What is heroin addiction?

Heroin is an illegal drug, which is highly addictive. Millions of addicts worldwide continue to use this drug daily, and are unable to overcome the craving, as they are too horrified by the withdrawal. Heroin can be injected, inhaled (snorting), or smoked. The drug is delivered to the brain very quickly, which contributes to the addictive nature and danger of use. Heroin addiction is characterized by uncontrollable drug-seeking to get a “fix”, no matter what the consequences are. Heroin addiction is a form of opiate addiction.

Heroin produces a “chilled” effect. This is characterized by a rush of euphoria for a couple of minutes, followed by hours of subsequent drowsiness. Heroin blocks the brain’s ability to perceive pain. Heroin addiction is one of the most difficult addictions to overcome, and the withdrawal can be extremely painful. Heroin will quickly destroy the users immune system. Heroin addiction can leave one constantly sick, scary thin and bony, and, ultimately, dead.

How does heroin affect people?

Heroin use and heroin addiction has physical and mental affects on users.

Physical:

• Heart beat & breathing rate is heavily reduced
• Shallow breathing
• Decreased muscle tone and strength. This causes:
  • Lack of energy and coordination
  • Slurred speech
  • Delayed reactions and response
  • A heavy sensation in arms and legs
  • Sluggish movements
• Movement in the gastro-intestinal tract is slowed down. This causes:
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth

Mental:

• Emotions are suppressed
• Lack of motivation
• Perception of reality is altered
• Emotional growth is stumped
• Irrational decisions are made
• Depression

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

There are a number of signs which indicate a possible heroin addiction. The possession of materials used to consume heroin is the most definitive sign of a heroin addiction. These can include:

• Syringes or needles which are not required for medical purposes
• Small pieces of foil that have burn marks (including aluminum gum wrappers)
• Silver spoons which have been burned
• Straws with burn marks and a yellow tint on them
• Missing shoe-laces (to help tie off for injection)
• Cut long rubber bands (to help tie off for injection)
• Bowls and pipes
• Water pipes or other pipes
• Small plastic drug bags, with a white powdery residue
• Coloured balloons used to package and transport heroin
• Cotton balls (used as a filter for injecting)

There are also behavioural signs that may indicate a heroin addiction, or other drug addiction. These can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Wearing long pants or long sleeves, even in very warm weather, to hide needle marks
• Reduced attention to physical appearance and hygiene
• Random cycles of hyper alertness followed by drowsiness
• Sudden changes in behaviour or moods
• Lying or other deceptive behaviour
• Hostility toward others
• Weight loss
• Warm, flushed skin
• Agitation and irritability
• Cuts, bruises or scabs from skin picking
• Constricted pupils
• Disorientation
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Infections or abscesses at injection site
• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Delusions
• Lying about drug use
• Avoiding loved ones

Why do I need Heroin addiction treatment?

The withdrawal from heroin carries significant risks and should be done in a professionally supervised detox. The withdrawal symptoms can be fatal, and therefore should be monitored by a professional. It is not recommended to be done at home. At Addiction Rehab Toronto we offer a professionally supervised detox to ensure withdrawal is safe and as comfortable as can be.

The biggest risk of fatality during heroin withdrawal comes from the chance of relapse. Tolerance lowers as the body withdraws from the substance. As such, the dose required to get high does as well. During a relapse addicts do not account for this. As a result, when they relapse, they may overdose.

At Addiction Rehab Toronto we offer 30, 60 and 90 day treatment programs. We do not just aim to treat addictions – we treat human beings. Our holistic approach facilitates recovery from heroin addiction by using strategies that support the whole person. We will address the physical, psychological, spiritual, emotional and social aspects of the person. This is to ensure an overall well-being. Boosting ones immunity and psychological resilience can help them effectively cope on their own and without the use of substances, including heroin. By reducing anxiety, depression and other behavioural issues holistic healing methods can help with addiction withdrawal symptoms and relapse prevention. We give our client’s the tools required to gain control over their negative and self-destructive behaviours.

How can I get Heroin addiction treatment?

To start the journey to heroin addiction recovery for yourself or a loved one, please contact us by calling 1-855-787-2424

Addiction Rehab Toronto also offers support with interventions. We will help individuals or groups plan and execute one. If an addict will neither seek or accept help, an intervention might be necessary. Contact us to learn more.

Your best path to put an end to your heroin addiction is to contact us today.

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If you or a loved one is  suffering from heroin addiction, or any substance abuse and are looking for the most effective treatment available today, please contact us.