Symptoms of Heroin Addiction

Heroin, a highly addictive and illegal drug, is the most abused of the opiates, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Almost four million people have used heroin at some point in their lives, including adolescents through 12th grade. Heroin can be smoked, sniffed or injected, with intravenous injection providing the highest intensity and onset of euphoria. Intramuscular injection takes up to eight minutes, and sniffing or smoking takes up to 15 minutes for peak effects. All forms of taking heroin are addictive.

Observe Classic Signs of Heroin Addiction

If you suspect someone is addicted to heroin, asking him or her about heroin use will likely not get you an honest answer. Most addicts will deny the possibility of addiction. There are some symptoms that you can watch for though, such as:

  • A change in eating habits. Heroin addiction most often leads to a poor appetite and rapid weight loss. Food preferences tend to change, with the occurrence of a strong craving for sweets. Episodes of vomiting during mealtime may be encountered.
  • Sleep pattern disturbance. Staying awake during the night and sleeping or dozing off during the day are signs common with heroin addiction. As addiction progresses, the addict may appear to not sleep at all.
  • Behavioral inconsistencies. Manipulative behavior and compulsive lying are red-flag actions of an addict. If questioned about suspicious behavior, an addict will attempt to explain his or her actions in a way that takes the focus off the drug use to give the appearance of something innocent. Moods tend to fluctuate from calm to restless, depending on the level of heroin in one’s system and the need for more of the drug to stay “stable.”
  • Body marks. For an intravenous user, needle marks are visible on the forearms, jugular vein, or as needle pricks on the legs. Abscesses may be present. Glassy eyes with dark circles, droopy eyelids and pinpoint pupils are signs that accompany heroin addiction.
  • Personal care and seclusion. Heroin addicts tend to withdraw from normal activities, friends and family. Missing school or work is common with heroin addiction, as is the tendency for personal hygiene to deteriorate.
  • Physical signs. Slurred speech, runny nose, coughing, abdominal cramps, joint pain, restlessness, muscle twitching and chills are symptoms that can indicate withdrawal from an addiction to heroin.

Overdose Symptoms

Heroin addiction can lead to an overdose, which can be fatal. If you suspect your loved one may be using heroin and notice any of the following signs, get immediate medical help:

  • Slow and difficult breathing
  • Tiny pupils
  • Muscle spasms
  • Discolored tongue
  • Weak pulse
  • Blue-tinged lips and fingernails
  • Disorientation
  • Delirium
  • Coma

Beating Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction develops quickly with strong physical dependency. If you recognize the signs of heroin addiction in someone you care about, you will likely need to be the one to encourage and assist in finding help. Detoxification from heroin can be severe and requires the expertise of a medical team to manage the psychological and physical symptoms of withdrawal. We provide a safe environment for treating the whole person through the process to living sober and drug free. Call today and discuss your concerns about yourself or someone you suspect may be addicted to heroin.