Saturday, March 23, 2024

Why Do Drug Addicts Have Swollen Hands

What Are Meth Sores

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Meth sores are open wounds that develop when a person uses methamphetamine or crystal meth. Skin problems are common for meth users because the drug triggers itching.

Meth abuse triggers hallucinations and the sensation that bugs are crawling on the skin. This induces itching and scratching.

Meth users might fall short on personal hygiene. They may fail to eat a healthy diet. Both of which affect skin health. Meth can constrict blood vessels and limit blood flow, which can cause acne.

The combination of all of these factors puts a meth user at risk for developing sores that can cause skin infections.

What Causes Coke Bloat The Science Of Drugs And Face Swelling

Frequenting the slopes can cause your face to expand like a balloon. Why?

We often imagine cokeheads as sickly sprigs, having not eaten for days at a time while dripping calories on the dance floor . And while that may be true to some degree, many who frequent the slopes eventually develop coke bloat, a considerable ballooning of the cheeks that contributes to the general appearance of weight gain. Examples include pretty much every celeb ever.

Coke bloat could result from several common complications of sustained cocaine use, such as hormonal disturbances or fluid retention. Perhaps the most likely cause, however, is simply straying from the pure stuff. Though there may be a great deal of factors at play, perhaps one reason why those with sustained cocaine use often appear with a face that looks puffy or swollen could be the adulterant present in most cocaine samples, says Lawrence Weinstein, chief medical officer of the American Addiction Centers. Levamisole is used primarily as an anthelmintic drug, which is used to get rid of worms and other internal parasites. Its use was previously approved by the FDA in the treatment for colon cancer, but its no longer used in the U.S. and Canada because of reports that it caused a condition called agranulocytosis, which causes a severe reduction of white cells in the blood.

Well, crap. Better retire those skis.

Behavioral Or Personality Changes That Are Typical In Heroin Addicts

The behavioral changes that a heroin addict displays are fairly obvious. Someone abusing heroin is going to lose a part of their integral character. They will likely change in drastic ways as though theyre going through a personality overhaul in the most negative way. Here are some of the behaviors that can indicate heroin addiction:

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Risk Factors And Underlying Processes

The main risk factors are repeated injections in the superficial veins on the dorsum of the hands , and not using a tourniquet during the injections. The condition is more common in females. The risk increases with unsterile injection practices, suggesting that repeated local infections also contribute to the lymphatic destruction and consequent lymphedema.

Neviaser et al performed venography, lymphangiography, and deep-skin biopsies in 4 patients with puffy hand syndrome. Deep venous patterns were entirely normal. In contrast, lymphangiograms showed extensive collateralization at the elbow, suggesting the destruction of deep lymphatic channels. Biopsy studies showed extensive fibrosis in the subcutaneous tissues.

This study indicated that puffy hand syndrome results primarily from lymphatic obstruction, and that there may be concomitant local scarring resulting from inflammatory reactions at injection sites. Venous obstruction does not appear to play a primary role but can coexist in some cases. Repeated insults are needed for swelling to develop.

Recognizing A Heroin Addiction

Cocaine Use and Anxiety

Due to its physically and psychologically addictive qualities, experimenting with Heroin can quickly lead to addiction. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual outlines 11 signs that are indicative of an addiction to Heroin. These includes using more Heroin than intended, developing a tolerance to it and using it despite known negative consequences. The more symptoms of Heroin abuse a person exhibits, the more severe their addiction is considered to be. Here is the full list of 11 criteria:

There are many treatment options available to help people overcome their addiction, and thousands of people receive treatment for Heroin every year.

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Drugs That Cause Face Sores

Many drugs can cause sores to appear on the face. The substances that are known to cause facial sores include:

  • Meth
  • Crack
  • Steroids

The face is one area that is almost impossible to cover up. Sores on a drug addicts face may be a key indicator that the person has a problem. Friends and family should pay close attention if someone they love has sores on their face and there is a reason to believe they may be abusing drugs.

A Complication Of Iv Drug Use

Puffy hand syndrome, a common complication of IV drug use, is not a well-recognized condition among general practitioners. However, addiction specialists, dermatologists, and vascular medicine specialists are familiar with this syndrome.

In patients who do not volunteer a history of IV drug use, a rheumatologist may also be consulted, as the differential diagnosis includes scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, and the syndrome of remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema .

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Heroin Marks On The Arm

There are many dangers associated with injecting heroin. First, the risk of overdose is higher when someone injects the drug. Also, if someone is using heroin thats cut with toxins or has other additives theyre unaware of, it can be even more dangerous to put the drug directly into the bloodstream.

There are also the risks associated with needle use including the heightened risk of contracting diseases like HIV and hepatitis. Also, when people have visible heroin marks on their arm, it can mean theyre at a higher risk of complications like inflamed or collapsed veins, skin infections or other problems.

