How To Tell If Someone Is On Heroin

Seeing an LGBTQ+ loved one struggle with heroin use is one of the most painful experiences you can go through in life. It’s easy to feel confused, frustrated, helpless and sad. But you can help the loved one through the recovery process by understanding the symptoms of heroin addiction and recommending treatment. There are concrete and effective steps you can take to show support for your loved one. Here’s where to start.

Signs Your Loved One Is struggling With Heroin Addiction 

Heroin addiction can be difficult to detect for a loved one. However, there are often subtle yet significant changes in behavior, physical appearance, and overall well-being that can indicate a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction. Here’s what to look out for to know whether an LGBTQ+ loved one has been using heroin.

• Track Marks Or Hidden Entry Points
  Typically, heroin is injected intravenously with a syringe into the body. 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 individuals struggling with heroin addiction to hide their marks from their families, coworkers, and friends. They may cover their arms year-round regardless of the weather.

• Changing From Hyperalertness To Exhaustion
  Heroin use causes hyperalertness as one of the physical symptoms in an individual. Users of heroin may become intensely focused one moment, and then become exhausted shortly afterwards. Heroin use is usually accompanied by extreme jitteriness or alertness, but some of them may quickly fall asleep or nod off afterward.

• Physical Appearance Changes
  Many persons struggling with heroin addiction begin to neglect their physical appearance. They may have drastic weight loss, and their skin may have sores or infections due to injecting the drug or constant itching or picking. Furthermore, these individuals may appear ill or have a runny nose on a regular basis, and their pupils may appear dilated. They may tend to bruise easily and pick at their skin.

• A Decline In Work or School Performance
  As a person keeps using heroin, finding and using the drug becomes the most important thing in their life. Normal responsibilities, such as school or work, become less important. It is possible that they might not care much about their everyday activities. This is because using the drug may make it difficult for them to stay focused and appear in class or their workplace. They are more likely to be absent from work frequently and are less likely to prioritize their professional performance.

• Relationship Struggles
  When a person uses heroin, they may isolate themselves from friends, family members, or significant others for a variety of reasons. They may feel shame or embarrassment about their addiction even though they can’t seem to stop. They may also feel like a loved one will be able to notice they are using drugs. Someone may isolate themselves because the drug is the most important thing in their life and they spend all their time trying to get high or avoid withdrawal. Social interaction, especially with people who aren’t using heroin, may seem weird and uncomfortable

• Deception
  Individuals struggling with heroin use may begin lying, stealing, or hiding things from their loved ones. In addition, some of them are likely to engage in criminal activity, putting them in legal trouble.

• Hidden Paraphernalia
  Keep an eye out for hidden paraphernalia. People who are addicted to heroin will go to extra lengths to hide their struggle. But, if they assume that you don’t know what you’re looking for, they may leave stuff lying around. Things to look out for include discarded gum wrappers with burn marks, or even spoons, aluminum foil, or aluminum foil with burn marks. Additionally, 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.

• Money Problems
  Heroin is expensive. Many individuals who use heroin spend all their money on the drug. They may even try to borrow money or even steal money to buy more heroin. As they keep struggling with the addiction, they may lose their job as they are unable to perform effectively while high. They may be unable to work due to heroin withdrawal.

Why Is It So Difficult To Stop Using Heroin?

Continuous and repeated use of heroin changes the chemical makeup of the brain. It also affects the prefrontal cortex which is a part of the brain responsible for self-control. These chemical changes in the brain are the reason why it’s so hard to quit heroin addiction. An individual may want to quit, but because their brain has been reprogrammed to want more of the drug, it tricks the person into wanting more. This strong urge makes the person keep taking the drug even though it may be causing harm to the person.

Additionally, heroin can alter the part of the brain that is responsible for pleasure. This is related to the feelings a person gets when they fall in love, eat delicious food, or anything enjoyable. Over time, when a person takes heroin, everything pales into insignificance and the person only seeks more of the drug to produce feelings of pleasure. Quitting can be very difficult at this point, but it is always achievable and treatable.

Get Help Today

Witnessing the decline of a person you love struggling with heroin addiction is devastating. At Pride Detox, the emphasis is not just on physical detoxification, but also on addressing the emotional and psychological facets of heroin addiction. With a combination of therapy and one-on-one counseling, our clients are empowered to navigate their recovery journey. If you need assistance today, reach out to the friendly Pride Detox team right now at 1-562-525-5121 and we’ll help you kickstart the recovery journey of your LGBTQ+ loved one struggling with heroin addiction.