Recognizing the Signs of Heroin Addiction and Opioid Use Disorders

Heroin addiction is one of the most common forms of opioid use disorder. In many cases, people start with prescription pain relievers and transition to heroin, which is cheaper and easier to buy illegally. However, heroin addiction is extremely dangerous, because it increases your chances of experiencing a deadly overdose or encountering more powerful substances like fentanyl. 
Recognizing the signs of heroin addiction can help you address the problem early, avoiding or mitigating some of the most dangerous consequences of heroin addiction. 

Understanding Heroin AddictionHeroin is an opioid that was once used in the medical treatment of pain. Today, it has been replaced by other options, and it’s primarily used as an illicit drug of abuse. It’s a highly addictive substance that is made by altering morphine, which is found in poppy plants. As an illegal drug, it can be injected, snorted, or smoked, and produces a rapid sense of euphoria, pain relief, physical and emotional comfort, and other attributes that make it extremely addictive. 
However, it also comes with serious medical, social, and mental health consequences. Illicit drug use and addiction can take over your life, affecting your health, finances, and family. 
Many people experience dangerous heroin overdoses, which can be fatal. Others experience infections, malnutrition, and other health issues that are associated with long-term addiction. 
Addiction makes the drug difficult to quit, especially since heroin withdrawal symptoms are painful and come with powerful drug cravings. Addiction hijacks the brain’s pleasure and reward system, rewiring it to seek heroin above all other positive things in your life. While there is no cure for addiction, it is treatable and can be overcome with help. 

Physical Signs of Heroin and Opioid UseThere are several physical signs of heroin and opioid use and addiction. Some signs are immediate after using the drug, and others are evidence of long-term use and addiction. Here are a few common physical signs:

• Constricted Pupils. Heroin causes pupils to shrink significantly, resulting in what’s commonly called “pinpoint pupils.” If you notice someone’s pupils are unusually tiny, it could be a sign of opioid use.
  
• Excessive Sleepiness. Heroin users may struggle to stay awake or even fall asleep at inappropriate times. This drowsiness can be quite noticeable.
  
• Itchy, Flushed Skin. Heroin can cause intense itching, leading users to scratch their skin. Additionally, their skin may appear flushed or red.
  
• Malnutrition. Addiction causes you to prioritize finding, using, and recovering from the drug over other important, life-sustaining needs like a healthy diet.
  
• Poor hygiene. Like neglecting your diet, heroin addiction might also cause you to neglect personal hygiene, which can lead to health issues like sores or cavities.
  
• Needle Marks Heroin is often injected, leaving telltale needle marks on the arms or legs. These marks can appear as scars or fresh punctures.
  

Psychological Signs of Heroin and Opioid UseHeroin addiction is a disease that affects the brain, so many of the symptoms are psychological. Here are some common mental signs and symptoms of heroin abuse:

• Withdrawal from Social Activities. People addicted to opioids often withdraw from activities they once enjoyed. If someone suddenly becomes socially isolated, it could be a red flag.
  
• Mood Swings. Opioid use can lead to dramatic mood swings that seem out of character. These emotional shifts might be sudden and intense.
  
• Impulsivity. Heroin use can impair decision-making. If you notice someone acting impulsively or making choices that don’t align with their usual behavior, it’s worth paying attention.
  
• Extreme Emotional Instability. Heroin misuse can lead to emotional roller coasters—swinging between intense highs and lows. This instability affects relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
  
• Confused Thinking. Chronic heroin use can cloud cognitive processes, leading to confusion and impaired decision-making.
  
• Excessive Sadness, Worry, or Fear. Heroin’s impact on mood can result in persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or fear.
  
• Hallucinations. In some cases, prolonged heroin use may lead to hallucinations—perceiving things that aren’t there.
  
• Suicidal Thoughts. The emotional strain caused by heroin addiction can drive individuals to contemplate suicide.
  

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Early Intervention in Heroin AddictionWhen addiction is identified and treated early, it prevents the problem from spiraling into something more severe. Addiction should be addressed before it takes a deeper hold on an individual’s life. Addiction can also take a toll on physical health. It can damage the heart, liver, and brain. Treating it early can help avoid some of these serious health concerns.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a heroin use disorder, help is available. Reach out to Wing of Life to learn more about heroin addiction treatment and how you can achieve freedom from active addiction.