Heroin use in the United States is at epidemic proportions. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that deaths from heroin-related overdoses are now more than four times higher than they were in 2010. If you believe someone you love is a heroin addict, you have plenty of reason to worry. However, you’re never alone when you rely on the professional heroin addiction treatment at Crestview Recovery.
Increasing in Every Demographic
Data from the CDC shows that every demographic is facing a higher rate of heroin addiction than they were just over a decade ago. This is a far-reaching problem that affects men and women of all ethnicities, in addition to those in every income group.
What is causing this increase in heroin addiction? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but a variety of factors are likely contributing. One possibility is that prescription opioids are becoming more inaccessible and people are turning to heroin as a cheaper and more easily available alternative. Additionally, many people struggling with addiction may not have access to quality treatment options.
Another reason for the increase in heroin addiction could be that people are struggling more than ever with mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Users may see heroin as providing a temporary relief from these conditions, which can lead to addiction.
Heroin is a highly addictive substance that can produce dependency after a single use. Many users develop an addiction to prescription opioids and turn to heroin when they can no longer obtain them. People are also more likely to encounter heroin in areas they wouldn’t have found it just a decade or so ago. As such, the chance that someone will try heroin for the first time is higher than ever.
How is Heroin Used?
Heroin users may snort, inject, or smoke this substance. Those who snort it often leave behind credit cards or razor blades with powder residue. You might find straws with obvious burn marks if your loved one smokes heroin. A person might remove shoelaces or cut rubber bands into a single long strand to wrap around the arm before injecting heroin.
Signs of a Heroin Addiction
If your loved one has an addiction, he or she may display the following heroin effects:
- Sudden, unexplained weight loss of more than just a few pounds
- Flu-like symptoms that don’t go away
- Excessive sleeping
- Dramatic mood swings that may include hostile behavior
- Poor coordination due to excessively heavy limbs
- Needle marks on the arms or leg, or wearing long sleeves and long pants in hot weather to cover them up
- Chronic dark circles underneath the eyes. Those with addictions to heroin may always appear as though they haven’t had enough sleep, and may constantly wear sunglasses to cover this up.
Traits of a Heroin Addict
Not all signs of heroin dependency are physical in nature. A heroin addict may also display certain behavioral traits such as:
- Poor personal hygiene or grooming
- Unexplained financial problems
- Spending more time with people who abuse drugs
- Showing no interest in things he or she once enjoyed
- Difficulty holding down a job
- Secretive behavior
- Stealing
- Trouble with law enforcement
Heroin Addiction Treatment in Portland is the Answer
Heroin addiction can have devastating consequences for both the individual and their loved ones. It is important to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction. There are many quality treatment options available, and with the right support, it is possible to overcome heroin addiction.
An addiction to heroin doesn’t have to control your life. Crestview Recovery in Portland, Oregon gives hope to those who would like to overcome their addictions. Contact us at 866.262.0531 so that we can get you on the road to recovery through one of our addiction treatment programs.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
