Signs of Heroin Addiction

While not all signs of heroin addiction are easy to spot, others are obvious. A person whose behavior, mood, or health drastically changes for no apparent reason may show you that they are abusing the substance. As such, they may also be crying for help and in need of recovery. Let’s look below at the signs that someone is addicted to heroin.

Unlike other types of addictions, heroin addiction is easy to disguise. Furthermore, someone who has an addiction to heroin may deny they have a problem regardless of how obvious it may be to others. Knowing the signs of heroin addiction can help save the life of someone who is dependent on the substance.

Signs of Heroin Addiction: Paraphernalia

The longer someone uses a substance, the more paraphernalia they seem to collect. They may also hide the paraphernalia in places that others were not expecting. This is often how the paraphernalia is found. Someone accidentally discovers it.

What is the most common paraphernalia for heroin users? Look for needles, spoons, pipes, lighters, rubber tubing, or elastic bands. The heroin will come in an off-white or brown powdery substance. Users often keep all heroin-related items together in a box, backpack, or another container.

Physical Conditions

Within one month of taking heroin regularly, a user starts to demonstrate physical symptoms. These symptoms may include:

• Stomach problems (constipation, nausea, diarrhea)
• Dry mouth or itchy skin
• Constricted pupils
• Inability to control their actions or mood
• Slow breathing or feeling fatigued

While a person is using heroin, they experience feelings of euphoria and may see hallucinations. This is evident in their inability to think coherently or in their limited motor skills. They may slur their speech, slouch over, or experience ‘heavy’ feelings. Furthermore, they may become confused, be indecisive, or have short-term memory loss.

Sudden Lifestyle Changes

A person who is developing a heroin addiction often wraps their life around the drug. This can play in several different ways but often leads to lifestyle changes. These changes become more evident as the user exhibits behavior that is not normal for them. There may be changes in friends, schedules, moods, dress, or hobbies.

A person who is obsessed with heroin may neglect responsibilities at school, work, or home. They may drain their bank account or always be broke. The person may also get to the point where they are isolating from everything and everyone so that they can focus everything on heroin.

Also, both short and long term medical problems arise from heroin addiction. Short-term heroin use can lead to overdose, which can lead to medical complications or fatality. Long-term heroin use can also lead to a wide range of health problems. A person may suffer from poor immunity, clogged blood vessels, stroke, cancer, heart attack, respiratory problems, skin problems, poor hearing or vision, and other numerous problems.

Learn the Signs of Heroin Addiction at Phoenix Rising

If you would like to learn more about the signs of heroin addiction, then contact Phoenix Rising. We offer comprehensive treatment for heroin addiction. Call 8552328211 to find out more about your treatment options.