Heroin is an illicit opiate drug capable of causing addiction and a host of health problems. According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 3.7 million people have used heroin at some time in their lives. Learning to recognize the signs of heroin abuse is an important step in helping prevent addiction, overdose and heroin-related crime.
Physical Signs
Heroin abuse can cause drastic physical changes in the user. One telltale sign of heroin abuse is the presence of needle marks on the arms, legs or feet. "Nodding out" (appearing to fall asleep suddenly) is a sign of acute heroin intoxication, as are dilated pupils and slurred speech. Changes in weight and sleeping patterns are also common among opiate abusers.
Some users may neglect personal hygiene and nutrition, causing them to appear disheveled or disoriented. Pale skin and dark circles under the eyes can also signal a heroin abuse problem.
Psychological Signs
In addition to physical changes, heroin abuse can cause profound effects on emotion and cognitive functioning.
Many users appear lethargic or unmotivated and may have unpredictable mood swings. Cognitive functions like memory and problem-solving are often impaired, which may cause frustration for the user. Symptoms typical of depression, such as loss of interest in hobbies and lowered sex drive, can also signal heroin abuse. Some users report an increased craving for sweets, which may lead to excessive sugar consumption and weight gain.
Signs of Withdrawal
Most heroin users experience withdrawal from time to time. While not typically dangerous for a healthy person, heroin withdrawal can be extremely unpleasant and generally resembles a bad case of the flu.
Psychological withdrawal effects may include a worsening of pre-existing conditions, such as anxiety or bipolar disorder. Depression and low mood are common even for those without pre-existing mental illness and may persist long after physical withdrawals have ended. Feelings of restlessness and irritability are often present and may be aggravated by withdrawal-related insomnia.
Physical signs of withdrawal generally involve the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts and include vomiting, diarrhea, runny nose and coughing. Rebound pain and flu-like symptoms, such as fever and chills, are common effects, as is restless leg syndrome, which spawned the common phrase "kicking" the habit.
Behavior and Lifestyle
Because of the legal, financial and psychological consequences of heroin abuse, most users will exhibit noticeable changes in behavior and lifestyle.
Heroin users often lose interest in previous friends and hobbies in favor of getting high with fellow addicts. Previously ambitious, self-motivated people may become unmotivated and neglect things like personal hygiene. According to Heroinabuse.us, a decrease in performance, such as a drop in grades or work attendance, can sometimes signal heroin abuse. Financial troubles often lead heroin abusers to request money, food or other forms of assistance from loved ones and may even drive users to commit crimes in order to maintain their habit.
Warning
If you or someone you know is abusing heroin, seek professional help immediately to prevent potentially deadly outcomes. Treatment centers exist that can help treat the physical and emotional effects of drug addiction and abuse.
