Heroin is unlike any other addictive substance. Dependency — and withdrawal symptoms — begin almost immediately after the first hit. Once heroin hooks you, the cravings never stop; they only intensify.
Heroin, which is a type of opioid, has experienced a resurgence over the last decade, exacerbated by the worsening opioid crisis. In fact, 80% of all heroin users begin their addiction through prescription painkillers before transitioning to cheaper, illegal alternatives. According to the CDC, as of 2018 nearly 808,000 Americans a year try heroin. Each year, approximately 15,000 people die from a heroin overdose.
The statistics are bleak but it’s important to always have hope. If you or one of your loved ones is struggling with heroin addiction, know that the treatment options offered here at ARC can help you recover from your addiction.
From the very first moment of use, heroin takes over your life with its infamous rush of euphoria. After injection, the onset of the “high” is incredibly rapid. The euphoria lasts longer if you take the drug in pill or powder form. Users report the first high being the most intense and that they chase that initial feeling with each subsequent use.
If you are worried that you or a loved one might be dependent on heroin, here are some key signs and symptoms to watch for:
- Compulsive itching
- Pupil constriction
- Nausea
- Chronic dry mouth
- Changes to complexion and skin health
- Slowed breathing
- Sudden drowsiness
- Constipation
- Memory loss
- Disorientation
- Feeling of heaviness in your limbs
- Impaired decision-making
- Lack of self-control
- Dangerous behavior
The symptoms of heroin addiction take over with alarming speed. Over time, you may find yourself facing financial trouble, job loss, severely impacted relationships with friends and family, homelessness, illegal activity, long-term damage to your body and even death. While it can feel hopeless, you have to maintain hope. It’s never too late to seek help.
At Authentic Recovery Center, we can help you get your life back on track as we employ our individualized, evidence-based approach to treating heroin addiction. First, we will recommend that you undergo a medically supervised detox so you can get clean in a safe, comfortable and supportive environment. Supervised by our medical team, we can prescribe comfort medications to keep withdrawal symptoms at bay and help you get the rest that you need.
Following detox, we will support your recovery by drawing upon trauma-informed therapies to address the underlying causes of your addiction and any co-occurring disorders. With experienced staff providing medical care and counseling, 12-step support groups, and a high level of sensitivity toward your individual needs, we can help you take the first step to recovery. The road starts here.
