SIGNS OF HEROIN USE

Signs of Heroin Use in Teens

Heroin use among teens and young adults is growing. The addictive nature of heroin and its history of easy accessibility and availability make it a popular drug in Jacksonville and across the country. Heroin is classified as Schedule-I drug under the Controlled Substances Act; it profoundly impairs the social and occupational functioning of the user. Heroin has no approved medical use, but it is one of the most widely abused drugs in the country. Developing an addiction to heroin as a teenager is an indication that substance use disorder treatment is necessary.

People turn to heroin in search of the rush of temporary relief from pain, anxiety, and any discomfort. Heroin users report feelings of indescribable euphoria and a complete absence of all physical pain and emotional distress when they consume the drug, which makes it so addictive. At Lakeview Health, we offer heroin addiction treatment for people 18 years and older. Contact us to learn more about our remarkable treatment programs by calling 904.677.5010.

What Is In Heroin?

Pure heroin is created using extract from the opium poppy, but heroin producers and distributors often add other ingredients like fentanyl, household cleaners, and other toxins in order to increase its potency. Many individuals find themselves addicted to heroin after becoming dependent on doctor-prescribed pain medication like oxycodone. Because heroin is significantly less expensive than most prescribed opioids, it’s easier to acquire. Developing a tolerance to any kind of opioid or pain medication can easily result in heroin addiction in a relatively short brief of time.

Adding chemicals makes heroin much more deadly. Pure heroin is less likely to cause death than heroin that has been mixed with fentanyl; however, teens using heroin have no way to know all of the ingredients in a bag of heroin. The more heroin a person is using, the more heroin they will need in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Consequently, one’s risk of an overdose increases as heroin intake increases.

Heroin Paraphernalia

Heroin and other opioids like fentanyl and oxycodone can be injected, smoked, and snorted. If you notice that your teen is becoming increasingly withdrawn, lethargic, angry, or is constantly complaining of sickness before insisting on leaving the house, check your child’s room for the following items:

For a teen using heroin, early intervention makes the recovery process much more manageable. Contact Lakeview Health to learn more.

What Are the Side Effects of Heroin Use?

It’s normal to worry about the well-being of your child, especially if you suspect he or she is using heroin. Heroin is highly addictive and can have a lasting impact on your child’s life if use is continued over time. Teenage drug abuse can turn into substance abuse, which can turn into an addiction. Noticing the signs of heroin use in teens can allow you to step in before his or her drug use develops into a more serious problem.

Side effects of heroin abuse include:

If withdrawal symptoms emerge, it’s a sign that your child has developed a heroin dependence. Without help, that dependence could easily transition into heroin addiction. When teens become addicted, they feel like they have to continue their drug use in order to feel normal, regardless of the consequences continued drug use will have on their life.

Physical Signs of Heroin Use and Misuse

Even if your loved one has only used heroin once, there may be some physical signs that you notice. Though the symptoms of heroin use and the signs of opiate use will vary from person to person, the following symptoms are typical:

• Visible injection site
• Constricted pupils
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Shallow breathing

If your child’s drug use has resulted in an overdose, there are several more severe physical symptoms that may arise. Some of these symptoms could require you to send your child to a hospital. Knowing the signs of a heroin overdose can help you, and the medical staff save your loved one’s life. Heroin overdose symptoms include:

• Incredibly shallow breaths
• Blue nails or lips
• Seizures
• Coma

Psychological Signs of Heroin Use

Because heroin affects the communication center of the brain, there will be some psychological and behavioral changes involved with using heroin. One time use is only going to have minor signs show up, such as:

These psychological effects of heroin can last a few hours. When heroin works its way out of the system, it’s common for the user to “crash” and experience significant mood swings. Some users may even experience cravings along with opiate withdrawal symptoms that increase the risk of relapse.

What To Do If Your Loved One Has a Heroin Addiction

Regardless of how long your loved one has been using heroin, getting professional help is the right thing to do. With the help of doctors, therapy programs, and medical assistance, your child can transition into a sober life. At the right treatment center, you can even be a part of your child’s recovery process through family therapy programs.

At Lakeview Health, we provide the full continuum of care your loved one needs to heal from heroin addiction. The process begins with heroin detox, where the harmful substances will leave the system under the care of our medical professionals.

From there, your loved one will participate in our residential treatment program. They are able to remain at our facility to fully immerse themselves in our modalities. Our evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches to healing make the care at Lakeview Health unmatched by others.