If you suspect that a loved one may be using heroin, it can be hard to know for sure. You may have noticed physical changes or changes in your loved one’s behavior. As a vital part of your loved one’s support team, it’s key that you be on the lookout for heroin side effects. If you think that your loved one may need treatment for heroin use, you’re doing the right thing by researching heroin side effects and treatment options. At Tides Edge Recovery, we offer a medical heroin detox program to help your loved one begin their recovery on the right foot. Let’s take a look at some of the signs you may notice if someone you love is using heroin.
Heroin Side Effects
Whether you have proof that your loved one has been using, or you just have a feeling that something is off, you’ll want to be aware of the heroin side effects that can take hold in the body and the mind. Please note that these side effects can differ from person to person. They depend on the user’s body chemistry, how long they’ve been using the drug, other health issues, and more. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, potential heroin side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe itching
- Slowed mental function, breathing, and heartbeat
- Injection site marks, also known as track marks
Overextended periods of heroin use can cause the brain to physically deteriorate. This makes it very difficult for the user to make sound decisions. This can also affect a person’s ability to control their emotions and regulate their behavior.
Talking To Your Loved One
If you suspect that your loved one may be using heroin, it’s key that you approach them in a calm, loving, and nonjudgmental way. Expect that they’ll deny their heroin use – that’s normal. By opening the door to conversation, you’re letting them know that you’re willing and able to listen to them. This can help them realize that they have you in their corner, making it more likely that they’ll come to you when they’re ready to begin treatment at a drug detox center.
Don’t belittle or get angry with your loved one. Know that drug use is often a sign of much deeper trauma. Additionally, heroin use disorder is difficult to overcome. With proper treatment, recovery is possible. It takes hard work and support, but it’s doable. Medication-assisted treatment is a key step in relieving painful withdrawal symptoms and beginning early recovery. Starting with a medically assisted detox can be the first step to getting well.
Treatment At Tides Edge Recovery
When you choose to start your journey to recovery at Tides Edge Detox, we’ll be here with you every step of the way. We understand reaching out for detox is stressful, and the stress often makes people put off getting help.
When you choose to detox at Tides Edge, you’ll have access to several services, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy programs
- Family therapy and counseling
- Access to rehab at Beaches Recovery
Begin Your Recovery from Heroin Side Effects
If you or a loved one are ready to take the steps necessary to heal from addiction, starting with detox is the way to ease your mind and body into the recovery process. At Tides Edge Detox, we offer medically assisted detox to help your body get rid of heroin in the safest way possible. We’ll manage your heroin side effects as we work with your body’s natural detox processes to help your system reset to normal. If you’re ready to make the change, or you’d like information on helping your loved one, call Tides Edge Detox at 866.723.3127. We look forward to helping you or your loved one get well.
