Signs Your Loved One is Addicted to Heroin
If a loved one is suffering from addiction, how can you tell if they are just moody? When should you intervene if you suspect a loved one is abusing heroin?
What is Heroin?
A white or brown powder, or a sticky black tar, is the appearance of heroin, an illegal and highly addictive opioid.
“None of us will go from smoking a cigarette to heroin the next day.”
Nevertheless, loved ones who suffer a major setback such as the loss of a close friend or loss of employment should receive extra attention. If you suspect they use drugs or take prescription opioids that can become a gateway to heroin, then you should keep an eye on them.
The thought that your spouse, friend, teen, or loved one of any kind might be hiding an addiction is terrifying. It’s even worse when you don’t know who to turn to for assistance. Wellness Retreat can assist if you suspect a loved one is hiding a substance abuse problem.
7 Signs Your Loved One is Addicted to Heroin
There are many signs you can look out for if your loved one is trying to hide a heroin addiction. Here we will cover 7 of the main signs to watch out for.
1. Track marks or hidden entry points
Typically, heroin is injected intravenously with a syringe into veins. The entry points, also known as track marks, are most likely to appear here as this is usually done in the arms.
It is common for heroin addicts to hide their marks from their families, coworkers, and friends. Someone who uses heroin may cover their arms year-round regardless of the weather.
2. Often changing from hyperalertness to exhaustion
Heroin use causes hyperalertness as one of the physical symptoms. Users of heroin may become intensely focused one moment, and then become exhausted shortly thereafter. Heroin use is often accompanied by extreme jitteriness or alertness, but your loved one may quickly fall asleep or nod off afterward.
3. Physical appearance changes
If a friend or family member notices their loved one is losing weight rapidly due to heroin use, they know something is wrong. There may be a tendency to appear ill or have a runny nose on a regular basis, and their pupils may appear dilated. As well as track marks, they tend to bruise easily and pick at their own skin.
4. A decline in work or school performance
It is possible that people who use drugs might not care as much about their normal activities — including their work and school performance. Abusing drugs may make it difficult for them to stay focused and appear in class. Heroin-dependent adults are more likely to be absent from work frequently and are less likely to prioritize their professional performance.
5. Unmotivated or uninterested in activities
A person’s mental health can be adversely affected by drug use. When adults become addicted to heroin, work and school aren’t the only things that are put on hold. It is not uncommon for many individuals to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed or become withdrawn from activities with their friends and families.
6. Deception
Heroin users may begin lying, stealing, or hiding things from their loved ones. Family members may lend them money or even take money from them. In addition, some are likely to engage in criminal activity, putting them in legal trouble.
7. Paraphernalia that has been hidden
Keep an eye out for hidden paraphernalia. Paraphernalia used for heroin use can be hidden at great lengths, or it can be left in plain sight if the user assumes the searcher does not know what to look for. For instance, look for discarded gum wrappers with burn marks, or even spoons, aluminum foil, or aluminum foil with burn marks. Check for needles, pipes, and any remnants of the drug, including small plastic bags and shoelaces that might be used to tie off the arm.
Get Help Today
Those struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, as well as their loved ones, can find support at Wellness Retreat. You or your loved one can get the resources, guidance, and treatment you need today to get on the road to recovery and a brighter future. Contact us for more information.
