What are some signs that someone is using heroin?

Although some people may show more obvious signs than others, most people present a variety of physical and emotional signs. Your loved one might be using heroin if you notice their pupils looking constricted or smaller than usual. The heroin user may appear in a sleepy stage or appear to feel like they are in a dream. Some people might not be able to pay attention or be aware of their surroundings and the people around them. They may also appear nervous, itchy, with trouble sleeping and having chills.

ADDITIONAL SIGNS OF HEROIN ABUSE

• Depression
• Agitation
• Drowsiness
• Sedation
• Slurred speech
• Confusion
• Reduced sense of pain
• Constipation
• Lack of awareness
• Issues with focus, memory, and attention
• Issues with coordination
• Bone and muscle pain
• Runny nose when snorting heroin
• Needle marks when injecting heroin

Can my loved one get off of heroin?

Yes, it is possible for your loved one to get off heroin. It may take some time and effort but if they are committed, it can be done. It also helps if the person has a supportive and strong support system, along with participating in a treatment program. With a variety of treatment services, your loved one can find the right program for them. Treatment can help patients figure out what leads them to use drugs and how to control their desire.

The hardest part, after deciding to quit, can be the withdrawal period. In treatment, patients can the support and medication they need to get through the process. The strength and duration of the withdrawal can vary with each person and their specific situation. Usually, people who have used heroin long-term can expect to face a longer withdrawal than those who have used it for a short period. The withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, agitation, nausea, insomnia, cravings, and more.

During a detox program, patients can receive medication to ease the discomfort from the withdrawal symptoms. The detox is an essential part of recovery because it allows the body to withdrawal from any harmful and toxic substance. The person can continue onto therapy with a clear mind and be able to focus on overcoming their addiction. If you believe your loved one can benefit from a treatment program, there are numerous options to choose from.

What happens if someone uses heroin and stimulants together?

Some people who use drugs like to mix them together sometimes. For example, people who abuse heroin may combine it with cocaine and other stimulants. Mixing cocaine and heroin is referred to as speedball. The two drugs have opposing effects on the body which can result in dangerous effects on the brain and body. Heroin is known as a “downer or depressant, while cocaine is an “upper” or stimulant. This means that while heroin depresses the body, cocaine stimulants.

Those who combine cocaine and heroin do it to intensify their high while trying to reduce the negative effects of each of the drugs. However, it can have fatal consequences. Stimulants can cause anxiety, high blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat. Depressants can cause drowsiness and slowed breathing. When used together, they can cause a heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, and respiratory failure, which can lead to death. The effects of cocaine use wear off much quicker than the ones from heroin. This means that you can end up with a slowed breath because of the cocaine when the effects of heroin become powerful and can cause fatal effects.

COMBINING STIMULANTS WITH DEPRESSANTS CAN RESULT IN:

• Paranoia
• Blurred vision
• Incoherence
• Confusion
• Stupor
• Drowsiness
• Mental impairment caused by lack of sleep
• Trouble controlling and coordinating motor skills

What are some things I should not do?

To successfully help your loved one, it can make a significant difference to what they like and do not like. The way you approach them should be fitting to them in order to get the right response. For instance, while interventions can work for some people, they may not work for everyone especially if they are confrontational. If you know this approach will not go well with the person, avoid doing it. It can cause an adverse effect which can make the person violent and refuse to get help.

As a member of the addict’s support system, you should learn more about addiction so that you avoid thinking that quitting is easily and the person should just stop using drugs. Using drugs for a long time can cause a physical and chemical change to the user’s brain. This makes it harder for the person to stop using it. Quitting has little to do with having the will power to just stop using. You should try not to resent the person because of their drug use. Your loved one is trying to their best to fight and overcome their addiction, you can be as supportive as possible.

Loved ones and caretakers of addicts may often forget to take care of themselves, so it is important for you to remember you also need some care. Caring for an addict can take a great toll on your own physical and mental health. If you do not take care of yourself then it is also difficult to continue caring for the addict. You should not try to take on everything on your own. Have your own support system and lean on them for help as well.

What are some things I should do?

As mentioned above, avoid confront your loved one and have an honest conversation before trying a formal intervention. Sometimes the addict might not know they have a drug issue, talking to them about might be all the person needs. You can encourage the person to accept help and speak to a doctor or addiction expert by providing incentives. Speaking to a professional might help the person accept to get treated. The professional can explain the steps in treatment and recovery to show the person that kind of life with our drugs is also possible for them.

Finding the right treatment for your loved one can make a huge difference. The right treatment can depend on how severe the person’s addiction is and how long they have used heroin. Typically, short-term programs, like a 30-day, are good for mild addiction, while a long-term program, like a 60-day or 90-day, is better for moderate to severe addiction. If the person attends the wrong program, it might not be as effective for them and they may risk relapsing. So make sure to do the research on the different treatment programs to find the right one for your loved one.

Additionally, you should acknowledge the courage and hard work the person is displaying by quitting and working on their recovery. You should continue to provide your support and encouragement in whatever way you can. Having a solid support system can help the person continue on their path to recovery and stay sober. You can offer to drive the person to treatment or to support groups to show them you are there for them. When the person is out of treatment, it can also help to avoid any triggers or anything drug and alcohol-related when you hang out together.

Supporting your loved one does not mean you are in it alone. We are here to help you. For more information on anything involving addiction and treatment, you can call us at 623-263-7371.