The abuse of different forms of opioid drugs is becoming increasingly common. Currently, one of the most abused types of opioids is heroin. Because of this, it’s vital to learn about the drug and the heroin abuse symptoms to look out for in a loved one. Arming yourself with this knowledge is the first step in finding help for either yourself or a loved one.

Understanding Heroin

To understand common heroin abuse symptoms, we need to have a straightforward idea of what this drug is. Heroin is a recreationally used, potent opioid medication. It’s made from morphine, a widely used drug that helps manage chronic pain. It also carries a high risk of addiction due to the feelings of intense pleasure it creates in the person using it.

What are the Effects of Heroin Abuse?

Heroin abuse can create many different short and long-term effects that may be noticeable to others but not to the user. Some of the more often occurring effects of heroin include the following:

• Pleasurable sensations– An individual using heroin will experience an almost immediate rush of pleasurable feelings that flood the body. This results from the way the drug interacts with the pleasure centers of the brain.
• Warm or flushed skin– Since heroin affects different parts of the brain responsible for critical bodily functions, it can also cause the individual to have a warm flush appear over the surface of their skin.
• Slowed functions– Heroin has a depressing effect on different systems of the body. As a result, the individual abusing this drug may experience nausea, vomiting, decreased blood pressure, or a lowered heart rate.

What are the Common Heroin Abuse Symptoms?

The most common heroin abuse symptoms can cover a broad range of signs. Consider some of the most common signs associated with the abuse of heroin:

Lying or Hiding Behaviors

Many people caught up in addiction don’t want to worry their loved ones. As a result, they will often try hard to keep certain behaviors hidden from others. If caught in odd behaviors, they may lie to try to excuse these actions.

Failing to Keep Obligations

Those suffering from an addiction to heroin will likely not be able to keep up with their general obligations. Therefore, they may lose their job or begin to get failing grades in school. Getting in trouble with the law is also a common occurrence.

Developing a Physical Dependence

Those who abuse addictive substances eventually develop what is known as tolerance to the drug. This tolerance means that their body has gotten used to the effects the drug provides at a set dose. If they want to feel the same effects going forward, they’ll have to take more massive doses of the drug or use it more frequently.

Why is Professional Rehab Vital for Heroin Addiction?

Heroin abuse symptoms can be severe. However, discontinuing this drug is an act best performed under the care of a quality treatment that can help a person manage severe complications. Professional rehab centers have the skills and expertise necessary to make ending your heroin addiction as comfortable as possible.

What Makes a Quality Rehab Center?

Choosing an addiction recovery center is one of the most important tasks you’ll face. In general, it’s best to get all your essential questions addressed upfront before you make a decision. Quality treatment centers often use holistic methods of care. Steps to Recovery is a drug and alcohol addiction rehab center in Levittown, PA. They place importance on innovative ways of managing the issues surrounding addiction treatment.

You don’t have to let heroin abuse symptoms control your life anymore. A treatment center that cares for your needs can help you overcome this problem. Call 866-488-8684 to find out about Steps to Recovery and how we can help you.