Heroin is an addictive nervous system depressant. One of the symptoms of heroin use is the individual’s unwillingness to admit to it. They’d do anything for another fix. However, some respond well to intervention when signs and symptoms of heroin use are overwhelming; here’s what happens.
About Heroin
A discussion on the signs and symptoms of heroin use must begin with an understanding of what the drug does. As a nervous system depressant, it shuts down pain communication between the body and brain. For the user, it creates a comfortable state of numbness. Initially, there’s a high.
That’s because dopamine production powers up. When the body reabsorbs the neurotransmitter, sleepiness sets in. A user drifts in and out of consciousness.
They may scratch at imaginary bugs crawling on the skin. Because opiate abuse results in constipation, many users take laxatives. Some even neglect to eat, which results in unhealthy weight loss.
Symptoms of heroin withdrawal begin six to eight hours after the last dose. They initially start slowly with slight gastrointestinal upset. These quickly develop into diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. After about a day without the drug, most people go back to using just to make the withdrawal stop.
You Notice the Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Use in a Loved One; Now What?
It’s important to understand that many users no longer derive enjoyment from heroin abuse. They might just continue to prevent symptoms of heroin withdrawal from occurring. These individuals fear the pain that seems to be endless. You can help a loved one in this situation by understanding how medical detoxification works.
For example, did you know that medical detox could end the chemical dependency in about a week? Most importantly, it eliminates many of the dangers and discomforts that cold turkey withdrawal presents. Treatments include:
- Medication-assisted treatment that helps with a reduction in cravings and pain
- Behavioral therapy that teaches healthy alternatives to heroin abuse in stressful situations
- Meditation for stress relief and introspection
- Chiropractic care that relieves aching muscles and reduces the cramping
- Individual therapy, which encourages planning for long-term recovery after detoxification
It’s interesting to note that high-quality facilities also offer a holistic detox approach. In addition to getting off the heroin, your loved one learns life skills. The goal is to present the individual with options that prove there’s no need for continuing a heroin habit.
Paying for Detox
Paying for the stay at an inpatient heroin detox center Houston trusts isn’t hard. Insurance companies routinely pay for detoxification services. The details depend on the person’s individual policy. Intake advisors at a heroin addiction treatment center Houston TX can rely on will handle the verification process.
You now know the signs and symptoms of heroin use. Maybe you’re using the drug yourself; perhaps it’s a loved one with the problem. The symptoms of heroin use don’t have to continue. Connect with Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston at 866.516.8356 today to enter treatment or learn more.
