Gratitude Lodge logo
844-576-0144
844-576-0144
Gratitude Lodge logo
an image of the menu button on the header

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEROIN ADDICTION?

overcoming heroin addictionHeroin is an illicit semi-synthetic opioid derived from morphine, a substance that occurs in the seed pods of some poppy plants.

Also known as H, junk or dope, heroin is fiercely addictive and available in the following forms:

  • White powder

  • Brown powder

  • Black sticky tar

Heroin is not only the most abused of all opiates, but is also the quickest-acting, meaning heroin abuse is associated with life-threatening overdose, as well as addiction.

People abuse heroin by many routes of administration, including:

  • Smoking

  • Snorting

  • Injecting intravenously

Ingesting heroin causes the drug to very rapidly cross your blood-brain barrier, triggering near-instant feelings of euphoria and positive mood. The speed of action and the intensity of effects heightens the addiction potential of heroin.

 

HOW ADDICTIVE IS HEROIN?

Using heroin in any form causes tolerance to form. When this occurs, you will require more heroin or more frequent doses of heroin to achieve the same effects.

If you attempt to combat tolerance by increasing the amount and frequency of heroin abuse, this will speed up the onset of physical and psychological dependent on this deadly opiate.

How, then, can you determine whether a loved one might be abusing heroin?

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF HEROIN ADDICTION?

The signs of heroin addiction, both physical and psychological, are broadly similar to the side effects of the drug.

The side effects associated with heroin use include:

  • Common side effects

  • Severe and atypical side effects

  • Heroin overdose symptoms.

SHORT-TERM HEROIN SIDE EFFECTS

NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) states that these are among the most common short-term side effects triggered by heroin use:

Almost immediate rush of euphoria

  • Slowed heart rate once initial rush subsides

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Severe itching

  • Flushed skin

  • Prolonged drowsiness

  • Clouded thoughts

SEVERE AND ATYPICAL HEROIN SIDE EFFECTS

Some people who use heroin may experience severe and atypical side effects. This is often due to an adulterated batch of heroin. More frequently, drug traffickers are now cutting heroin with the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl. This can trigger the following atypical side effects:

  • Anxiety

  • Shortness of breath

  • Palpitations

  • Headache

  • Tremors

  • Chest pains

BEHAVIORAL SIGNS OF HEROIN ADDICTION

Look out for the following behavioral markers of heroin addiction if you are concerned that a loved one might be abusing this powerful opiate:

  • Spending more time asleep

  • Unexpected and sudden need for money

  • Strained interpersonal relationships

  • Lying about heroin use or denying the existence of a problem

  • Withdrawing socially and spending more time alone

  • Wearing long sleeves to cover track marks

  • Failing to meet personal and professional commitments

  • Engaging in illegal activities

COGNITIVE SIGNS OF HEROIN ADDICTION

These are the most common cognitive side effects of abusing heroin:

  • Alternating between wakefulness and a drowsy state

  • Disorientation

  • Mental fogginess

  • Decreased mental focus

  • Inability to solve problems

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HEROIN ADDICTION?

The signs of heroin addiction will vary from person to person, but the symptoms of heroin addiction are universal.

Heroin addiction is clinically described as opioid use disorder or heroin use disorder. Like all substance use disorders, the symptoms of heroin addiction are outlined in APA’s DSM-5-TR, the most current edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

You will be asked the following questions based on your use of heroin over the previous year:

Taking larger amounts of heroin or using heroin for longer than intended.

  1. Making failed attempts to moderate or discontinue heroin use.
  2. Spending lots of time obtaining and using heroin, as well as recovering from the effects of heroin abuse.
  3. Tolerance developing so more heroin is required to deliver the same effects.
  4. Withdrawal symptoms manifest when the effects of heroin subside.
  5. Experiencing intense cravings for heroin.
  6. Using heroin in potentially dangerous situations such as before driving.
  7. Neglecting responsibilities at home, school, or work due to heroin abuse.
  8. Spending less time doing things you once enjoyed in favor of using heroin.
  9. Ongoing heroin abuse despite having a recurrent physical or mental issue that is caused or inflamed by heroin abuse.
  10. Continuing to abuse heroin in spite of problems in your closest relationships due to your heroin abuse.

The presence of two or three symptoms indicates mild heroin addiction. Moderate heroin addiction involves four or five symptoms presenting, while the manifestation of six or more symptoms leads to a diagnosis of severe opioid use disorders.

Fortunately, while heroin is fiercely addictive, both physically and psychologically, almost all heroin addictions respond positively to evidence-based treatment that involves:

  • MAT (medication-assisted treatment)

  • Psychotherapy

  • Counseling

 

HEROIN ADDICTION TREATMENT AT GRATITUDE LODGE

If you require help to address the physical and psychological aspects of heroin addiction, we can help you kickstart your recovery here at Gratitude Lodge in Southern California. Choose affordable luxury rehab in one of the following locations:

  1. Long Beach
  2. Newport Beach
  3. San Diego

Before you begin your treatment program, take advantage of our licensed medical detox to withdraw from heroin with as little danger and discomfort as possible. The treatment team may administer FDA-approved medications to mitigate cravings for heroin and to minimize the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.

