Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction is one of the world’s most dangerous diseases. It does not discriminate by gender, race, age or socio-economic status. Given the “right” circumstances, anyone can be susceptible to heroin addiction. Once addicted, it is nearly impossible to find recovery without help.

Heroin is an opiate, which is the category of derived from an opium plant or substance. Opiates are generally used for relaxation, sedation, sleep and pain relief. Heroin comes in many forms – black tar, brown powder and white powder – and it can be snorted, smoked or injected. The type of heroin and the way it is used is dependant on location, exposure and strength, as well as the risks the user is willing to take.

The majority of users do not start of their addiction to opiates with heroin. Opiates are one of the most prescribed addictive medications in the country. As it is a painkiller, doctors, dentists, family and emergency room physicians alike prescribe this medication. Anyone who has had minor surgery, a trip to the dentist to get wisdom teeth out, or come into the emergency room with a complaint of a bad sprain has been in a situation where their doctor most likely offers them a mild painkiller, such as Vicodin.

Usually, one is enough or the prescribed amount is fine – in fact, many people take an opiate pill for the pain and find it makes them feel sick. Unfortunately, there is a small number of people who need take the prescribed amount one day, find that the following day they need more, and each day afterward increase their dose. Soon the pills run out, eventually meaning the person needs to seek them from another source. Commonly, this pattern will go until the person runs low on money and develops an increasingly high tolerance – forcing them to go into street opiates, such as heroin.

Others start as recreational users, using heroin once a month at party, or when it is available. However, as it is such an incredibly physically addictive drug, if it is used even a handful of times in a row, there is no turning back ad the human body craves and demands more.

However the addict got his or her start, it is imperative that they get help. Usually the first stage of getting help is recognizing the problem. Here are some signs and symptoms that someone you love has a problem with heroin:

  • Appetite many change, along with gradual or dramatic weight loss, and sometimes, weight gain.
  • Insomnia, or a drastically altered sleep pattern may emerge. The person suspected of drug abuse may claim to never get enough sleep, always be tired and will complain of staying awake until abnormal hours of the night.
  • An obvious sign of heroin addiction is needle injection scars on the forearms and other areas, or red and white fingernail size “bubbles” on the skin.
  • Shaking or cold and clammy hands and legs is a side effect, as is slower reaction time in movement and speech.
  • Eyes may appear red or extremely bright with completely dilated “pin-prick” pupils, also common is a glassy or blank stare.
  • Behavioral signs of drug use include changes at work or school such as missing classes or work, frequent lateness, declining grades and negative reports from coworkers or superiors.
  • Behavior will probably become irrational, with the drug user sneaking around often, and making excuses for missed events, late papers and poor work performance.
  • The person will probably become more irritable, very irrational and angry, and probably feels scared and alone.

If you are worried because you see these or other signs of heroin addiction in your child, spouse, coworker, friend or even yourself, please get help immediately. Because of the physical grip heroin has on the body, finding a professional detoxification facility and treatment center is imperative. Let Center for Discovery’s professional and caring staff take care of you or the person you love. We want to get you started on your road to recovery, and be there when you make the decision to save the life of you or someone you love – call today.

In the following pages you will read information pertaining to our substance abuse program, treatment components, why we treat adolescent only and in a residential setting, substance abuse red flags, levels of care, and the Discovery Substance Abuse Program admissions process. You are also welcome to take a virtual picture tour of our facilities and browse through our online brochure. It is our hope that this information will help you to obtain a better understanding of our adolescent substance abuse residential program, as well as become more informed on eating disorders, including medical complications. There is also a testimonial section from past residents and their families. If you have further inquiries we are available to you 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Please contact our confidential Intake staff at or you may fill out the online form on the Contact Us page.