Heroin Addiction: Symptoms, Complications and Treatment.

Heroin is a powerful narcotic with extremely addictive properties. One of the most widely-abused drugs in the world, heroin provides the user with an intense euphoria and a sense of calm and relaxation. However, once these effects wear off, users experience strong cravings for the drug, which leads to continued use and, eventually, physical dependence. The following is an in-depth look at heroin addiction, which includes information on symptoms, complications and available treatment options.

Symptoms of Heroin Addiction

The outward symptoms of heroin use can vary, but often include the following:

Frequent “nodding” or sleeping too much and at odd hours.

Constricted, or “pinned,” pupils.

Visible needle marks on the arms, hands, feet, etc.

Weight loss.

Slurred speech.

Blemishes on the skin and/or changes in pallor or skin tone.

A decline in overall appearance.

The appearance of withdrawal symptoms when use is discontinued. These often include nausea, diarrhea, chills, profuse sweating, runny nose, body aches and other flu-like symptoms.

Over time, continued heroin use can result in physical and psychological dependence. And although determining addiction can be difficult, most addicts display the following behaviors:

Irritability.

Depression and fluctuations in mood.

Failed attempts to discontinue heroin use.

Lying about heroin use/addiction.

Theft, which is used as a means to support a costly heroin habit.

Risky behaviors, such as driving while intoxicated, promiscuity, unsafe sex or sharing hypodermic syringes.

Social isolation.

Poor hygiene and/or grooming.

Loss of interest in hobbies, relationships, etc.

Hostile or aggressive behaviors.

Poor performance at work, school or home.

Complications of Heroin Addiction

Heroin can wreak havoc on health and well-being. For example, heroin use often results in the following complications:

Overdose, which can result in permanent brain damage, organ failure or death.

An increased risk of contracting or transmitting HIV, hepatitis C and other diseases.

Damage to the liver, kidneys and digestive organs.

Lowered immunity, which leads to an increased risk of bacterial and viral infections.

Depression, which can lead to suicide and other forms of self-harm.

Bankruptcy and other financial difficulties.

Problems within relationships.

Treating Heroin Addiction

Because of the devastating consequences of heroin use, seeking treatment is essential to both physical health and psychological well-being. And although sobriety can be difficult to achieve and maintain, effectively treating heroin addiction is possible.

Treating heroin addiction can involve a number of approaches. A combination of the following methods has been shown to promote a healthy recovery from heroin addiction:

Heroin Addiction Detoxification

Defined as a process which rids the body of addictive substances, detox is typically the first step in addiction treatment. When it comes to heroin addiction, withdrawal symptoms brought on by discontinued use can be unpleasant, to say the least. For this reason, undergoing detox in a professional setting is recommended.

Psychotherapy For Heroin Addiction

Addressing the psychological aspect of heroin addiction is essential to recovery. One-on-one counseling sessions can help uncover the contributing factors of addiction as well as help the patient formulate coping strategies in the interest of long-term sobriety. Further, psychotherapy is designed to address underlying psychological illnesses, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, which may play a role in an individual’s addictive behaviors.

Group Therapy For Heroin Addiction

Like one-on-one psychotherapy sessions, group meetings help promote a healthy, long-term recovery. The primary advantages of group therapy include the support of peers, accountability and the sharing of knowledge and understanding.

Taking the First Step

Effective treatment for heroin addiction is available. The first step is recognizing the problem and asking for help. By making the decision to enter treatment, nearly all areas of health and quality of life are greatly improved.