After a week or so of heroin detox, you will be ready to engage with one of our inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment programs to promote sustained recovery.

MAT (medication-assisted treatment) can also be effective throughout ongoing treatment, reducing the frequency of cravings for heroin, and promoting sustained abstinence. MAT is always most effective when delivered in combination with behavioral therapies. You can access these interventions at our heroin addiction treatment center:

  • Psychotherapy (talk therapies such as CBT or DBT)

  • Individual counseling

  • Group counseling

  • Family therapy

  • Holistic therapy

  • 12-step immersion program

When you are committed to reclaiming your life from heroin addiction, begin your recovery journey by taking advantage of supervised withdrawal Gratitude Lodge, before transitioning into inpatient or outpatient heroin rehab. Call admissions today at 844-576-0144.

Insurance Verification Form

Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox, facilitating the beginnings of a successful recovery at our rehab addiction centers in Orange County, CA.

Drug detox can vary according to the patient’s addiction factors, including the substance abused, how long the addiction has lasted, the patient’s medical condition, if any other disorders are present, and more. Our skilled and credentialed team at Gratitude Lodge work closely with every patient going through drug detox.
Call Now

Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse. Alcohol detox may not take as long or produce severe withdrawal symptoms, but it is still an essential beginning to your recovery.

Many patients don’t realize the toxicity of prolonged alcohol abuse and how it affects the body. Alcohol detox at the luxurious rehab addiction centers at Gratitude Lodge leeches your body of these toxins in preparation for successful treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse.
Call Now
an image of clients representing drug detox california

Holistic Therapy

Our holistic therapy treatments offer a full-scope approach to recovery, addressing your mind, body, and emotions as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This therapy is designed to help address underlying issues and integrate alternative therapies to promote overall health and well-being.
Holistic Therapy
Gratitude Lodge clients laughing, representing drug detox california

Psychotherapy

An essential part of your treatment experience, we offer individual (CBT and DBT talk therapy) and group addiction treatment counseling to help you explore and address the emotional component of addiction, providing you with the tools, self-awareness, and empowerment you need to maintain recovery.
Psychotherapy
woman at beach representing drug detox in california

Dual Diagnosis

Dual Diagnosis is a highly effective addiction treatment that addresses substance use and mental health disorders simultaneously. Often co-occurring, these disorders are best managed when treated together with specific and targeted therapy.
Dual Diagnosis
an image of a client and therapist at Gratitude Lodge's Long Beach addiction treatment center

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

Medication-Assisted Treatment provides you with FDA-approved medications to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal while you’re in treatment. This makes the detox process easier and safer, as well as increasing the chances of a successful recovery.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
an image of clients outside after getting help at Gratitude Lodge's rehab in Long Beach, California

Sober Living

Sober living provides a supportive and substance-free living environment for your ongoing recovery. We partner with a number of upscale and carefully vetted sober living homes that are available to our clients after inpatient alcohol and drug addiction treatment.
Sober Living
an image of clients at Gratitude Lodge's carson drug rehab

Outpatient Treatment

Once detox and inpatient are complete, we provide an easy transition to outpatient care through our hand-selected partners. This program offers a more flexible approach, allowing you to ease back in to daily life while still receiving frequent & effective care.
Outpatient Treatment
An image of clients going through inpatient substance abuse treatment

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment provides an intensive and comprehensive addiction treatment program in a structured environment. You will receive 24/7 expert care, therapy, and support as you build your foundation for long-term recovery.
Inpatient Treatment
an image of clients at clients at Gratitude Lodge's representing fear in recovery

Drug & Alcohol Detox

A crucial first step in the recovery process, our detox program provides a comfortable, medically supervised environment that addresses the physical aspect of addiction and eliminates substances from your body.
Drug & Alcohol Detox
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linkedin
Share on Email
Jenni Bussi

Jenni Busse MS, LPCC

Jenni Busse MS, LPSS is the Clinical Director at Gratitude Lodge. Jenni oversees the clinical program and the clinical team at Gratitude Lodge as a whole. Jenni has worked in treatment for almost 14 years. Her background as a licensed therapist and her passion for helping others intersected with addiction recovery when she started working primarily in detox residential treatment.
Joe Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore

Joseph Gilmore has been working in the addiction industry for half a decade and has been writing about addiction and substance abuse treatment during that time. He has experience working for facilities all across the country. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn.

Use Our 24 Hour text line. You can ask questions about our program, the admissions process, and more.