Heroin is a powerfully addictive member of the opiate family of drugs. It causes physical and psychological dependence and leads to addiction. People who are addicted to heroin are caught in a grip of a compulsion to use the drug. They suffer extremely uncomfortable withdrawal effects if they can't use heroin and so will go to any lengths to obtain it. There are many people in drug rehabilitation (rehab) facilities in South Africa that have completely lost control of their lives because of heroin addiction.

Addiction is commonly understood to be a progressive illness. This means that if it is left untreated it gets worse and worse. People who are addicted to heroin stand the risk of death by accidental overdose, contracting blood borne illnesses like HIV, or death through the high risk lifestyle associated with using heroin. Because heroin addiction can have such devastasting consequences it is important for somebody to be helped as soon as possible. Find out about admission to a drug rehabilitation center in South Africa today.

Most heroin addicts are secretive about their substance abuse. Perhaps they are afraid that if people find out about their heroin addiction they will try to convince the addict to stop using. Another complicating factor is denial. Many heroin addicts simply won't accept that they have a problem and will defend their substance abuse even to the point of making no rational sense. If you are to help somebody into one of the a drug rehabilitation centres in Cape Town you will need to be able to spot the signs of heroin addiction.

1. Behaviour changes: Heroin causes people to feel depressed when they are not high. Heroin addicts may withdraw from social contact. Their enthusiasm for life will diminish.

2. New friends: Heroin addicts will want to spend time with people who condone their using. They will seek out new friends who form part of the heroin culture. A heroin addict is likely to abandon old friendships and seek out people who are members of the drug using culture.

3. Drug paraphernalia: Heroin can be used in a number of different ways. Most people associate it with needles, but it can also be smoked or snorted. Look for syringes, burnt spoons, burnt foil, and small "wraps" of paper or plastic bags.

4. Financial troubles: Heroin is an expensive drug and users will require increasing amounts of it. Heroin addicts will borrow money and even steal to support their addiction.

5. Pawning belongings: This is related to the financial troubles. Heroin addicts will commonly sell off their possessions to pawn shops or directly to drug merchants.

6. Needle marks: Heroin addicts refer to these as "track marks". Heroin is most often injected into the arm but can be injected anywhere into the blood stream. People might inject into the groin or feet in order to try and hide these needle marks, but they eventually become impossible to hide. Remember that not every heroin addict injects.

7. Poor performance at work or school: Finding and using heroin consumes all of the energy and time of an addict. They are unable to pay attention to much else and struggle to find energy to concentrate. This means that the heroin addict will underperform at school and work.

If you notice these signs in somebody important to you please immediately consult with a professional at a drug rehabilitation center. Consider staging an intervention to help the heroin addict become willing to enter a substance abuse treatment program. There are many high quality drug rehab facilities in South Africa that provide expert advice and addiction treatment. If you would like help in finding one please contact us today.