Common Skin Problems For Drug Abusers And Alcoholics: Broken Down By Drug Type

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It is common knowledge that prolonged drug use can cause major health complications for the bodys most vital organs especially the liver, kidneys, bladder, and stomach. But, most people neglect the fact that drug addiction can also be extremely damaging to the bodys largest organ the skin. Learn more about skin problems for drug abusers and alcoholics. Weve broken down many of them below with respect to drug type.

If you or someone you know is struggling with sobriety, contact AspenRidge Recovery for evidence-based addiction treatment programs at 281-5588.

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Effects Of Heroin Addiction

The effects of heroin abuse will differ from person to person, depending upon the length of abuse, amount of heroin used, the presence of other substances, and individual makeup. Severity of symptoms tend to get worse the longer the drug is abused. The most common effects of heroin addiction may include:

  • Liver disease
  • Skin disease and abscesses around injection sites
  • Infections of the valves and lining of the heart
  • HIV or Hepatitis B and C
  • Chronic pneumonia
  • Blood clots, leading to stroke, pulmonary embolism, and heart attack
  • Kidney disease
  • Risks of contracting chronic illnesses
  • Risks for blood-borne pathogens

Heroin Research Reportwhat Are The Medical Complications Of Chronic Heroin Use

No matter how they ingest the drug, chronic heroin users experience a variety of medical complications, including insomnia and constipation. Lung complications may result from the poor health of the user as well as from heroins effect of depressing respiration. Many experience mental disorders, such as depression and antisocial personality disorder. Men often experience sexual dysfunction and womens menstrual cycles often become irregular. There are also specific consequences associated with different routes of administration. For example, people who repeatedly snort heroin can damage the mucosal tissues in their noses as well as perforate the nasal septum .

Medical consequences of chronic injection use include scarred and/or collapsed veins, bacterial infections of the blood vessels and heart valves, abscesses , and other soft-tissue infections. Many of the additives in street heroin may include substances that do not readily dissolve and result in clogging the blood vessels that lead to the lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain. This can cause infection or even death of small patches of cells in vital organs. Immune reactions to these or other contaminants can cause arthritis or other rheumatologic problems.

Sharing of injection equipment or fluids can lead to some of the most severe consequences of heroin useinfections with hepatitis B and C, HIV, and a host of other blood-borne viruses, which drug users can then pass on to their sexual partners and children.

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Healing Veins From Iv Drug Use

Medical professionals outline ways to recover some vein health after prolonged IV drug use. There are many self-care and medical options when considering how to heal veins from IV drug use. These include:

  • Ultrasound to help heal varicose veins
  • Laser and radiofrequency treatments to heal varicose veins
  • Compression socks or bands
  • Maintaining the health of other veins by ceasing to use IV drugs

Many people wonder: how long does it take for veins to heal? The answer depends on a number of factors, especially the severity of damage and other health issues. For people who have damage around IV injection sites from substance abuse, a good first step is to seek recovery in a rehabilitation center for addiction, which will give the veins time to begin healing.

Safe administration of life-saving medications is possible when someone has healthy veins. These drugs can be vital in moments of physical distress or crisis.

The process of healing is available to every person who struggles with addiction, however long they have been using drugs. Recovery from substance abuse is possible, as is long-term wellness.

Signs Of Someone On Heroin

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It is when someone is actually on heroin that they have a hard time concealing their reality. Heroin is an extremely powerful narcotic that hits the users brain instantaneously. This is what makes it so addictive and also gives loved ones sure signs of heroin use. It might also be helpful to look at a heroin quiz to get insights of symptoms. The most common signs include:

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Problems By Iv Injection Site

While injecting drugs is already incredibly risky, these three injection sites should never be used under any circumstances.

Feet: The veins of the feet are popular injection sites for many. Not only are these veins easy to locate, the feet are inconspicuous, and the injection site is easy to conceal. However, injecting into the feet does carry associated risks. Although the veins in the feet may look large, these veins are actually very thin and have a tendency to burst under pressure. In addition, blood circulation to the feet is very slow, which slows a foots ability to heal, leading to abscesses and infections when damage occurs to these veins.

Femoral Vein : The femoral vein runs up both legs and through the creases of your upper thigh and groin. In the crease of the groin, the veins are shallow enough to tempt some intravenous drug users to use this location. This injection site is very dangerous. The femoral vein runs incredibly close to the femoral artery and the femoral nerve. If you hit the femoral artery, a large amount of frothy, bright red blood will rush into the barrel. In some cases, hospitalization may be required to stop the bleeding. The femoral nerve controls leg and muscle movement, so damaging this nerve can result in serious problems with mobility or even paralysis.

