If you’re reading this article, we realize you’re likely concerned about your loved one’s obvious or potential drug habits. And you’re not alone, as many families are feeling similarly: there are about 117,000 new users of heroin in the US every year, shares the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. That means more loved ones’ lives are intersecting with this dangerous drug. If you think your own loved one may be abusing heroin, recognizing the common heroin addict signs is a critical first step to helping them heal.
What is Heroin Addiction?
Heroin falls under the opioid category of drugs. It’s illegal, and is known by other street names like horse, dope, hero, junk, or smack. Made from synthetic morphine, heroin is typically injected into your veins, though you can smoke or snort it as well. Heroin when used causes a rush of euphoria and impacts your brain rapidly. Following heroin’s high, it’s common to have pronounced feelings of sedation, well-being, and calmness. It may be a few hours before these effects dissipate, and when they do, some people can deal with itching, nausea, and vomiting.
Heroin unfortunately is not a drug you can use for any length of time without getting addicted. If someone is a heroin user, they likely have a substance use disorder and can’t quit even if they tried. But why?
Behind the scenes, heroin releases dopamine, a pleasure chemical, in your brain. This tells you that the experience is rewarding, so you desire to use more heroin to replicate this same “high” or dopamine rush. However, the more dopamine you release over time, the more its effects wear off. So, you end up using even more heroin to achieve the same dopamine rush you first experienced. Before long, you’re in the throes of a severe and debilitating drug addiction. But what do the symptoms of heroin addiction look like?
Recognizing Heroin Addict Signs and Symptoms
Heroin’s rise is often attributed to the prescription opioid epidemic: as people get addicted to their prescription drugs, they may shift to a stronger, cheaper alternative in heroin. But with heroin usage comes even worse consequences, from physical and mental challenges to damaged relationships with loved ones like you. Someone you know may be addicted if they’re showing the following heroin addict signs:
Physical Heroin Addiction Symptoms
- Bad hygiene
- Noticeable weight loss
- Excessive sweating
- Intense itching
- Slow or irregular respiration
- Small pupils
- Routine heroin use (usually daily)
- Intense heroin cravings
- Slurred or slow speech
- Continuing heroin use despite negative consequences
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Continued respiratory challenges
- Odd sleeping habits
Behavioral Signs of Heroin Addiction
- Wearing long sleeves (especially in warmer weather) to hide injection sites
- Wearing dirty clothes
- Stealing
- Asking for money
- Lack of motivation
- Missing time at school or work
- Losing your job
- Neglecting responsibilities at home or at work
- Mood swings
- Being secretive or sensitive about privacy
- Social withdrawal
- Showing little to no interest in favorite hobbies or activities
- Depression
- Anxiety
Heroin Addict Signs: The Fallout of Addiction
Let’s face it: heroin is an incredibly dangerous addiction. A heroin user will often put themselves in risky situations just to use the drug, and long-term use can cause bodily harm, a potential overdose, and even death. If you’re loved is showing signs of heroin addiction, the long-term fallout may include:
- Skin infections
- Mental health disorders
- Fertility problems
- Collapsed veins
- HIV, hepatitis, or other infections diseases
- Bacterial infections in your blood vessels
- Chronic constipation
- Permanent brain damage
- Diseases of the lungs, liver, and kidneys
- Coma
- Death
If You See Heroin Addict Signs in Your Loved One, What Should You Do?
Looking at the lists above, if heroin addict signs are prevalent in your loved one’s life, you need to talk to them. They need to know about the seriousness of their addiction and the harm they could face. Practically speaking, having Naloxone on hand may be a good idea as well. Anyone can possess it, and it’s a helpful drug for reversing a heroin overdose.
It’s also important to understand that quitting heroin when you’re addicted is not something you can do overnight. Your loved one may put themselves in danger if they try to stop heroin immediately, as they can relapse and overdose. Due to heroin’s effects, your body must taper off the drug slowly. At the same time, your loved one will likely experience unpleasant heroin withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Body aches
- Chills
- Intense drug cravings
- Sweating and hot flashes
- Sleep difficulties
- Irritability
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Increased heart rate
- Uncontrollable leg movements
When your loved one is ready to quit heroin, it’s important that they safely detox from the drug in heroin rehab under medical supervision. After the drug is out of their system, their next step would be to enroll in residential treatment at a heroin addiction treatment facility. In these programs, your loved one can directly address the underlying trauma and root causes of their drug abuse.
At Sana at Stowe, we provide New England-based heroin addiction treatment and holistic drug rehab all in one place, from detox and withdrawal services to residential, trauma-informed care and beyond. If your loved one is ready to finally get sober, learn recovery coping skills, and reclaim their life, contact our team now.
