Addiction to heroin and other opioids is a growing problem in America. Some estimate there are five-hundred-thousand people addicted to heroin. This number is up seventy-five percent from five years ago. With these numbers continually growing, chances are good you or someone you know might already have an addiction to this deadly drug. Listed here are some behavioral signs of heroin addiction that can aid you in deciding if you are someone you know is addicted and needs help.
Common addiction signs
Addiction is a disease. Heroin is just one of many outlets that this disease can find to display its destructive power. Here is a list of common behavioral signs for addiction in general; including heroin.
- A need to continually increase the amount of a substance taken in order to get high
- A change in friendships and other close relationships
- Lifestyle change (ie. no longer participating in things a person used to enjoy)
- Often a change in appearance as an addict begins to care less about personal hygiene
- Lapse in daily responsibilities including missing work or school
- Large mood swings including: depression, suicidal tendencies, outbursts of anger, and aggression
- Avoiding discussions about addiction and drug use
- Obsession over acquiring drugs for use
- Encountering financial or legal trouble due to drug use
- A change in eating habits
Specific to heroin addiction
Not all drugs affect a person in the same way. In addition to displaying many of the addictive behaviors substance abuse shares, heroin users can also display some unique behaviors. As with all drugs, the severity of these behaviors will depend on the level of use.
- Unwillingness to make eye contact and impeded social interaction
- Constant flu and cold-like symptoms
- Acquiring and stashing drug paraphernalia: balloons, missing shoelaces for arm tying, foil, medical syringes, etc.
- Bodily changes: weight loss, flushed skin, dry mouth, wavering and forth between consciousness and unconsciousness
- Always rubbing, scratching, or picking at skin
- Constantly wearing fully covering clothing to hide track marks
The lists above are not exhaustive and early on the signs of an addiction can be subtle. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above symptoms it could lead down a path toward dependency. Dependency on heroin can escalate quickly and sometimes lead to fatal consequences. Heroin is one of the hardest drugs to break free from. Treatment is possible with the right tools and plan of action. There is hope. An adventurous and joyous life awaits those who break free.
The Lakehouse Treatment Center understands the worlds of active addiction and active recovery. Years of comprehensive experience have helped us build a unique program focused on changing lives and rebuilding families. From detox to sober living, The Lakehouse program focuses on learning how to live and have fun again- a treatment experience like no other. Call us anytime: 877.762.3707