What Are the Common Signs of Heroin Addiction? 

In the US, Omaha and Indianapolis have the highest rate of heroin use.

If you’re worried about a friend or relative who is battling addiction, you might not know all the signs of heroin addiction. Heroin is a dangerous drug with many hazards. Your friend or relative may even become deathly ill from the drug.

Let’s take a look at what you should know about heroin addiction, its signs, and how to help someone who has a problem.

Physical Signs

Needle marks are the most common sign that a person is addicted to heroin. When people inject drugs, they often leave marks on their skin. Putting needles into veins over and over again makes these marks. Track marks are small, red, or bruised dots that are usually on the arms, hands, feet, or other places where veins are easy to reach.

 Heroin use can also make the pupils very small and tight, which is why they are sometimes called “pinpoint pupils.” Even when there isn’t much light, the pupils may not get as big as they usually do.

 When someone uses drugs, their skin often gets very itchy. This itching can make you scratch your skin all the time, which can cause redness, sores, or infections. If you see these signs of heroin abuse in your body, you might want to talk to a doctor or check out the treatment options at this rehab center.

Behavioral Signs

Heroin abuse often causes people to cut themselves off from their family, friends, and hobbies that they used to enjoy. They might avoid social events, grow apart from people they care about, and stop doing things they used to enjoy.

 Heroin use can result in mood swings, including sudden shifts between euphoria and irritability. Individuals might become easily agitated or defensive when questioned about their behavior or activities.

Psychological Signs

There are also many psychological signs of heroin addiction that you can observe. For instance, as an addiction gets worse, a person may forget who they are outside of their addiction. Their identity becomes tied to the drug, which makes it hard for them to imagine life without it.

 The psychological cycle of craving, using, and withdrawal can lead to compulsive patterns of behavior that make the problem worse. Getting help and guidance from a professional is often needed to break these habits.

Physical Health Issues

Chronic heroin use can suppress the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Skin infections, abscesses, and other infections at injection sites are common due to poor hygiene and contaminated needles.

Sharing needles for heroin use puts individuals at a high risk of contracting bloodborne diseases such as HIV and different types of hepatitis.

Heroin can suppress appetite, leading to poor nutritional intake and weight loss. Over time, this can result in malnutrition, weakened muscles, and decreased overall health.

Look Out For These Signs of Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction can be a dangerous and frightening thing. If you or a loved one are showing any of the common signs of heroin addiction, please seek help immediately. With the right help, you can begin to heal and start your journey to recovery.

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