How Do You Avoid Skin Problems Caused By Drugs

If you insist on abusing intoxicants and we wish you wouldnt. for your own well-being try to be mindful of your skin. Skin problems for drug abusers and alcoholics happen all too frequently and yet another reason to consider Colorado addiction treatment. This is easier said than done, of course. Addiction robs even the most health-conscious person of the ability to make good choices. Nevertheless, you can at least make the effort. The best thing you can do for your skin if you have a substance abuse problem is to drink plenty of water. This helps flush toxins from your body and reduces the likelihood of bacterial infections. It also helps you to stay hydrated so you wont sweat as much and expose your skin to harmful pollutants. Another way to avoid common skin problems caused by drugs is to take a shower on a regular basis. This gets all the grime and gook off your skin that could lead to infection. It also reduces inflammation and clogged pores and allows your skin to maintain a proper Ph level so it wont become too oily. And, of course, the best way to avoid drug-related skin problems is not to use drugs at all. That way, you can put your best face forward, avoid dangerous abscesses, avoid premature aging caused by drug use, and be comfortable in your own skin.

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Telltale Signs Of Heroin Addiction

Smack. Dope. Mud. Horse. Skag. Junk. Black tar. Heroin comes with many street names. It is a highly addictive drug. Over the past three years, heroin overdose deaths have been rising.

According to the Center for Disease Control and prevention , there has been a 39% increase of heroin related deaths in the past decade. There are various reasons for the increase, one of them is the failure to address telltale signs of heroin use.

Heroin drug addiction comes with a stigma and if a user doesnt match it, they could go under the radar. Loved ones may not pay attention because the user didnt fit the profile. Thanks to the opioid epidemic that has taken place in the US, the average Joe has turned to heroin on the streets to manage their opioid addiction.

There is no more important time to understand the telltale signs of heroin addiction. We are going to examine all the different ways you can tell if someone is using heroin and the signs of addiction. A heroin addict will do their best to hide it. Knowing these signs can help you identify if someone you love is addicted to heroin.

Learn About Heroin And Substance Abuse

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Heroin addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease that is characterized by changes in the brain and uncontrollable drug-seeking behaviors despite the negative consequences. Heroin is a synthesized opioid analgesic that comes from the Asian opium poppy plant. When used, heroin converts to morphine in the body. This substance is used on the streets as a recreational drug, also commonly called black tar, smack, brown, or tar. Upon initial use, people who use this drug feel a rush of pleasure, a sense of wellbeing, and joy. These strong feelings associated with the drug leave a user wanting more, which quickly leads to tolerance and addiction.

Heroin can be abused in a variety of ways it can be injected intravenously, inhaled in powder form, or smoked. Each method of use quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier.

When heroin enters the brain, it is converted back into morphine, binding to opioid receptors that are located throughout the brain and body. Opioid receptors are involved in pain perception and reward, which is why using heroin increases pleasurable feelings and decreases pain.

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A Broad Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis of puffy hand syndrome is broad and includes conditions that cause anasarca, such as congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis of the liver, and severe hypoalbuminemia. Other causes include upper-extremity venous thrombosis, deep palmar space infection, complex regional pain syndrome, lymphedema resulting after axillary lymph node removal or irradiation, and filariasis.

Rheumatologic diseases causing puffy hands include rheumatoid arthritis, crystal arthropathies, systemic sclerosis, mixed connective tissue disease, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, and RS3PE syndrome.

A thorough history and physical examination, followed by judicious use of laboratory and other investigations, should help determine the underlying cause of puffy hands.

Find Help For Drug Addiction Today

If you have noticed these signs in a loved one and suspect they are shooting up drugs, it may be time to confront your loved one or consult with an addiction specialist. IV drug use is highly addictive and it can be deadly, so time is of the essence. Dont wait any longer call now to get help for addiction or to learn more about our evidence-based addiction treatment and drug rehab programs.

References:

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Ways To Get In Contact With Us

If you believe you or someone you love may be struggling with addiction, let us hear your story and help you determine a path to treatment.

There are a variety of confidential, free, and no obligation ways to get in contact with us to learn more about treatment.

Life Changes In Addiction Rehab

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Patients in drug rehab treatment programs are encouraged to end toxic relationships. Toxic relationships are those that have the propensity to lead to drug abuse. Conversely, patients are encouraged to seek help from other people who can support them on their journey. These supportive relationships could include friends, family members, and even other rehab patients.

Family members of rehab patients can seek drug rehab information by talking to the counselors and doctors at the facility. Friends and family members can help and support patients by learning about drug addiction. They may do this by participating in counseling sessions with the patient. Counselors in rehab facilities can also teach family members and friends of patients how they can help. They can learn about the coping skills that the patients are learning, the different drug abuse triggers, and the best ways to show love and support.

Often, drug addictions negatively affect friends and family. In this case, drug rehab treatment centers can offer counseling and healing services to friends and family of those in recovery. Loved ones can help a patient best once they have sought healing for themselves.

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