Heroin use and addiction have a long history in the United States. However, it was not until the opioid epidemic that its usage became mainstream. A significant portion of people who use heroin were initially dependent upon or addicted to prescription opioids like OxyContin or Vicodin, but since heroin is much cheaper and more easily accessible, many turned to the substance to relieve withdrawal symptoms. Unfortunately, this can often lead to heroin overdose.
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we understand the power of substance abuse and the level of destruction it can cause. Many of our clients come to us as the last hope after traditional 12-step approaches to heroin addiction treatment have failed them, leaving them trapped in the cycle of chronic relapse. When you’re ready to discover how to break free from heroin for good, Gulf Breeze Recovery is here to help. Contact us at 833.551.2304.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Heroin Overdose
It can often be difficult to distinguish between someone very high on heroin and someone experiencing an overdose, but learning to recognize the difference can mean life or death. The following are signs that someone is high on heroin or another opioid:
- Constricted (tiny) pupils
- Heavy eyelids and dark, puffy circles around the eyes
- Droopy facial expressions
- Slack muscles
- Slurred speech
- Nodding off
- Scratching or picking at skin
- Slow to respond to outside stimuli
Opioid drugs like heroin depress respiration, especially when consumed in large doses. Therefore, the primary sign of a heroin overdose is reduced or stopped breathing. Other signs of a heroin overdose can include:
- Making choking or gurgling sounds
- Vomiting
- Slow, erratic, or no pulse
- Pale or ashen skin that may be cool to the touch
- Blue or purplish-black lips and fingernails
- Discolored tongue
- Spasms or seizures
- Loss of consciousness
Someone who has overdosed will not respond to outside stimuli. They might be awake but unable to speak. Very few people die from an overdose immediately. Therefore, being able to recognize the signs can save someone’s life. If you suspect someone has overdosed on heroin, call 911 immediately and if Narcan (a medicine that can be administered to treat an overdose quickly) is available, use it.
The Signs of Heroin Use
Of course, recognizing heroin use before it gets to the point of overdose is ideal. However, it’s tricky, given how quickly individuals can become addicted. Second only to fentanyl, heroin is one of the most potent substances there is. Derived from the Asian poppy, it attaches to opioid receptors and releases a rush of dopamine that creates an almost instant feeling of euphoria. Heroin swiftly hijacks an individual’s natural ability to find pleasure in anything else.
Many people who turn to heroin falsely believe that it is safe to use occasionally. However, physical dependence and tolerance can develop after just one use. Its impact on an individual is powerful from the start, and only one use can result in an overdose.
The signs and symptoms of heroin abuse vary based on several factors, including genetic makeup, the amount used, frequency, additional substances present in someone’s system, and the level of dependency. A shortlist of the common signs and symptoms of heroin abuse include, but are not limited to:
- Mood swings ranging from euphoria to depression
- Anxiety, agitation, and irritability
- Significant weight loss
- Track marks from using and scabs or bruises from skin-picking
- Lack of attention to personal hygiene
- Nodding off in conversation or at other odd times
- A decline in performance at work or school
- Inability to tend to daily responsibilities
- Hallucinations, delusions, disorientation, or paranoia
Research indicates that one in four people who try heroin will develop a dependency. People who use heroin quickly develop a tolerance, needing more and more of the drug each time to produce the same euphoric effect. This increases the risk not only for addiction but for overdose. Knowing the signs can aid in early intervention and effective treatment.
What to Expect from Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Heroin is both physically and psychologically addictive. The fear of withdrawal symptoms is often a deterrent to quitting, even for those who desperately want to. Withdrawal symptoms can develop within a few hours and are more severe for long-term, heavy users. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Intense cravings for heroin
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Severe muscle, bone, and body aches and pains
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Extreme hot and cold sweats
- Cramping in the limbs
People who have a long history of heroin use, have previously detoxed, have cross-addictions, or have co-occurring mental health issues typically have more severe withdrawal symptoms and are at higher risk for complications. Especially for heroin and other opioids, a medically supervised detox is the best choice.
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, our heroin addiction treatment program is designed to address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of addiction. By providing personalized care and support, individuals can embark on a path toward recovery with confidence and hope. We believe in a comprehensive and holistic approach that focuses on well-being through our non-12-step program. By blending evidence-based therapies, counseling sessions, and wellness activities, Gulf Breeze Recovery aims to empower individuals to overcome heroin addiction and reclaim control of their lives. We want to heal the whole person, not just the addiction.
Call Gulf Breeze Recovery Today
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, our heroin addiction treatment program provides the strategies, coping mechanisms, tools, and support to discover the roots of your heroin addiction and overcome it. Our mission is to help you maintain recovery for the long term. Contact our team at 833.551.2304 today and take back control of your life.
