For several years, the opioid epidemic has been at the forefront of concern for law enforcement, federal and state agencies, medical providers, and addiction treatment professionals. It is safe to say that nearly everyone across the United States has, in some way, been touched by the impacts of opioid addiction. The effects of opioid use are not restricted to any one demographic, region, or economic standing. Addiction, overdose, and death from opioid use can affect anyone at any time. Opioid is a broad term used to describe various prescription and illicit drugs, including prescription painkillers and “street drugs” such as heroin.
What Is Heroin?
Heroin is classified as an opioid. It is manufactured using morphine, a naturally occurring substance taken from the seed pod of the opium poppy plants grown in Asia, Mexico, and Columbia. Depending on how it is manufactured, heroin can be a white or brown powder or a black sticky substance referred to as black tar heroin. Heroin goes by other names, including smack and hell dust. It can be taken into the body in several ways, including smoking, snorting, inhaling through the nose, or being injected. Some people also mix heroin with crack cocaine to create a more potent drug. This practice is known as speedballing.
What Are the Signs Someone Needs Heroin Treatment in New Jersey?
Heroin is a highly addictive drug. The risk of overdose with heroin use is significant, and it does not take long for someone using heroin to develop a tolerance for the drug, increasing their risk for overdose further. Depending on the duration of someone’s addiction, symptoms may be mild at first and progress rapidly as they continue to use, or their dosing increases due to tolerance. In many cases, the physical symptoms of heroin use occur quickly. After someone injects heroin, they will feel symptoms of euphoria and happiness, often within a matter of seconds.
Signs of addiction and indicators that someone needs heroin treatment in New Jersey manifest in physical and psychological ways. Some of the most common physical symptoms of heroin use include dry mouth, flushed skin, constricted pupils, itching, vomiting, decreased respiratory rate, and gastric disturbances. Another common symptom that is easily noticed is constricted pupils. People who use heroin regularly often need laxatives or stool softeners as ongoing use can cause chronic and severe constipation. You may also see nonphysical signs and symptoms, including new or worsening financial difficulties, drug-seeking behavior, the presence of drug paraphernalia, increased isolation, and new or worsening legal problems.
Someone addicted to heroin and has developed a tolerance will experience withdrawal symptoms when they reduce or stop using. Symptoms of withdrawal are another sign someone needs heroin treatment. Some of the most common withdrawal symptoms those who have developed a substance use disorder may experience when withdrawing from heroin include jitters or shaking, gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, nausea, vomiting), body aches and bone pain, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, and uncontrollable leg movements. In other more severe cases, withdrawal symptoms from heroin (as well as other opioids) could include severe and life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. These may consist of delirium tremens (DTs), abnormal heart rate, abnormal respiratory rates, and seizures.
Reach Out to Relevance Recovery Today for More Information About Heroin Treatment in New Jersey
If you or a loved one struggles with heroin addiction, don’t wait to seek treatment. Chronic heroin use can result in detrimental physical and psychological effects. Because heroin withdrawal can result in severe and sometimes life-threatening symptoms, medically supervised detox is highly recommended for those looking to quit heroin. In a medically supervised setting, a team of highly trained medical professionals is available throughout the detox process to ensure your safety. Once detox is complete, you can successfully transition into the therapeutic portion of an addiction treatment program in New Jersey. If you are ready to overcome heroin addiction, contact us at Relevance in New Jersey today to learn more about our comprehensive treatment programs.
