Untreated heroin addiction can present many dangers. Therefore, a comprehensive heroin addiction rehab is necessary if you suspect a loved one has a problem. Bayview Recovery is located in Tacoma, Washington, and offers highly individualized care to those suffering from heroin addiction. We believe that recovery is possible for those who wish to be drug-free. Do not let addiction control one more day in your or a loved one’s life. Call one of our compassionate admissions specialists about heroin treatment now at 855.478.3650 to begin the wonderful journey of recovery!

3 Signs Your Loved One Is Addicted to Heroin

Despite efforts to raise awareness about the ongoing opioid epidemic, addictive opiates like heroin continue to impact individuals nationwide. Sadly, rates of abuse continue to increase. If you may suspect that a loved one is addicted to heroin, knowing common signs of abuse could make a life-changing difference in helping them recover. From physical appearance to mental well-being, seeing the way your loved one has changed from heroin use can be upsetting. Familiarizing yourself with common signs of abuse can be vital in determining whether your loved one requires professional heroin treatment.

1. Noticing Changes in Appearance

Common signs of heroin abuse can vary from user to user due to the frequency, amount, strength, and method used. Heroin addiction may be difficult to notice in the beginning. However, over time, it can dramatically affect a person’s behavior, mood, and appearance. Common physical signs an individual addicted to heroin exhibits include:

• Weight loss
• Constricted pupils
• Injection site marks
• Sores/scabs
• Dark circles around eyes
• Pale complexion
• The heaviness of the limbs
• Flushed skin
• Excessive itching
• Nausea/vomiting

Before properly intervening and getting your loved one on the path of recovery, you must first educate yourself about heroin addiction. Knowledge will provide valuable insight into how to proceed through appropriate channels. Researching rehab and recovery options can be critical in getting your loved one the help they need to begin their recovery immediately. Speculation or accusation without education can be discouraging and can ultimately deter someone from the help they deserve.

2. Leaving Behind Drug Paraphernalia

Heroin can be dissolved for injection, snorted, or smoked. Therefore, drug paraphernalia can differ from user to user. At the beginning of active addiction, users may be more conscious of concealing their drug use. For example, if a user is injecting heroin, they may wear long sleeves to cover up any injection site marks. However, as the addiction takes over their life, they may abandon any shame or guilt associated with their drug use. In the early stages of addiction, you may not notice any materials left behind that would indicate drug use. However, as the addiction escalates, powder or baggies may start to surface. Other standard heroin paraphernalia includes:

• Needles
• Spoons (for heating)
• Aluminum foil
• Straws
• Tubes/pipes
• Torn apart pens
• Razor blades
• Cotton swabs

The more preparation it takes to use the drug, the more materials will be left behind. No matter how your loved one uses the drug, it can bring serious health consequences to the lungs, liver, heart, and brain. Lastly, there are also legal consequences associated with drug paraphernalia. Most states implement criminal charges for possession of drug paraphernalia associated with substance abuse.

3. Changes in Behavior and Mood

Chronic use of heroin can significantly alter natural brain chemistry, having dramatic effects on mood and behavior. The effects of heroin in the brain can lead to rapid mood swings between highs and lows. Heroin addiction becomes all-consuming to the user. Getting high or buying more becomes the main focus throughout each day. You may notice your loved one has been socially withdrawn and spending most of their time alone. This action may very well be an attempt to hide their addiction.

Learn More at Bayview Recovery

At Washington-based Bayview Recovery, we offer highly individualized heroin treatment and rehab programs. Through our comprehensive heroin program, your loved one can begin to heal from the physical and mental harms of heroin addiction and learn relapse prevention to maintain a drug-free life. Let one of our treatment specialists assist you in learning more about our effective treatment options by visiting online or calling at 855.478.3650.