Heroin is a dangerous drug that can devastate lives. Knowing heroin use signs and symptoms can allow you to help those you love who are suffering from heroin abuse. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to recognize the signs of heroin use because addicts are skilled at hiding their problems.
In this article, we are going to answer key questions relating to heroin use signs, such as what are the signs of heroin use. Keep reading to learn these signs and more.
What Are the Signs of Someone Using Heroin?
Signs that someone is addicted to or using heroin differ from person to person. Factors such as frequency of abuse, amount of drug use, and the individual genetic makeup can impact the symptoms and signs. Nevertheless, the most common signs of heroin addiction include:
- Shortness of breath
- Slurred speech
- Decline in performance
- Anxiety
- Delusions
- Agitation and irritability
- Weight loss
- Possession of drug paraphernalia, including burned spoons, needles/syringes, shoelaces, glass pipes
- Decreased attention to personal hygiene
- Hostility toward others
- Stashing drugs in various places
- Depression
- Track marks on arms and legs
- Nodding out during conversations
- Avoiding loved ones
- Extreme itching
- Dry mouth
- Lying about drug use
- Scabs or bruises from picking at skin
- Disorientation
- Euphoria
- Periods of hyperactivity that are followed by periods of exhaustion
- Mood swings
- Apathy and lack of motivation
- Wearing long pants and shirts to cover skin, even in warm weather
- Constricted pupils
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Warm, flushed skin
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Inability to fulfill responsibilities as before
- Increased sleeping
- Forced, pressured speech
If your loved one is experiencing multiple of the symptoms above, they are likely using heroin or some other form of drug. It’s important to get them the help they need as a result.
What Are the Obvious Signs of Heroin Use?
Whenever you first suspect that your loved one is using heroin, it’s best to look for the most obvious signs. Certain physical changes and emotional changes are the easiest to spot. For example, severe mood swings, lack of interest in other activities, and changes in behavior often point to drug use. Likewise, track marks, scabs, and the wearing of long sleeves point to drug use as well.
Once you start noticing the obvious signs of heroin use, take a closer eye on their activities so you can look for the less obvious symptoms. Less obvious signs of heroin use include paranoia, increased sleeping, and hiding drugs.
What to do If Someone You Love is Suffering From Heroin Use
If you notice that your loved one has many symptoms above and appears to be using heroin, it’s important to learn more about heroin, its addiction, and its symptoms. Just by being knowledgeable about heroin addiction can help you to help your loved one better.
Next, it’s important to encourage your loved one to seek help. Approach your loved one in a compassionate yet stern way to get to the bottom of their behavior. If it is found that they are using heroin, encourage them to seek medical treatment so that they can begin living a life of sobriety.
Unfortunately, many addicts will refuse treatment at first. If your loved one refuses treatment, make sure not to fall into a codependent cycle. Do not enable their addiction either by providing them with money or resources to continue using heroin.
If you or a loved one shows signs of heroin use and is suffering from heroin addiction, contact Veritas Detox. Veritas Detox is a top-rated Los Angeles drug and alcohol detox and rehab facility. Our compassionate team members can help determine if drug treatment is right for you or your loved one. Contact us today at 866-237-6297 for more information.
