How To Recognize Signs Of Heroin Use

Heroin addiction is an illness that is hard to overcome, but it is possible. The first step toward recovery is getting help in the form of rehab. If you’re worried that someone you know and love requires professional assistance, you’ll want to confirm that heroin use and abuse is the problem. Discover how to recognize some of the most common signs of heroin use.

Needle Marks and Bruising

Perhaps one of the most obvious signs of heroin abuse is visible marks on the arms or any other injection sites. Needle marks can look like red dots, or in some cases, they can be larger areas of infected or bleeding skin. Bruises are also common and they may be concentrated in particular areas.

These marks and bruises are a result of injecting needles into the skin. Although heroin can be consumed in many ways, injection is the most popular means of delivering the drug to the body rapidly.

Changes in Behavior, Personality or Appearance Can be Signs of Heroin Use

Heroin use, and in particular heroin addiction, can cause significant changes in a very short amount of time. Although changes in behavior, personality and appearance aren’t necessarily signs of drug use, they should be noted when found in conjunction with other common signs.

Those addicted to heroin may begin to act more secretly and may not want to share personal information with formerly close friends and family. Individuals using heroin might also begin to wear different types of clothing, particularly long sleeves that can hide needle marks or bruises.

Increase of Heroin-Related Paraphernalia

Loved ones and family members who are actively trying to determine whether heroin use is a concern might also want to keep their eyes open for heroin-related paraphernalia. Just some of the items that might be used in conjunction with heroin use include the following:

• Burned silver spoons
• Crumpled aluminum foil or gum wrappers
• Lots of small plastic baggies
• Shoes with missing shoelaces
• Needles and/or syringes

Disrupted Sleep Patterns

One of the more common signs of heroin use is what is known as nodding. This is a change in sleeping patterns that is often seen among heroin users. Nodding is when users increase the amount of time they are feeling drowsy and sleepy during the day. They might have brief periods of activity or energy followed by long periods of sleepiness and decreased activity.

Being able to recognize signs of heroin use might be what it takes to prevent a loved one from suffering from a prolonged drug addiction. Recognizing the illness sooner means getting help in a drug rehab facility sooner. At Healing Springs Ranch in Tioga, Texas, patients can overcome their addictions to heroin and get the necessary treatment to take on life from a new, sober perspective. Call 866.656.8384 today to learn more about your rehab options and to help a loved get back on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common signs of heroin use?

Physical signs include needle marks or bruising at injection sites, constricted pupils, sudden weight loss, poor hygiene, drowsiness or “nodding off”, and slowed breathing and speech. Behavioral signs include withdrawal from family and friends, secrecy, new financial problems or missing money and valuables, declining performance at work or school, and wearing long sleeves in warm weather to cover injection sites.

What paraphernalia is associated with heroin use?

Small resealable plastic bags or folded paper packets, burnt spoons or bottle caps, syringes and needles, shoelaces or rubber tubing used as a tourniquet, lighters, cotton balls or cigarette filters, straws or rolled paper, and burnt aluminium foil. Finding these items together, rather than any single item, is what usually signals use.

What should I do if I think a loved one is using heroin?

Choose a calm, private moment when they are not under the influence. Lead with specific things you have observed and with concern rather than accusation, and be prepared for denial — it is the most common first response. Do not issue threats you are not prepared to follow through on. Having a treatment option already researched before the conversation makes it far more likely that a moment of willingness turns into an actual admission.

Is heroin withdrawal dangerous?

Heroin withdrawal is rarely fatal on its own, but it is severe: muscle and bone pain, vomiting and diarrhea, insomnia, sweating, agitation, and overwhelming cravings, typically peaking within two to three days. The greater danger is after withdrawal — tolerance drops quickly, so returning to a previously normal dose is a common cause of fatal overdose. Medical supervision during withdrawal is strongly advised.

How is heroin addiction treated at Healing Springs Ranch?

Medical detox is coordinated through our off-campus partner facility, with transport to the ranch once detox is complete. From there, clients enter residential treatment on our 80-acre ranch in Tioga, Texas, typically for 30 to 45 days, working on trauma, co-occurring mental health conditions, and the underlying drivers of use. Our model is therapy-based; we do not provide medication-assisted treatment. Call (866) 656-8384.