Heroin (diacetylmorphine) is a very addictive opiate and is one of the most abused illegal drugs in the United States. Derived from morphine, which is made from poppy seeds, it is sold on the black market and may be weakened ("cut") with anything from talcum powder to strychnine. There is no control over possible contamination, strength or purity, so the physical effects on the user could be extreme. It is smoked, injected or snorted in either white or brown powder form. After the initial "rush" of a euphoric feeling, the after-effects include physical signs that friends, family and professionals are likely to notice.
Signs of Recent Usage
When a heroin addict has just taken the drug, she may have flushed skin and a lethargic, slow movement. These signs may appear less pronounced the longer an addict has been using heroin, and it may take more heroin to get the same effect. According to Drugs.com, the user may go back and forth between drowsiness and wakefulness. The user may appear confused, exhibit shallow breathing and have constricted "pinpoint" pupils when they have recently taken heroin.
Long-Term Signs
If the heroin addict has been sharing needles, she may show signs of gauntness and be "wasting" in appearance with HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Other long-term physical signs of heroin use may include skin abscesses and cellulitis. Long-term use of heroin may also result in abortion inducement, collapsed veins and contraction of pneumonia, according to Drugs.com.
Withdrawal Signs
Physical signs of heroin cessation may include vomiting and sweating. Withdrawal from heroin use may also appear as flu-like symptoms, such as shaking from chills, according to Treatment4Addiction.com.
