Comprehensive Heroin Rehabilitation Program in Huntington Beach

Facts About Heroin Addiction and Abuse

Heroin addiction can be a devastating problem for both the user and their loved ones. This article is meant to give you more information about the drug itself, the signs and symptoms of heroin use, and addiction. A person may be addicted to more than one drug, especially when it comes to opiates. The signs and symptoms of addiction can apply to any substance abuse.

Symptoms/Signs of Heroin Use

Heroin users will act differently when they’re high, but they also may exhibit behavior changes when they haven’t used the drug. Using addictive drugs changes the brain and causes addictive behavior. You may notice that a person has changed their friends, lost interest in previous hobbies, or has trouble holding a job. These are just a few examples of changes that can take place with addiction. When high, there are several symptoms a heroin user will display.

Users may breathe differently or seem short of breath. Their eyes may have constricted pupils. They will probably appear sleeping, or “nod out” when sitting up, even if they are in the middle of conversation with you. Their mood may appear giddy or euphoric, while at the same time they may seem completely disoriented. Other opioid or opiates (synthetic opioid-like drugs) will have similar symptoms to these. If you’re unsure the person is high, or they seem sick, are turning blue, or won’t wake up, call 911.

Prescription Opioids Can Lead to Heroin Use

Opiate drugs — a term used to describe synthetic drugs that work the same as drugs like heroin, that come directly from the poppy plant – are highly addictive. In America right now, there is an opioid epidemic thanks in part to the addictive properties of opioids. Drugs like Percocet, Codeiine and Vicodin are often prescribed for acute pain with devastating results.

Many people taking these drugs for pain find that they develop a tolerance. They will discover that they like the drug so much that they want to take more of it so they can experience euphoria. This is considered to be drug abuse, which often leads to addiction. When a person uses more than the prescribed amount, their body adapts to the drug. They often find that they need more and more of the drug to get high – and when they try to cease using, they experience painful or frightening side effects.

With an addiction epidemic still raging in the US, research has shown that there are serious consequences to opioid addiction. In states that once had the largest supply of pill mills, overdose rates went up as the pill supplies went down. Many people who made the choice to use heroin didn’t feel like they had any choice at all; their supplies of drugs like Oxycontin and Percocet were cut off unexpectedly. Many people decided to move to heroin in order to avoid the dangers of withdrawal symptoms.

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What is “Heroin?”

Heroin is a highly addictive drug that comes from the poppy plant and is in the opiate class of drugs. It’s highly addict and illegal to buy, sell or possess. Millions of people around the globe are addicted to heroin. The high is described as euphoric and sedating. It also numbs pain, both physical and emotional. Heroin is incredibly addictive. When a person is addicted to heroin, they experience painful and emotional withdrawal symptoms, which makes it difficult to stop using on their own. Heroin can be used in a number of ways, namely snorting, injecting or smoking. Snorting and injecting are the most common.

Common “Code Words” for Heroin

Heroin is known as a “street drug” because, in the past, it was only sold and purchased on the street. Drug dealers and users often have special code words they use to sell a drug without saying the name outright. In recent years, some drug dealers have been bold enough to sell it on the “dark web” where users can hide their identity more easily. Both ways are dangerous and users never know how “pure” the drug is. Heroin is also known as:

  • H
  • Horse
  • Tar
  • Smack
  • Brown Sugar
  • Junk
  • Mud
  • Dragon
  • Dope
  • Number 4
  • Number 8
  • Boy
  • He
  • Chiba/Chiva
  • China White
  • Black
  • Black Tar
  • Black Stuff
  • Black Eagle
  • Junk
  • Brown
  • Brown Rhine
  • Mexican Brown
  • Mexican Mud
  • Mexican Horse
  • Snow
  • Snowball
  • Sack
  • Skunk
  • Number 4
  • Number 8
  • White
  • White Nurse
  • White Lady
  • White Horse
  • White Girl
  • White Boy
  • White Stuff

Nicknames for heroin change with the times, so there are other code names that may not be listed here.

What Are the Long-Term Effects and Dangers of Heroin Use?

Heroin is a dangerous drug in the narcotic class. There is no “safe” or casual heroin use. It’s highly addictive. Many people who use the drug are exposed to HIV and other diseases transmitted via blood. Heroin causes people to take risks that they don’t normally take, including sexual behavior that can cause STD transmission. Heroin users are often unhealthy and may suffer from malnutrition. If they inject heroin or get itchy from frequent use, they may have frequent skin infections. Over time, many people who use the drug end up with serious disease such as infections of the heart and diseases of the liver or kidneys. Heroin is a dangerous drug and long-term use makes it difficult for the user to quit using on their own, especially due to heroin withdrawal.

What are the Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal?

Heroin is a drug that is known for its intense high, and, unfortunately its intense withdrawal effects. When a user wants to give up heroin, they often try to stop using the drug on their own. Soon, symptoms of with withdrawal will begin, and they will last for days. People who cease using heroin may have painful stomach and muscle cramps, sweat profusely, and complain of joint pain. They may vomit or have intense diarrhea.

Withdrawal  from opiates is potentially dangerous and should only be done in a monitored enviroonment Some people may experience seizure and heart palpitations. If this sounds like something you have experienced in the past, it’s important that you find a safe detox program to help you get clean. If you are experiencing these problems right now, please seek medical attention. A supervised detox facility will help make you as safe and comfortable as possible. You can be monitored for any dangerous symptoms. At the same time, you’ll be in an environment with trained addiction recovery professionals. You can get the help you need detoxing and learning more about recovery at the same time.

MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment)

Many of those in early sobriety from opiates take advantage of MAT or medically assisted treatment. These process includes a prescription for medications that will support early recovery by reducing cravings. Medications include  Suboxone, Vivitrol and Naltrexone. Contact us to discuss your situation if you need sober support and are under a MAT regimen.

Getting Help for Heroin Addiction in Surf City USA

For long-term recovery to take place, it is essential that those seeking a new way of life are engaged in activities and events that are healthy, positive, and self-fulfilling.  Orange County Recovery supports and believes in the  effective spiritual design for living that is offered through the 12-steps of Alcoholics. Anonymous.

Do you or someone you love have a problem with heroin or another addictive substance? Recovery is possible, but you can’t do it without reaching out for help. Call use to learn about your options. We can also answer any questions you may have about treatment or insurance at 877-450-1880.