Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/181278
How can we know if someone in our life is using heroin? Here are some of the side effects caused by heroin use: • • • • • • • • Drowsiness Euphoria Disorientation Delirium Shallow breathing Weak pulse Respiratory depression Lowered heart rate • • • • • • • Nausea Vomiting Dry mouth Constipation Muscle spasms Confusion Rash and itching Withdrawing from heroin can be painfully intense and most often requires medically supervised detox. Withdrawal symptoms can set in within a few hours of last use and include: • • • • • • • Muscle spasms Sweating Insomnia Itching that leads to compulsive scratching Anxiety Depression Cramps • • • • • • • • Cold sweats Yawning Sneezing Chills Muscle and bone aches Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea and fever So what can be done to help people who are addicted to heroin? Even with all the will-power in the world, almost no one can break the addiction on their own. Professional help, in the form of a heroin rehabilitation program is the best most comprehensive of treatment. Providing both medical and psychological support as well as counseling, heroin addiction treatment programs help break the cycle of addiction while strengthening the individual in mind, body, and spirit. Most heroin treatment programs feature three core components: detox (treating the physical addiction to heroin); counseling (addressing the psychological dependence on the drug); and aftercare (helping cope with life after treatment). Although there are many variations of care, the most successful heroin treatment programs incorporate these practices as a means of ending heroin dependence. This all sounds like a lot of gloom and doom, but the real message here is that of hope. We as a community can take a close look and the ones around us and ask "do they need help?" Have they slipped into heroin or another addiction and in the process lost all hope of getting out of it? If we can learn to know the signs of drug abuse we can help. We can let them know that there is hope and point them in the right direction to receive that help. We must take the time to look at the people around us and take action. It might be outside of your comfort zone but all the addicted person needs to know is that we care and there is a light at the end of this tunnel. Not in our town? Yes even in our town. Written by Mark Isaak, Director for the Center for Hope in Calimesa. If you have any questions or would like more information, call (909) 795-7722. OUR YUCAIPA | OCTOBER 2013 13