Over the past decade, the rate of heroin abuse across the country has spiked dramatically. This epidemic is mainly due to the over-prescription of legal medications, such as OxyContin, as painkillers for legitimate injuries. Then, once a person has become addicted to the effects of prescription medications, they cannot get enough pills to satisfy their craving.
Soon, prescription medication gives way to opioids, such as heroin. Heroin is much cheaper and is easier to obtain than prescription medication, but is far more dangerous. Heroin is illegal and unregulated, so it may contain other substances, such as fentanyl, which can be fatal.
Despite this, very few people who use heroin ever get the treatment that they need. Part of the reason may be that loved ones want to avoid the truth that their spouses have heroin problems. However, avoiding the problem will not make it go away, and ignoring heroin addiction often allows it to become worse. The greatest tool to help a spouse with heroin addiction is to equip yourself with knowledge about the condition.
Signs of Heroin Addiction
It’s hard for people to accept that their loved ones may have a heroin addiction. Rather than turn a blind eye, it’s crucial for them to look for potential signs of heroin addiction.
Physical signs are sometimes the easiest for people to spot. For example, heroin constricts the pupils for about four hours after use. A heroin addict may also exhibit shallow breathing and confusion.
Other physical symptoms of heroin addiction can include:
- Tremors
- Diarrhea
- Muscle cramps
- Flushed skin
- Runny nose or itchy nose
- Vomiting
- Scratching
- Slurred speech
- Sweating
- Lack of appetite and weight loss
Spouses should also look for track marks on the skin of a heroin addict. These are the marks and bruises that needles leave behind. They typically show up on heroin users’ arms, but they can also appear elsewhere. Additionally, the veins near the track marks are more sensitive.
Overusing heroin makes the arm veins smaller. Once this happens, users have to find different places to inject. One common alternate area is in between the toes. This area is hard for people to spot, which makes it easy for users to hide.
Further, some of the first signs that individuals are using heroin are the items used to inject, snort, or smoke it. As a result, you need to be aware of objects that might indicate heroin addiction.
Some of the equipment that are red flags of heroin addiction include:
- Burnt spoons
- Tiny baggies
- Syringes
- Rubber tubing
- Aluminum foil with burn marks
- Cut aluminum cans
- Straws or empty pens
If you notice many of these signs when thinking about your spouse’s potential heroin addiction, it is critical to get them the professional treatment they need and deserve.
Heroin Treatment Services at Memphis Recovery
At Memphis Recovery Centers, we specialize in substance abuse treatment that caters to the needs of a heroin addict. Our non-profit business model allows us to offer focused programs.
Some of the other services that we provide include:
- Music and art therapy
- Dual diagnosis and trauma therapy
- Youth treatment program
- Adult treatment programs
We know that there are many addictions today, and it doesn’t stop with heroin. Therefore, if you or your spouse struggles with an addiction other than heroin, Memphis Recovery Centers can help. We offer a variety of addiction treatments, such as:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Meth addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Adderall addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
Help to End Your Spouse’s Heroin Addiction Today at Memphis Recovery
The bottom line is that you care about your spouse and want them to get better. The best way to help your spouse is to reach out to us to start the journey to recovery. Don’t let your loved one be a heroin addict anymore. Contact Memphis Recovery Centers at 901-272-7751.
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