Clean Recovery Centers Defines Signs of Heroin Use

Largo, FL – Between Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee Counties, overdose rates have soared over the last decade. Opioids, such as heroin, have been on the rise in Florida for years. Clean Recovery Centers strives to provide tools and education within these communities in order to prevent more overdoses. In their latest blog post, they highlight the signs of heroin addiction, and how to help loved ones.

Heroin is made from morphine, which is derived from the poppy plant. It can be smoked, injected, snorted, or swallowed. When heroin is used, an initial “rush” of euphoria and relaxation is felt. This is because heroin binds to the opioid receptors in the brain that control feelings of pain and pleasure.

“The short-term side effects of heroin include drowsiness, dry mouth, flushing of the skin, itchiness, obscured thinking, and heaviness in the arms and legs. Most of these symptoms can be felt every time heroin is used. The initial “high” of heroin is often what keeps people using more, and the short-term effects are usually manageable,” the article reads.

As heroin use continues, long-term side effects can be noticed. These include sexual dysfunction, gastric distress such as constipation and diarrhea, and collapsed or scarred veins in those who inject heroin. When these symptoms appear, dependence on heroin is setting in. When the person goes without using heroin, withdrawal begins. These symptoms include mood swings, sweating, muscle aches, insomnia, vomiting, and uncontrollable leg movements.

“Withdrawal symptoms are not pleasant, and can become life-threatening. Withdrawal is the biggest cause of relapse for heroin use. Even when the person using it wants to stop, the body keeps sending signals to the brain to keep using heroin. While some of the milder symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter medications, if the mental effects become severe seeking medical attention is key,” the article states.

Besides the physical signs of heroin use, there are many physiological signs as well. Increased anxiety and depression, withdrawing from friends and family, losing interest in hobbies, poor school or work performance, and changing friend groups can all be indicators of heroin misuse. The same signs can be seen in teens, and understanding that seeing these could mean drug use is crucial to get them help sooner.

“First Lady Casey DeSantis has been advocating for education about illicit substances in schools since 2019. ‘The Facts. Your Future’ is a campaign that gives resources to schools throughout Florida to plan educational assemblies for students. This program also offers parents resources online such as materials for talking to teens about substance use backed by facts. Communication and knowledge are the best ways to keep teens engaged and informed,” continues the article.

If someone is showing signs of heroin use, or has paraphernalia such as spoons, lighters, aluminum foil, or rubber straps, having a conversation cannot hurt. Clean Recovery Centers is a full-spectrum treatment facility, and their unique three-phase approach to addressing heroin use disorder is unlike any other in Tampa and surrounding areas. They utilize building strengths and skills in order to live heroin-free and focus on getting clean, living clean, and staying clean.

Anyone who wishes to know more about Clean Recovery Centers and their programs can call their hotline at (888) 330-2532 or visit their website. They also have an online response forum for questions.