How to tell if a person is using heroin.

Heroin is the most abused of the opiates. Opiates are drugs derived from the drug opium, a resin from the seed pods of certain varieties of poppy. Morphine and several other opiates are currently used medically. Heroin is not. 

The purity of heroin on the streets today has improved and as a result the drug is sometimes inhaled or smoked.  The principal method of ingestion remains injection. 

The heroin abuser can experience a distinct feeling of relaxation and comfort while on the drug, which is replaced by very uncomfortable feelings of anxiety and irritability right after the drug wears off. 

These mood swings can be the first indications of heroin abuse.  Other indicators are

• Changes in sleep patterns
• Depression
• Old friends no longer come around and are replaced by new, sometimes less desirable friends
• Secret calls on the phone, always taken out of ear-shot
• Itching and scratching frequently
• Missing spoons or spoons found scorched from the bottom
• Dishonesty, theft of household items and valuables
• Weight loss
• Constipation requiring laxatives
• Tongue discoloration
• Frequently oversleeping and missing school or work
• Vomiting
• Needle marks on the arms or legs
• Long-sleeve shirts worn in warm weather. (To hide needle marks)

These are some common indications that a person is using heroin. Any of them can occur without drugs being involved. The more symptoms present, the greater the chance that drugs are involved, primarily heroin with this set of signs.

We have people by the phones right now. Call and talk to someone about what’s happening.  Our experienced staff can help you help yourself or anyone you know to start on the road to sobriety and recovery.

Drug Independence             (888) 966-3784