How long with the Heroin Addiction Trend Last?
There is an unfortunate trend with Heroin Addiction – more people are suffering from the drugs deadly effects. Why are so many people using this drug? Despite the risk of overdose, some folks abuse heroin because they are trying to not to feel pain. They may also take heroin to avoid problems. Some people mistakenly believe they are only happy when they are taking the drug. This is the telltale sign of addiction.
One explanation of heroin abuse
Some people who get addicted to opioid pain relievers will switch to heroin. The reason is simple — it’s cheaper and easier to get.
Have you heard this story before? I twisted my ankle and was prescribed pain medication. After taking it for a few weeks, I was back to my normal activities. After a month, I asked the doctor for a new prescription, but he wouldn’t give it to me.
The rest of the story normally goes like this. When this person tries to stop taking the medication they feel horrible – both physically and mentally. So, they go and find a new doctor. This new medical professional doesn’t know about the previous doctor telling the patient, they don’t need a new prescription.
Crossing the line into drug dependence
At this point, the person has already crossed the line and is heading for a long battle with addiction. This is because the medication no longer treating the pain, it’s treating the withdrawal symptoms.
I experienced withdrawal symptoms after taking pain medication for four days after surgery. I was fortunate that I had the knowledge and help of my doctor to slowly taper off.
What are the 4 reasons people take drugs?
In general, people begin taking drugs for a variety of reasons like:
- To feel good.
- To relieve suffering from anxiety, stress or depression
- To do better, in an activity or social situation.
- Curiosity and “because others are doing it.”
That explains drug use in general but what about heroin specifically? One cause: laws have tightened up, regarding prescription opiates. Stricter laws tend to cause some people (who are in pain) to turn to illegal measures. This is the dangerous part because of street heroin in unpredictable.
Is someone in your life using Heroin?
Heroin addiction may be difficult to speak about with a loved one. It’s uncomfortable to bring up the subject, and you are normally met with a lot of defensiveness.
People who suffer from addiction are frequently not honest about their addiction. However, discussing heroin addiction could be a life-saving conversation.
In order to discover the truth and really understand the depth of the problem, you may need to be a bit nosey. Don’t feel guilty, you could be saving someone’s life. Remember, identifying the signs of heroin addiction can be the first step towards recovery.
Understanding the devices a person needs to use the drug and what it actually looks like can help you identify heroin use. In most cases, a heroin user needs certain paraphernalia items in order to actually consume the drug.
How is Heroin Used?
Heroin can be injected, snorted, or smoked. Needles, pipes, and spoons with lighters are often used. Damaged veins are difficult to inject, so some addicts need to use rubber tubing or elastic bands to make their veins larger.
Heroin itself is a powdery, crumbly substance. It’s often off-white, but its color can range from white to dark brown. Black tar heroin gets its name from the way it looks. This type is a black, sticky substance.
Lifestyle Changes Caused by Heroin Addiction
Heroin addiction may be hard to identify at first. Over time, however, the addiction becomes more real and all-encompassing. A person who is addicted to heroin will soon worry more about getting their next dose than almost anything else.
Heroin injections cause needle marks, so many addicts wear long-sleeve clothing year round in order to hide their scars. Fearing their addiction will be revealed, heroin addicts may become withdrawn from friends and family members.
Social and personal isolation is common among addicts. Work and personal relationships may also suffer. An addict may also have trouble with health and personal hygiene.
Medical Effects of Heroin Addiction
Heroin is a powerful opioid that can cause dangerous complications. Sometimes these complications can be life-threatening.
For example, heroin use can cause miscarriage. Some people may contract infectious diseases from needle use, such as HIV and hepatitis. A fatal overdose is also possible.
Long-term heroin uses damages organs, the brain, and the skin. Addicts may develop kidney, liver, or heart disease because of their drug use. Additives in heroin may coagulate or clog blood vessels and veins. This can lead to strokes and permanent organ damage. Some additives are deadly and can kill a person within minutes.
Using heroin is like Russian Roulette
Unfortunately, it’s often impossible to tell what has been mixed with heroin unless you conduct tests. Many illegal drugs, such as heroin, are laced with dangerous substances that are only identified after a tragic accident.
Babies born to heroin addicts are often underweight. If the mother is using while pregnant, the baby may be born physically addicted to heroin, too. If this happens, the child may experience neonatal abstinence syndrome. The infant will need to detox and go through withdrawal after birth.
Getting Help for an Addiction
If you’re addicted to heroin and need help, reach out to a loved one or a doctor you can trust. They can help you find treatment facilities, medical help, and addiction experts who can help you get clean.
The first step to getting better is admitting you have a problem. Kicking your habit may not happen the first time you try it. Some people require multiple attempts before it finally lasts.
However, determination and dedication can go a long way to helping you—and the people you love—heal and move toward a happier, healthier life.