What is heroin?
Heroin is a powerfully addictive opioid substance that is derived from the opium poppy and synthesized from morphine. Its function in the human body is that of a morphine prodrug which means that it converts to morphine once it is in your system. Although most of the world’s supply of heroin and other opium derivatives still come from Afghanistan, the DEA is noticing increasingly larger amounts of heroin trafficking between Mexico and the US. Most of the Mexican heroin landing in the US is the black tar or brown variety.
The warning signs of heroin addiction or dependency
There are a number of signs that indicate the presence of heroin dependency. Initially, the 
heroin user is able to hide these warning signs, but over time, family members, friends, and others around the individual on a regular basis start noticing changes in the individual. The following are the four primary signs to look for:
- Behavioral signs – avoiding interaction with others and secluding oneself
- Financial problems – as the addiction or dependency grows stronger, the individual will spend increasingly larger amounts of money to obtain a steady supply of the drug, oftentimes being late on paying their bills or constantly trying to borrow money
- Paraphernalia – heroin is either injected, smoked, or snorted so there will be certain paraphernalia laying around that would indicate the individual is abusing the drug
- Physical signs – there are a number of physical signs that indicate heroin addiction or dependency from dilated pupils to nausea and vomiting as well as a loss of weight combined with significant weight or wearing sunglasses even when it is dark outside
Additionally, there are other signs that indicate an individual is suffering with an addiction to or dependency on the substance and warrant them entering a heroin detox program for professional help. These include body mutilation in the form of needle marks or “tracks”, changes in peer groups, missing possessions, and poor performance either in school or on the job.
Getting professional heroin detox
Once you realize that you or a loved one is suffering with heroin addiction or dependency, entering a heroin detox program oftentimes becomes necessary. Getting the professional help that you need may be the difference between living and dying. So a program that effectively addresses your clinical and personal needs while having a high recovery success rate may be your only option.
Blue Water Detox offers a number of different programs, including heroin detox, which can be customized in order to effectively address your needs so that you can overcome the cravings and withdrawal symptoms of the detox phase and move on to the next one. For more information on our facility and our programs, please contact one of our detox specialists today at the toll-free phone number listed above.
