Heroin Facts
Heroin Facts - The Dangers of Heroin
Knowing heroin facts and what the signs and symptoms of heroin use are is important. The signs of heroin use are similar to most drug addictions but often have some more subtle cues to look out for. Some of the common side effects of heroin use are:
- Changes in mood
- changes in sleep schedules
- irritability
- lack of good hygiene
- lethargy
- loss of interest in hobbies
- itchiness
- flu-like symptoms, such as body aches or chills
- pin-sized pupils
- slurred speech
- nodding out – looks like the person has fallen asleep, and often happens in the middle of an activity or a conversation
For those who are using heroin intravenously:
- wearing long-sleeved shirts, even in warmer weather
- track marks (small bruises on arms and even legs, and little red dots on the arms or hands can be warning signs as well)
For those who smoke or snort the drug:
- runny nose
- cough
- constant sniffing
The Risk of Heroin Overdose
Heroin users often become dependent on the drug and need more and more to obtain that same initial high. This, of course, increases the risk of a heroin overdose, which can be fatal. Because heroin depresses the respiratory system, the risk of a severe drop in blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing is very high. A heroin user can quickly and easily slip into a coma or even die from using the drug.
Beyond overdose, there are severe complications with prolonged use.
For those who are shooting heroin, the risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis are very high from using or sharing dirty needles. Even if the addict doesn’t overdose or contract a fatal disease from using, street heroin often has additives and chemicals that can cause permanent damage to vital organs, such as the lungs, kidneys, and brain.
Beyond Addiction: Heroin Withdrawal and Detox
Heroin withdrawal symptoms can be severe and can start as shortly as a few hours after last use. Common withdrawal symptoms include the following:
- Intense bone and muscle pain
- chills
- restlessness
- insomnia
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal cramping
- sweating
- irritability
- anxiety
Heroin withdrawal symptoms generally subside after about 5-7 days without the drug. It’s usually worse in the first couple of days, which routinely causes users to relapse so that they don’t feel sick anymore.
Fortunately, heroin detox isn’t considered as physically dangerous as detoxing from barbituates or alcohol. That certainly doesn’t lessen the pain of the withdrawal symptoms, unfortunately. Detoxing from any substance should always be done in a supervised setting since there are many treatments that can help lessen the symptoms. Additionally, the staff at detox treatment facilities can make sure that the user is detoxing safely.
More Heroin Facts - Treatment
Perhaps the most important of all the heroin facts is that a user who wants to stay clean should continue treatment far beyond the detox period. Therapy and medications are often the best route to a heroin user getting his or her life back. But the medication aspect of heroin addiction treatment is still highly controversial.
Methadone, which has been used for decades to help opiate abusers overcome their addictions, is arguably just as addictive as heroin. Methadone binds to the same receptors in the brain that opiates effect and has a slower, more gradual onset, theoretically reducing cravings and staving off the terrible heroin withdrawal symptoms. Methadone is generally meant to be used in the short-term, but it can be harder to come off of than heroin. Anyone who is planning on using methadone should be aware of this so that they know what to expect when they stop taking the methadone.
Other than methadone, other typical addiction treatments are also very important – inpatient or outpatient treatment centers, individual therapy, group therapy, and NA meetings can all be beneficial.
The risk of continuing to use heroin far outweighs the downside of any heroin addiction treatment, including methadone. Many people use methadone for more extended periods of time, and they’re able to have their lives back. They get jobs, save money, reconcile with partners or family members. They aren’t putting themselves in dangerous situations anymore to try to find heroin. As long as methadone is used appropriately, it can be an excellent tool to help someone stay away from heroin.