The City of Houston is taking steps to curb drug and alcohol use. The city offers several programs designed to coordinate projects in the area for just this purpose. They also work to raise awareness about heroin addiction and other forms of drug abuse. That starts with providing information to the public. For example, what are the signs of heroin abuse? Find out about your treatment options today by calling Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston today at 866.516.8356 for more information.
What Is Heroin Abuse?
Heroin is an opioid drug primarily used on the street. Like other opioids, it gives you a feeling of euphoria or extreme excitement and happiness. The brain has a reward system that makes you feel good when you do good things for yourself, like exercise or have sex. It does this by releasing certain substances, like feel-good chemicals.
Heroin and other opioids can trigger this same release of chemicals or take the place of the chemicals, so you experience pleasure with use. The more you use heroin, the more you need to feel good.
Over time, your brain can start to expect you to use heroin, and it will only make you feel good when you do. That’s called dependence. If you stop taking the drug, you will likely experience withdrawal symptoms. That’s your brain trying to find a chemical balance without the substance. That withdrawal is one sign that you have a heroin addiction.
What Are the Signs of Heroin Abuse?
Often it’s family and friends that notice the signs of substance abuse first. That’s why knowing what to look for is helpful. Signs of abuse can differ from drug to drug. For heroin, you might notice:
- Constricted, pinpoint pupils
- Weight loss
- Changes in hygiene and appearance
- Drowsiness or nodding off
- Sudden financial troubles or job loss
There are several ways to use heroin, but those who inject it might start wearing long sleeves all the time, even in hot weather. You may notice risk-taking behaviors, as well, like unprotected sex or fast driving.
They may also show signs of paranoia, anxiety, or depression. Mental illness and addiction can go hand in hand. Someone who feels depressed might use heroin to feel better, for example.
What Are the Dangers of Heroin Abuse?
Heroin is a very addictive drug, and you can develop a dependency quickly. Many people inject heroin because they get high faster. Injecting drugs can lead to infections like hepatitis or HIV.
Overdose is one of the more troubling dangers that come with heroin abuse. Heroin strengths are different every time you buy them. Often dealers mix the heroin with a less expensive substance like fentanyl to make more money from it. Combining it can change the potency of the drug and lead to overdose.
Those with any substance use disorder may have a higher risk of suicide, too. Addiction is a life-changing event that might leave someone feeling desperate. The risk increases if there is an underlying mental health condition.
Get Treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
If you or someone you love does have a substance abuse disorder, the first step towards recovery is detox. Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston is a residential detox center that offers healthcare and supervision while you go through the withdrawal process. Withdrawal can be especially hard with an opioid like heroin.
Services at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston include:
We offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere along with addiction specialists to help get you through one of the hardest parts of your recovery. After detox, you can go onto a substance abuse treatment program sober and ready to work.
If you are still unsure about what to look for with heroin abuse, give us a call at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston. Call us at 866.516.8356 or go online and fill out our contact form.
