Unfortunately, those who abuse opioid drugs of any kind are putting themselves at significant risk of eventual heroin abuse. Especially if you are already addicted to opioids, it is important to look for the signs that you may soon turn to heroin, and to find a treatment program that fits your needs by calling 800-442-6158 Who Answers? now.

How Common Is It for Opioid Abusers to Turn to Heroin?

It is actually more common than we may have previously realized for those who consistently abuse prescription opioids to eventually move on to heroin. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Nearly half of young people who injected heroin surveyed in three recent studies reported abusing prescription opioids before starting to use heroin.”

Those who did make the switch also cited may of the same reasons for doing so. Therefore, if you are concerned that you may be likely to turn to heroin abuse, you probably are, and you should seek help right away.

Signs You May Turn to Abusing Heroin

Obsessing over drug use may lead to heroin abuse.

Those who do decide to begin abusing heroin after the consistent and addictive use of prescription opioids often have many of the same reasons in common. These can include:

• Tolerance: Many people who abuse opioids over a long period of time become tolerant to the drugs’ effects, just like those who take their medication as prescribed by their doctor. As stated by the NIDA, tolerance occurs when “a higher dose” of a specific substance “is required to achieve the same effect” one used to be able to achieve with the lower dose. Because heroin is so intense and its effects come on strong––and quick––a person may be likely to turn to this drug in order to combat tolerance. This, however, often has extremely problematic and dangerous results.
• Dependence: People who become dependent on opioids often continue to abuse these drugs even after their high tolerance levels cause them to feel little to no euphoric effects. They do so simply to avoid the flu-like withdrawal symptoms caused by these drugs. According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, this is a common behavior among heroin addicts, and it can be a strong sign that someone would be likely to begin abusing this substance.
• Cost: Heroin is actually cheaper that most prescription drugs. In addition, a person can often get a more intense high from heroin because of the way it is administered, which makes many individuals feel that they should use heroin instead. If you have been concerning yourself with the cost of your habit, and have considered turning to heroin abuse in order to combat this, it is important to seek help immediately.
• Obtainability: Most people can get heroin much more easily than they can obtain prescription opioids. This aspect can make many people make a dangerous decision as well. If you have been thinking about switching to heroin in order to be able to obtain more of the drug, you are absolutely addicted and will require treatment as soon as possible.

Other aspects of your behavior and experiences that may show you are in danger of switching to heroin include:

• Thinking about abusing drugs constantly, even when you are not
• Considering the positives of heroin abuse
• Consistently using more and more drugs in order to obtain a greater high, a behavior you will not be able to sustain without switching to harder substances
• Being secretive or becoming hostile when your loved ones bring up your substance abuse
• Constantly looking for a bigger fix

How to Tell If Heroin Abuse Is Turning Into Heroin Addiction & What to Do About It

As stated previously, if you believe you may be in danger of turning to heroin abuse as another step in your opiate addiction, you likely will if you do not get treatment. This is why it is so important to seek help and to put an end to your substance abuse before it continues to get worse.

Seek Treatment Today

Whether you are abusing prescription opioids, heroin, or both, seeking treatment can help you put an end to your substance abuse and create a positive change in your life. You don’t have to go it alone. Call 800-442-6158 Who Answers? now to find the best treatment option for your needs and to begin your recovery today.