There are many individuals that go through their lives thinking that addiction one touch them in some way shape or form. Not their kid, not their friend, not their niece or nephew, grand child, not them. This is wishful thinking, and hope you might be one of those lucky few, but facts say otherwise. Statistics state that 44% of Americans know someone who is addicted to harmful substances, and another study shows that one out of every five adults know someone close to them that has passed away from a drug overdose. You still might be one of those individuals lucky enough to escape the hardships of addiction, but why take that chance? This article will help educate you on the signs of heroin use, and who knows, the signs you learn here today could make the difference between an individual getting the help they need to preserve their life, or waiting too long as those afflicted by heroin addiction continue on the path to potentially losing it.
Physical changes and markings are some of the easier ways to identify heroin use, if you know what you’re looking for. Needles are not the only way to use heroin, but it’s a very common one. The ‘track marks’ from these injections are typically found on the arm, either along the forearm or inner elbow joint, but individuals will do their best to disguise these markings and the bruises they leave. Be on the lookout for unusual attire, this could be a hooded sweatshirt at dinner, during hotter weather, just waking up in the morning, or whenever it seems the most suspicious, as the individual may be trying their best to cover up the signs of heroin use.
The obvious spotting would of course be needles, but other paraphernalia such as spoons and lighters could be signs of heroin use. Individual may heat the heroin on a spoon before use. They will likely hide this (as a scorched spoon would definitely raise alarm bells) but it may easier to see if any of your silverware has gone missing to then suggest investigating further.
Heroin use is not a frugal habit. The drugs they are using undoubtedly puts a financial strain on most addicted users, and they may turn to house hold items or valuables to help supplement their income. Keep a close eye on your valuables or if the individual you are most concerned for asks for financial support routinely without a deep understanding or explanation as to what the money is for.
Many individuals afflicted by addiction and substance abuse know that what they are doing is likely wrong, but that’s why habit is so difficult, as digs in to inhibitions, and forces that need on individuals over time to the point where they truly can’t help it. Many of these individuals, even subconsciously, are ashamed and will try to hide their addiction. Be on the lookout for secretive behavior, especially where individuals used to be more forth coming (i.e. my loved one used to tell me where they were going, but now when I ask they just leave without saying…)
Another physical change that is easy to miss, but when you know what to look for is actually easy to identify, is pinpoint pupils. These will be extremely tiny pupils (the dark spot at the center of our eye) which is a sign of heroin use. It is even more evident if the pupils stay constricted in brighter light when they are naturally supposed to expand.
A common sign of heroin use is constant itching and irritated red skin. This will be a habit hard for heroin users to control, and is especially evident if they did not have these behavior traits prior, the itchiness seemingly comes out of nowhere.
Heroin as a drug does not induce weight loss, but it rather effects individual brains in a way that makes them lose interest in certain areas and aspects of normal life. Most individuals will lose their sense appetite and desire to consume food, leading to sudden and progressive weight loss.
It’s simply food and appetite that appears dulled and unimportant to most heroin users. As with all these top signs of heroin use, be on the lookout for some form of combination across this list, but you may notice over time that a suspected heroin user will no longer be interested or care about activities that used to bring them joy or excitement.
These physical signs of heroin use are a bit difficult to capture in the moment as they are likely signs of an individual who is actively under the influence but will likely be very easy to spot. This usually could spotted later in an individual’s substance abuse where their secretive habits give way to their addiction. They cravings will likely increase, and they will need use more heroin to achieve the same high. Nodding off clearly doesn’t need to be from substance abuse, but if you know the individual and can’t determine why they are struggling to stay awake and communicate (i.e. they have been getting plenty of sleep and aren’t over worked) then this may be a sign of heroin use.
Distancing from core friend and family groups is a behavioral change most evident across those addicted to heroin. Be on the lookout for a distancing, or a potential friend group that either undergoes changes in activities, or is an entirely new group of friends.
We hope this information was helpful in providing an understanding of the top signs of heroin use. If you or a loved one needs any additional assistance with addiction treatment services, please reach out to Long Island Center for Recovery at 1-800-344-5427, and we’d be happy to assist you or your loved ones in any way possible.
References:
Mental Health First Aid from Nation Council for Mental Wellbeing: Signs of Heroin Use: A Guide For Loved Ones
https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2019/03/signs-of-heroin-use-a-guide-for-loved-ones/
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