like symptoms)
- Engaging in risky behaviors such as sharing needles or driving while under the influence
- Neglecting school/work responsibilities due to heroin use
- Spending large amounts of money on heroin despite negative financial consequences
Heroin Addiction Symptoms
In addition to the signs mentioned above, there are many other physical and psychological symptoms associated with long-term or excessive use of heroin. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Constricted pupils
- Impaired coordination and speech abnormalities (slurring)
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Insomnia
- Weight loss/malnutrition
- Nausea and vomiting (especially upon waking)
- Changes in sexual behavior (such as increased promiscuity)
- Increased risk of contracting HIV/AIDS or other infectious diseases due to needle sharing
Additionally, heavy users may experience a number of unpleasant side effects, such as:
- Headaches
- Cold sweats
- Shaking
- Itching
- Abscesses at injection sites
- Heart problems
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Collapsed veins
- Infection of the lining of the heart (endocarditis)
- Reduced fertility in both men and women
- Menstrual irregularities in women
- Chronic bronchitis from smoking the drug rather than injecting it
In extreme cases—such as when a person has been using opioids for an extended period—the body can become dependent on the drug just to maintain normal functioning levels. This can lead to overdose death if they don’t receive proper treatment quickly enough. Long-term effects also include potential withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. These can range from mild flu-like discomfort to more serious issues like seizures depending on how severe one’s addiction has become.
The Importance of Seeking Professional Heroin Addiction Treatment
It’s essential for anyone suffering from an opioid dependence disorder—or any type of substance use disorder—to seek professional help immediately because these conditions can be very difficult (if not impossible) for someone without formal training to address. Professionals who specialize in treating substance use disorders understand how best to approach each individual case so that they can find success in their recovery journey without having too much difficulty along the way. Additionally, seeking professional help from a program like the one at Sophros Recovery will also ensure access to medication-assisted treatment like suboxone therapy, which can significantly reduce cravings and help individuals manage withdrawal symptoms.
Reach Out to Sophros Recovery Today to Learn More
At Sophros Recovery, we recognize that overcoming an opioid dependence disorder isn’t easy—but it is possible. We offer comprehensive outpatient addiction treatment programs explicitly tailored toward helping our clients stop using heroin safely while simultaneously providing them with evidence-based therapies designed to promote positive behavioral changes that they can put into practice beyond our walls. If you or someone you know is struggling with heroin addiction, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today at 904.760.4295 to learn more about how we can help.
