When a loved one is struggling with a heroin addiction, it can be a difficult conversation. Most people who are battling a heroin addiction aren’t honest about their drug use and may even lack awareness of how out of control their use has become.

If you suspect that a loved one of using heroin, you may notice the following signs in their habits, behaviors and environment, as they may begin to change. Identifying these signs is critical in helping your loved one get the right help.

A heroin addict’s life revolves around obtaining and using the drug. They may become secretive and too concerned about money. They may neglect work and family responsibilities in order to use the drug.

Physical Signs

The physical signs of heroin use may vary from one person to another. Some signs depend on the method of administration. For example, intravenous (IV) use may leave track marks on the arms and other parts of their body. Some signs of heroin use relate to the side effects due to the presence of drugs in the body.

Here are some of the common short-term side effects that may occur after heroin use –

o Frequent sedation
o Flu-like symptoms
o Flushed skin
o Frequent itching or picking of skin
o Slowed heart rate (once the initial rush passes)
o Drowsiness for hours
o Heaviness of limbs
o Pinpoint pupils
o Frequent respiratory infections
o Weight loss
o Slurred, garbled, or incoherent speech
o Infections or abscesses at injection site (for IV users)
o Amenorrhea in women (loss of menstrual cycle)

Psychological Signs

Heroin use also produces emotional and psychological signs that include –

o Clouded thinking
o Disorientation
o Anxiety
o Mood-swings
o Irritability/agitation
o Difficulty making decisions
o Memory loss
o Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities
o Euphoria
o Paranoia
o Apathy or lack of motivation
o Obsessive thoughts and cravings to use

Behavioral Signs

Behavioral signs of heroin addiction include –

o Neglecting home, work, school, or family responsibilities
o Frequent concern about finances, frequently borrowing money from family or friends
o Being Secretive
o Sudden change of friends
o Loss of self-control
o Frequent tardiness or absenteeism at work, home, school, or social events
o Impulsive behavior
o Social isolation
o Wearing long-sleeve shirts, even in warm weather, to hide track marks
o Hostility and dishonesty
o Presence of drug paraphernalia
o Periods of hyperactivity followed by periods of exhaustion
o Erratic behavior
o Legal trouble
o Decreased attention to personal hygiene and appearance

If you are concerned that a loved one has been using heroin, it is important to understand the various signs of heroin abuse and help your loved one get help to overcome heroin addiction.

To learn more, call one of the most trusted medical detox and alcohol treatment centers in San Diego, Pacific Bay Recovery at 858-263-9700 Today. Pacific Bay Recovery offers both inpatient and intensive outpatient treatment in San Diego.