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Heroin Addiction in Utah

A news article in 2018 titled Heroin Overdoses Skyrocketing in Utah“, says that a recent study by a credible organization found heroin overdose deaths have more than tripled, a 300 percent-plus increase, since 2007 in Utah. The study also found 166 Utah residents fatally overdosed on heroin in 2016, which is up from 127 deaths in 2015. Overall, opioid overdose deaths in Utah averaged about 600 every year from 2013 to 2016. The Utah Department of Health found 80 percent of people addicted to heroin started by getting hooked on prescription drugs.

What is Heroin?

Heroin is a highly addictive illegal drug made from morphine, a natural product of the opium poppy plant. The morphine is further chemically modified to become heroin. It continues to be a commonly abused drug in the U.S., even with its reputation of being high risk. Here are some statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse for 2015:
  • About 14,000 people died from heroin abuse.
  • More than 30,000 people died from an overdose on opioid drugs.
  • Since 2002, the total number of deaths from drug overdoses has more than doubled.
Slang terms for heroin are:
  • Smack
  • Dope
  • Dragon
  • Horse
  • Mud
  • Tar
  • Junk
  • Black
Heroin is a depressant commonly used for its sedative effects, heroin comes in the form of white or brown powder or as a tar-like substance; it’s typically injected, smoked, or sniffed. To get a faster high, many abusers will intravenously inject the drug. When you introduce heroin to the brain, it converts to morphine and interacts with the opioid receptors in the brain. Combined with an influx of pleasurable feelings referred to as a “rush.” When the rush is over, the depressant drug makes a person quite drowsy for hours and slows down the heart and breathing.
Overdosing on heroin can cause respiratory failure, with breathing, slowed to the point of death. Heroin is highly addictive and felt the fastest of all opiates, hence why addicts commonly prefer it. Long-term use can to being dependent on the drug or addiction. To avoid getting sick from withdrawal, and not to get high, a heroin addict usually will keep using the drug. An addict may even combine other opiates such as prescription drugs that contain oxycodone or hydrocodone, for continual opioid influence in the body.

Signs & Symptoms of Heroin Abuse

Here are some typical signs and symptoms of using heroin:
  • Slowed heart rate
  • Constricted or small pupils
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sudden changes in behavior or actions
  • Feeling drowsy
  • Uncontrolled muscle tics
  • Noticeable changes in personality, from irritability and paranoia to anxiety

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Some of the following effects of heroin abuse include:
  • Decreased appetite and sleep
  • Increased tolerance to heroin and the need for more to feel normal
  • Becoming physically dependent on the drug so that your body needs more to feel normal

Long-term heroin abuse effects

These effects include:
  • Infectious disease
  • Collapsed veins
  • Circulatory problems
  • Track marks
  • Abscesses
  • Bacterial infection
When used long-term, abusing heroin can lead to dependency and addiction; this severely changes the behavior and life of the individual to one who always seeks and uses the drug. A higher dose can lead to lethal levels of heroin and overdosing. People who inject the drug have many risks associated with drug addiction; some of these effects include scars and veins collapsing, infections, if the needle isn’t sterilized, hepatitis B or C, or HIV (AIDS). Chronic use can also lead to lung damage.
Heroin addicts go through withdrawal symptoms when stopping the drug; these symptoms usually peak the first day or two after use and last for many days after.

Withdrawal Symptoms

Over a period, heroin withdrawal can include nausea and vomiting, cold sweats, chills, crying, fever, insomnia, feeling of heaviness, intense cramping in limbs that results in “kicking,” as well as intense heroin cravings. Severe muscle and bone aches, profuse sweating, and diarrhea can also occur as the body tries to readjust from the effects of heroin usage.
The individual must get proper treatment for successfully overcoming heroin addiction; this includes a holistic program aimed toward addressing personal struggles and therapy, coupled with a long-term action plan for continued care after treatment is complete.

Heroin Addiction Treatment in Utah

To begin the healing process, opt for the best Utah heroin addiction treatment program. Ardu Recovery Center in Provo, Utah, offers comprehensive substance abuse recovery programs that are designed to get users back on their feet and free of drugs. If you’re prepared to put in the effort, our professionals will help you ease into a sober and healthy new life.
Depending on your needs, we offer programs and therapies like:

Heroin Addiction Rehab Center in Utah

Don’t delay finding help for your heroin problem. he heroin addiction treatment program at Ardu Recovery Center can help you end the abuse and develop healthier life skills for maintaining lifelong results. To learn more about this life-saving opportunity, contact Ardu Recovery Center today at 801-810-1234.