The use of drugs like heroin, opioid painkillers, and fentanyl is on the rise in America. An estimated 23.5 million Americans are addicted to alcohol and drugs, for every 10 people in America, one of them has a drug addiction over the age of 12. The population of Texas is less than the population of the current drug addicts roaming around Americas streets. The sad truth is, only 11% of those addicts will receive treatment. Addiction is a chronic, but treatable condition and our health care systems have been slow to recognize the severity of this devastating disease. Many Americans do not understand why people become addicted to drugs. It is often believed that these addicts lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop using drugs simply by saying no. This is not true, a drug addiction is a disease, and quitting takes more than good intentions. For many drug addicts, drug addiction treatment is needed to overcome their addictions and for a life in recovery. Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease that causes drug seeking and drug using, despite health problems and consequences. Usually the first initial drug use is voluntary for most drug addicts. The brain changes that occur over time make it challenging for an addicted person to control their drug use, the disease hinders their ability to resist intensive impulses to take drugs. It is mindboggling to think that we would need a drug addiction treatment in Texas, the size of Texas, just to help the current drug addicts in America. Full blown addiction might have already set in for some addicts, but early prevention and intervention can help. Heroin addicts may try to lie and hide their habit, but there are a few signs you can watch out for if you suspect a loved one is addicted.
Drug paraphernalia – Heroin can be snorted, smoked, or injected.
Syringes are a popular method for using heroin. The heroin enters the bloodstream directly, although this method may be used by long time heroin users, a syringe can be a red flag that someone is using drugs. Along with the syringe, a spoon, cotton, and a lighter or candle are used to cook the heroin by heating it up, and then injecting it into the bloodstream. Addicts use belts, ropes, or something to tie off the users arm in order to find a vein. The entire “kit” is usually kept together.
Tin Foil. A common form of drug paraphernalia used to smoke the heroin, aluminum foil is used. The heroin is placed on the aluminum foil and acts as a board for holding the heroin, and a lighter to heat it up, while the drug addict uses a straw to inhale the drug. Also used to inhale arepens, rolled up tin foil, or anything that resembles a straw. A residue will form on the inside of these straw like instruments.
Heroin is usually sold inside of balloons or baggies. Look around for small rubber balloons or plastic bags no bigger than the size of your thumb.
Physical Signs of Heroin Use
Heroin will constrict the pupils of the user of the heroin drug. A typical addict neglects the use of good hygiene and grooming, and this could be a sign of heroin use. Heroin can cause an excessive “scratching” for the addict who uses the heroin drug. Weight loss and gain due to on and off use is also a sign of heroin use.
Nodding Off – A term used by many heroin addicts. Heroin use can and usually causes long hours of drowsiness. Mental and physical sluggishness or slurred speech and the inability to stay away while having a conversation can be a sign of heroin use.
Track Marks – Heroin Addicts will sometimes hide their arms due to tack marks on their injection sites. Long sleeves in the summer time can be an indicator of heroin use. These marks are generally located on their arms and hands but can likely be found elsewhere on their body such as their ankles, feet, and between their toes.
Change in Mood – Mood swings are common for heroin users, if an addict is withdrawing from heroin their behavior can become violent. They may also look pail and sick due to the physical addiction of heroin. Users of heroin often hang out with others who use Heroin, a drastic change in friends, showing up late to events or curfew, and becoming aggressive when question could possibility be signs of heroin use.
Other signs of heroin use could be speaking in slang, or code when around others. Dope, smack, black, brown, junk, a point, gram, H, China, white, chasing the dragon, speed balling, are just a few of the many slang terms for heroin.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction to heroin, and is looking for heroin addiction treatment in Texas, Nova Recovery Center can help. Contact Us Today