This means users need more and more of the drug to have the same effect. At higher doses over time, the body becomes dependent on heroin. If someone who is dependent on heroin stops using it, they have withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include restlessness, muscle and bone pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes with goose bumps. Heroin addiction is especially characterized by the physical dependence that develops with abuse, as well as psychological dependency.
Other signs of heroin overdose include bluish-colored nails and lips, a discolored tongue, delirium, drowsiness and uncontrolled muscle movements, according to the National Institutes of Health. Effects heroin addiction treatment can also increase if heroin is taken with other drugs. In addition, people who’ve used heroin for a long time and have developed a tolerance may appear less impaired than first-time heroin users.
What are the effects of heroin?
Heroin addiction severely limits the ability of the user to live their life, bringing great damage to their physical health, work and social life. Specialist treatment is available at Priory; we can provide evidence-based support to help people fight addiction. If you stumble across what you suspect is heroin or heroin paraphernalia, be very careful and don’t touch what you find with bare hands.
It also highlighted opportunities to address a problem that takes thousands of lives throughout Florida every year — each of them a beloved friend, family member or spouse. We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Emily Swaim is a freelance health writer and editor who specializes in psychology.
Treatment for heroin addiction
Their breathing may slow do so much that not enough oxygen reaches the brain. Hypoxia can lead to a coma, permanent brain damage, or death. It’s made from morphine, which comes from the seedpod of opium poppy plants. These plants grow in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Mexico, and Colombia. Heroin can be a white or brown powder, or a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin.
A medically observed drug detox is a central initial part of treatment for heroin addiction. Appropriate medication will be prescribed to help you with withdrawal symptoms. A detox removes your dependence on the drug, allowing you to focus fully on long-term recovery in rehab. Heroin is an illegal drug that people use for its euphoric effects. However, it can lead to addiction and cause severe side effects and withdrawal symptoms.
Does it pose a risk of addiction?
When you call our helpline, you’ll be connected with a representative who can assist you in finding mental health and addiction treatment resources at any of the Ark Behavioral Health addiction treatment facilities. The helpline at AddictionResource.net is available 24/7 to discuss the treatment needs of yourself or a loved one. This helpline is answered by Ark Behavioral Health, an addiction treatment provider with treatment facilities in Massachusetts and Ohio. Call our helpline today to find a heroin addiction treatment program that’s right for you. Because heroin can cause physical and psychological dependence with repeated use, it can be very easy to develop an addiction to heroin, now called heroin use disorder. Mixing other substances that have a depressant effect, like fentanyl, alcohol, and benzodiazepines, can heighten heroin side effects, like slowed breathing.
American Addiction Centers (AAC) is committed to delivering original, truthful, accurate, unbiased, and medically current information. We strive to create content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. In some cases, legal troubles can lead to rehab as an alternative to a prison sentence or as a condition of probation post-incarceration.
Heroin withdrawal and treatment options
Help from your health care provider, family, friends, support groups or an organized treatment program can help you overcome your drug addiction and stay drug-free. This article will explain the signs of heroin addiction, including mental and physical signs. It will also describe how a person or their loved ones can get support. There is overlap between the signs of heroin use categorized here as physical, psychological, and behavioral. For the mental health practitioner, the terms physical dependence and addiction are no longer accepted as clinically accurate.
Heroin addiction happens quickly, and as a person becomes more consumed by their addiction, they may neglect their personal grooming habits and begin to look unkempt. Even so, there are a number of clues to look for if you suspect a loved one is using heroin. Being “in the know” is extremely important and often ties to the longevity of success. That’s why, at Options, communication and transparency are the backbone of our relationship with patients, loved ones, and professional referral sources.