At one point in history, heroin was called morphine diacetate. It is a derivative of the opium poppy and synthesized from morphine. According to the DEA, 87% of the world’s supply of opium and its many derivatives (heroin included) was being produced in Afghanistan as of 2004. However, between 2007 and 2011, the production of heroin in Mexico has increased 600%. As a result, Mexico is now viewed as the second leading producer of heroin in the world and those numbers continue to grow according to law enforcement sources.
According to healthcare officials and medical professionals, there are numerous signs and symptoms of heroin use. Initially, the heroin user is able to hide these warning signs so that family members, friends, and others do not realize that the individual is using the drug. However, over time the individual becomes increasingly more careless about concealing the fact that they are using heroin and the signs and symptoms become obvious.
The 4 primary signs and symptoms of heroin use are categorized as follows:
Behavioral indicators – one of the most obvious signs or symptoms is that the individual avoids interaction with others and tries to live in seclusion as much as possible. They will manufacture numerous excuses to justify their behavior. Additionally, they will start taking numerous mysterious or unexplained trips out of the home and say they are running errands when in reality they are hooking up with their supplier.
Financial issues – in the beginning, the heroin user may only use the drug a few times a week, maybe once a day at most. Over time, they will start using increasingly more of the drug and their habit will cost them a lot of money. Eventually, they will run out of money by draining their checking and/or savings accounts.
They will make excuses as to why they can never afford anything. As the addiction or dependency on the drug gets more severe, they will lose their jobs, be late on paying their bills (or stop paying them altogether), and start borrowing money from family and friends. They may even start stealing in order to pay for their habit.
Suspicious paraphernalia – whether the drug is injected, smoked, or snorted, there is certain paraphernalia that is required to use heroin. When they are injecting the drug, some of the more common pieces are belts or shoelaces, foil or gum wrappers, needles (new or used), spoons, and syringes. If they are smoking or snorting it, you will notice glass pipes, razor blades, and straws lying around with their belongings.
Physical signs and symptoms of heroin use – these include dilated pupils, drooping eyelids, and vomiting are indications of having recently used heroin. Wearing sunglasses, even when it is dark outside is another indicator of heroin use along with significant weight loss resulting from a loss of appetite. Constant sniffing and/or runny nose, coughing and sneezing, flushed skin, needle marks, and slowed breathing or other signs and symptoms of heroin use to watch for.
Heroin abuse, addiction, and dependency is not only a serious issue, it can be fatal when an individual ingests a large amount after having reached their limit. The Freedom Center and their experienced and highly skilled professional staff members want you to know that they are here for you or a loved one if you are dealing with heroin use and its side effects. Please contact us today at the toll-free phone number listed above and speak with one of our specialists about our facility and drug rehab and recovery programs.
