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6 Signs Your Loved One is Addicted to Heroin

man talks with woman about the signs of heroin addiction

People from all walks of life use heroin. Unfortunately, the decades-long opioid epidemic continues to lead many people to heroin and even stronger opioids like fentanyl. This illicit drug is powerful and can quickly lead to addiction. Many people begin using heroin after receiving a prescription for pain relievers which can be habit-forming. Overcoming heroin addiction can be a challenge. But at NuLife Behavioral Health, we’re here to help you and your loved ones recover. Knowing the signs of heroin addiction can make it easier to know when to reach out for help.

If you or someone you love is struggling with heroin, don’t quit cold turkey. The team at NuLife Behavioral Health can help. Our dual diagnosis substance abuse treatment programs provide accessible, comprehensive heroin substance abuse in Massachusetts. Call us now at 888.568.2057 to learn more about the benefits of heroin addiction treatment.

What Is Heroin and Why Is It Addictive?

Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid made from the poppy plant. Heroin is known for its painkilling properties and euphoric effects. Developed in the 1800s as a hospital-grade painkiller, heroin is now an illicit street drug made in illegal labs. The FDA does not monitor heroin production, meaning it’s hard to know how strong a dose is or what other drugs might be in a dose of illicit heroin. Unfortunately, today’s heroin is often laced with other drugs like fentanyl, which makes it more dangerous.

Heroin is highly addictive because it works by stopping pain receptors in the brain and can change a person’s brain the more they use it. Like other opioids, the more heroin someone takes, the more heroin they will need for the same effect. It’s easy to quickly build up a heroin tolerance. Regular heroin users need heroin every six to twelve hours to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

6 Signs Someone You Love Is Abusing Heroin

The way someone takes heroin can affect visible, physical symptoms. Smoking and snorting heroin can lead to a cough and runny nose. Injecting heroin can lead to visible track marks at the injection site. If someone in your life is wearing long sleeves in warm weather or picking at skin sores, they could be covering track marks. Other physical signs of heroin abuse and addiction include:

  1. Weight loss and loss of appetite
  2. Sweating, shaking, itching
  3. Nodding off easily and increased sleep
  4. Nausea and vomiting
  5. Aggressive or reactionary behavior
  6. Lack of coordination, slurred speech, and confusion

The emotional and mental reactions to heroin abuse can differ. A co-occurring mental health concern or unprocessed trauma can intensify emotional symptoms. Someone may engage in violent, reactionary behavior around others or self-harm during heroin withdrawal. The safest and most effective way to stop using heroin is through a heroin addiction treatment program.

Compassionate Heroin Addiction Treatment in Massachusetts

While many young adults try heroin, addiction and regular use are most common among people over 30. If someone you love is using heroin, don’t let them quit cold turkey. The team at NuLife Behavioral Health can help. We put mental health at the forefront of heroin addiction recovery for clients across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Today at least half of people living with heroin addiction struggle with co-occurring disorders like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.

At NuLife Behavioral Health, we believe the best way to help our clients is by meeting them where they’re at. With comprehensive dual diagnosis, mental health treatment, and extensive addiction recovery care, our programs provide a range of outpatient options and referrals for residential and aftercare programs.

Call NuLife Behavioral Health to Get Started with Treatment Today

Get your loved ones the help they need. Call NuLife Behavioral Health today at 888.568.2057 to learn about our programs and get started with substance abuse treatment.