Signals of Heroin Use, Where
to Get Help
SIGNS OF HEROIN
USE: The Partnership for a Drug free America defines heroin
as a highly addictive “downer” or depressant. Slang names include;
Big H, Blacktar, Brown Sugar, Dope, Horse, Junk, Mud, Skag, Smack.
It can be smoked, snorted, injected under the skin or intravenously
Signs of use include:
- Sweating , Dry
mouth, Nausea
- Vomiting,
Increased urination
- Track Marks in
arms or legs
- Itchy skin, Slowed
breathing, Skin abscesses
- Pinned Pupils-
pupils the size of a pinhead no matter how light or dark it is.
- Nodding out-
falling asleep at inappropriate times such as in the middle of a
conversation.
- Spoons that are
burnt on the bottom for heroin injection.
- Syringes used for
heroin injection.
- Tourniquets used
for heroin injection.
- Small balloons
that have never been used but are tied in a knot at the end. Used
for transporting heroin.
- Small bags with
powder residue on them.
- Small pieces of
burnt tinfoil. Used for smoking heroin.
- Rolled-up dollar
bills and razor blades used for snorting heroin
(Signs of use from Narconon website,
www.heroinaddiction2.com)
WHERE TO GET HELP LOCALLY:
Marworth: A comprehensive treatment
center, is based in Waverly, PA and a Geisinger Health System
affiliate. Their mission according to their website is, “To improve
the physical, spiritual and emotional health of the alcoholic and
chemically dependent person and their family through an integrated
system of addiction medicine, nursing and counseling services based on a
balanced program of patient care, education and performance
measurement…always emphasizing the dignity of the individual.”
Individual treatment plans use the framework and philosophy of 12-Step
programs (NA, AA, etc.). Individuals may check themselves in or may be
referred by a physician or family member.
www.marworth.org, 1-800-442-7722.
White Deer Run Treatment Center:
Inpatient treatment available in White Deer Township (Union County), and
19 other facilities statewide. The White Deer Run website defines their
primary mission, “To offer a broad range
of alcohol rehabilitation programs and drug treatment options to
individuals and their families struggling with the diseases of drug
addiction and alcoholism…(Licensed) for detox, inpatient residential
treatment programs, day treatment, outpatient, and online drug and
alcohol rehabilitation services…The goal for each patient is unchanging:
to realize a full and rewarding lifestyle, free from chemical dependency.”
Services vary according to location.
www.whitedeerun.com 1-877-907-6237
Narcotics Anonymous: A 12-Step
fellowship based on Alcoholics Anonymous, though not affiliated with AA
or any other entity. Groups meet frequently in the Central Susquehanna
Valley and worldwide. It’s purpose is “To provide an environment in
which addicts can help one another stop using drugs and
find a new way to live.” NA is informal,
and suggests attendance at meetings, but NA Tradition says “The only
requirement for NA membership is a desire to stop using.”
The 12-Step program of recovery includes
actions that encourage seeking help, engaging in a thorough
self-examination, confidential self-disclosure, making amends for harm
done; and helping other drug addicts seeking
recovery. NA offers no medical services, formal aid, or legal advice.
Local meetings are listed on the Daily Item’s Almanac page.
http://www.marscna.org Helpline: 1-877-501-1246
z
