Heroin is an addictive opiate that is derived from morphine. Morphine naturally occurs in poppy plants, but morphine and heroin can be found in many forms today, including powder, pills, and liquid. Heroin has become a heavily abused substance for its sedative effects, but it often leads to overdose and death.
If you suspect that someone you love is using heroin, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of heroin use. Knowing the symptoms of heroin use will provide you the power to encourage your loved one to seek addiction treatment.
Symptoms of Heroin Use
| Behavioral Symptoms | Physical Symptoms | Psychological Symptoms |
| Increased time alone | Flushing of skin | Mental disorientation |
| Lying | Decreased respiration | Decreased focus |
| Wearing long, covering clothes | Dry mouth | Inability to problem solve |
| Participating in illegal activities | Scabs /track marks | Depression |
| An unexpected and sudden need for money | Bruises | Anxiety |
| Failing to maintain relationships | Slurred speech | Paranoia |
| Failing to maintain responsibilities at work, school, or home | Bradycardia | Mood swings |
| Increased sleep | Runny nose | Euphoria surges |
| Changes in personality | Rapid weight loss | |
| Sudden changes in friends and hobbies | Increased tolerance to the substance |
What Are the Symptoms of Heroin Use?
Heroin is a highly dangerous substance that impacts a person’s body in many ways. The symptoms of heroin use are typically divided into 3 categories: behavioral symptoms, physical symptoms, and psychological symptoms. Individuals on heroin will experience symptoms from all categories.
Behavioral symptoms are those that impact how a person acts. To an outsider, behavioral symptoms are the most painful because they directly impact relationships. Common behavioral symptoms of heroin use include participating in illegal activities, failing to maintain previous responsibilities, strained interpersonal relationships, lying, and wearing long sleeves, no matter the temperature outside.
Physical symptoms of heroin use refer to symptoms that impact a person’s body and health. Some symptoms to look for include scabs, track marks, bruises, runny nose, rapid weight loss, and respiratory ailments, such as decreased respiration.
Psychological symptoms are those that impact a person’s mental state and stability. Individuals on heroin often have decreased focus and mental capabilities. They also experience mood swings, depression, anxiety, and other mental illness.
What to do When You See Symptoms of Someone Using Heroin?
If someone you love exhibits symptoms of using heroin, it’s important to help them get into a treatment facility so that they can learn how to live a clean and sober life. Because heroin is so addictive and dangerous, it is important to act fast.
Confront your loved one about their symptoms and ask them directly if they use heroin. Try to convince them to seek addiction treatment so that they can hopefully become clean and begin living a sober life once again. If they decide to seek treatment, help them get their things in order and select a facility.
Unfortunately, not everyone agrees to treatment right away. In that case, you want to express your love and concern for your friend, but you cannot become an enabler. Talk to a counselor for advice about how to manage this difficult situation. A licensed professional will help you understand the boundary between helping an addict and harming one through good intentions.
Get Help from Hillcrest Recovery
If your loved one has symptoms of heroin use, it’s important to act fast and encourage them to seek treatment. Heroin is an addictive substance that becomes deadly fast.
Hillcrest Recovery is a top-rated treatment facility in the San Fernando Valley. Our luxurious treatment facility can help you better understand heroin addiction and treat your loved one’s substance abuse disorder. Contact Hillcrest Recovery to learn more about our treatment options.