Spotting the signs of heroin use in yourself or a loved one can be tricky, particularly if you’re not sure what to look out for.
If you are concerned about someone using heroin, knowing the signs can help them get the care they need that bit faster. While drug addiction is a personal experience, there are common signs and symptoms of heroin use to be aware of.
To make sure those who need it can get help as fast as possible, we’ll delve into the common signs of heroin use, symptoms of long-term heroin use, and treatment options.
Signs of Heroin Addiction
While it’s best to avoid taking heroin altogether, not every instance of using the drug is an addiction.
However, if you’re worried about a drug addiction for yourself, there are some common signs you can look out for, such as:
- Constantly thinking about the next time you can use heroin
- Obsessive thoughts about getting heroin
- Mood swings or feeling emotionally numb
- Prioritising heroin above friends, family, or responsibilities
- Isolating yourself from your support network
- Feeling anxious or depressed
Spotting the signs of heroin use in another person can be more difficult, as those experiencing problems with the drug will tend to hide it – but there are signs to be aware of here too.
- Agitation or restlessness
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies
- Lack of motivation
- Being manipulative or dishonest
- Avoiding friends and family, especially social events
- Letting go of household chores or basic hygiene
- Difficulties with money
- Cash or valuable items are going missing without a reason
- Asking to borrow or even stealing money
If you’re worried about a loved one showing symptoms of heroin use, it’s important to remember they’re dealing with an illness. Offering your love and support can help them manage while they seek professional addiction treatment.
Symptoms of Long-Term Heroin Addiction
Long-term heroin addiction can cause a range of complications for both the body and mind, making it increasingly difficult to stop taking the drug.
As it’s typically injected, collapsed veins are quite a common symptom of heroin use. Collapsed veins prevent blood flow, causing temporary or even permanent blockage in the area. Alongside this, you may also experience other symptoms of heroin use, such as:
- Struggling to sleep or insomnia
- Chronic constipation
- Weight loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Heat problems
- Liver or kidney disease
Mental health can also be impacted by long-term use of heroin. Pre-existing mental health conditions may get worse, while there’s also an increased risk of developing new conditions such as anxiety or depression.
What Should I Do If I Have a Heroin Addiction?
When you spot the signs of heroin use within yourself or a loved one, it can be scary to know what to do next. However, there are steps to take to get the recovery process started.
Speak to Someone You Trust
If you’re struggling with addiction yourself, but you don’t feel ready to take that leap and talk to a medical professional about recovery, then try to speak to someone you trust instead.
You can consult a friend, a parent, or a family member with whom you feel comfortable talking honestly. Similarly, if your loved one comes to you with concerns of a heroin addiction, make sure you do your best to ensure they feel safe by providing judgment-free support.
Consult Your GP
Your local NHS service can help with care for drug addictions, including heroin use symptoms.
You can book an appointment with your regular GP, who’ll be able to refer you for treatment. They’ll ask you questions about your general health, as well as your habits with heroin, to be able to determine the best treatment plan for you.
Seek Professional Treatment
If you feel ready to begin your recovery journey, you can seek professional treatment for yourself.
There are plenty of options available, from local organisations assisting with emotional support to medical facilities with trained experts available to help you with detoxing. While taking the first step is difficult, recovery is entirely possible, and you don’t need to do it alone.
Treatment Options for Heroin Addiction
Recovering from a heroin addiction can feel impossible, but there are so many treatment options to explore to help you regain control.
A medical professional will be able to pick out the best combination of treatments for you, but you can also explore the most common treatment options yourself to get your journey started. Heroin addiction is usually treated through methods such as:
- Talking therapies: One of the most common therapies for heroin addiction is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). With a trained professional, you’ll look into potential causes and triggers of your addiction before exploring healthy coping mechanisms.
- Support groups: You don’t need to deal with a heroin addiction on your own. Support groups are designed to help you build friendships with people on their own journey and receive advice from experts on support, employment, and wellbeing.
- Rehabilitation: Leaving the environment associated with drugs creates a solid foundation for recovery. Rehabilitation treatment centres provide a neutral space to stay for your treatment journey. You’ll have 24/7 care from experts, offering guidance and support.
Our Team Is Ready To Help You On Your Recovery Journey
If the signs of heroin addiction sound familiar to you, you don’t need to suffer in silence. Our team is here for you.
We offer expert rehabilitation services to support you in your journey to recovery. With us, you’ll receive round-the-clock care from dedicated professionals, as well as a room to stay in our residential treatment centre, providing you with a safe environment to focus on recovery.
Our team is always happy to answer any questions you might have. You can contact us via phone on 01934 311 965 or send an email to info@stonebridge.rehab. We can face addiction together.
