Heroin Interventions and Treatment Options

Heroin Intervention and Treatment Options

Heroin produces a downer effect and blocks the brain’s ability to recognize pain.  Similar to the opiate medications used to treat pain.  Heroin is also known as “black tar” or “smack”.  In 2004, Afghanistan produces roughly 87% of the world supply of raw opium and Mexico producing the second largest opium producer in the world.  Heroin is a dangerous illicit and very addictive drug. If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to heroin, we can help.  KD Consulting can help you and your family through a difficult time when faced with a loved one abusing drugs.  If you need a drug intervention for someone in denial or need to find the right drug treatment for your loved one, we can help.

Heroin and Physical Symptoms of Withdrawal

Physical symptoms with heroin abuse withdrawal can include muscle and bone pain, restlessness, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, cold flashes, shortness in breath, disorientation, small pupils, dry mouth, and leg cramps.

Heroin Drug Abuse Paraphernalia

Warning signs of heroin abuse and the paraphernalia used to prepare, inject or consume heroin:

• Needles or syringes
• Burned silver spoons
• Straws with burn marks
• Pipes
• Plastic bags, with white or tan powdery substances
• Burned aluminum foil
• Missing shoelaces or surgical tubing to tie off before injection

Long-Term Effects of Heroin Use

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease.  The primary objective of a heroin user focuses their day searching and using drugs.  Long-term heroin intravenous drug abusers run a high risk of contracting an infectious disease such as HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, and STDs.   They also have a higher chance of collapsed veins, abscesses, and other bacterial infections.

Behavioral Signs of Heroin Abuse

• Isolation from friends and family, spending more time with new friends
• Avoiding eye contact
• Lying and manipulative behaviors
• Repeatedly stealing or borrowing money
• Change in appearance, wearing long sleeves or long pants to hide intravenous marks. Decrease attention to hygiene and physical appearance.
• Increase in time spent sleeping
• Loss of motivation
• Performance in school or work has declined or even loss of a job.

If you need help finding the right treatment center or are in need of an intervention for a loved one with heroin drug abuse please call us today toll-free 1-866-631-0026. We can help.