5 Signs of Heroin Abuse

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Heroin abuse in the United States is on the rise. People continue to abuse this dangerous drug for many reasons. Some do it out of curiosity, and others do it because it’s easier to get than prescription opioids. If you’re worried about a loved one using this drug, it’s important to know the following five signs of heroin abuse.

What Is Heroin?

This drug is an opioid. More specifically, heroin is a derivative of morphine. It binds to opioid receptors in the brain to block pain signals throughout the body.

People typically abuse heroin because of the euphoric feeling that it gives them. It does a better job of blocking pain than even morphine. With that said, heroin is also more addictive and illegal.

5 Signs of Heroin Abuse

Knowing the signs of abuse can make the difference between overcoming heroin addiction or becoming a victim of this epidemic. Unfortunately, most people who abuse the drug don’t actively search for help. It’s up to parents, friends, and other loved ones to spot the signs.

However, the early signs of heroin abuse can be hard to see. Those who abuse heroin don’t show significant signs when they first start using. Despite that, some common signs include:

  1. Unexplained expenses and borrowing money
  2. Poor personal care or a change in grooming habits
  3. Distancing themselves from friends and family
  4. Declining performance at school or work
  5. Extreme personality shifts

Of course, these signs don’t always necessarily mean that people struggle with heroin abuse. They should throw up red flags, though. Loved ones should pay close attention to heroin withdrawal symptoms. When those who struggle with the drug can’t get it, they start to experience withdrawal.

Other Heroin Abuse Signs

Another physical sign that people can look out for is rapid weight gain. Heroin makes abusers not only hungry but also sedentary. Their increase in food consumption and a decrease in activity can cause an increase in weight.

When people go through heroin withdrawal, they experience many physical symptoms. Some examples include vomiting, shallow breathing, and dropping in and out of wakefulness. Linking withdrawal symptoms and changes in habits can usually give loved ones a clear sign of drug abuse, requiring a men’s drug rehab center to get well.

It’s vital to take signs of heroin abuse very seriously. The longer people abuse the drug, the harder it is for them to stop. On top of that, they have to take more of the drug. Eventually, they use so much that they risk overdose.

Don’t Fight Heroin Abuse on Your Own

At Clear Life Recovery, we know that heroin addiction can ruin your life. That’s why we work hard to help you overcome it and get your life back on track. We offer luxury treatment programs for several addictions, such as:

Want to learn more signs of heroin abuse? Better yet, want to learn how to recover? Our heroin addiction treatment center in Orange County CA is what you need. Reach out to our expert staff today. Call Clear Life Recovery anytime at 866-261-7291 to find out how we can help.

About Benjamin Hogan

Over the years, Benjamin has held positions in many different areas of alcohol and drug addiction services all over the country. He made a name for himself as an interventionist and has held certification as a Certified National Drug and Alcohol Interventionist (CNDAI-II). Benjamin specializes in helping support families of people struggling with addiction by focusing on education and instilling healthy boundaries to ensure lasting changes. Addiction is a progressive disease, but using an evidence-based approach, an intervention, when done correctly, can help to increase the willingness of a loved one to seek sobriety faster. "In my experience, by helping families make necessary changes, they not only get their lives back, but they also help change the mind of their loved one more quickly. In an intervention, family and other loved ones take a proactive approach, instead of waiting and being stuck between fear and (false) hope. I realized in my own recovery, that when my family changed, I had to change in response. That is where I found sobriety. This is why I believe in what I do!"