Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Abuse and Addiction

Posted by Tony Bylsma on September 14, 2010 under How to Help a Drug Addict | Be the First to Comment

Heroin is making a comeback. There are several reasons for this and no one knows for sure. Probably it has a lot to do with the tremendous amounts of opium being harvested and exported form Afghanistan. Afghanistan is, however, not the only source. From south of the American border in Mexico and Central America and in South America, Opium poppies are being cultivated and a less refined form of heroin called Black Tar, is being sent into the US and other markets.

How to spot heroin use?

In the beginning stages, look for:

Dry mouth, causing excessive thirst. The user will keep a liquid at all times and sip often.

Constricted pupils is another indication. Many drug of abuse can cause this, but it will be present with heroin.

Being sleepy at odd times is another indication of heroin abuse. Drowsiness and drifting into stupor even during conversations is in indication of a recent dose.

Strangely enough, with a smaller dose, wakefulness and marked alertness can be seen, but these will usually be short-lived and soon give way to the lack of attention and sleepy demeanor.

Nausea is a very common side effect of the abuse of heroin. Vomiting and other digestive troubles such as diarrhea and stomach cramps are common and even expected by heroin addicts. Eventually, as a result of repeated vomiting, stomach acid, deposited on teeth can cause rapid tooth decay and tooth loss.

When abuse gives way to addiction, the signs will be:

Lethargy and an apathetic attitude toward activities which were formerly considered important.

A marked lack of care in personal hygiene, in personal relations and in their personal possessions. Belongings which were once kept close will become neglected and ignored. The addict’s car or motorcycle will go un washed and uncared for.

Injection sites on arms, legs, between fingers and toes, just about anywhere a vein can be accessed will show holes and infected bumps and suppuration, the forming and discharge of pus. These wounds can and do become serious and life-threatening at times due to the  lack of attention and pain killing effects of the drug.

More signs include:

• Presence of drug paraphernalia
• Changes in attitude
• Changes in friends
• Changes in performance in work or school
• Dishonesty and theft
• An inability to face people and consequences

These are by no means the only signs of heroin abuse, but some of these will be present when your suspicions of the use of heroin are correct.

The answer is to get this individual into treatment, now. Addiction to opiates such as heroin can escalate rapidly and getting this person to treatment today will definitely be his or her best chance for a speedy and complete recovery.