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 become confused, frustrated, helpless, and depressed. However, you may assist the loved one in recovery by identifying the symptoms of heroin addiction and recommending therapy.  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 tough to identify in a loved one. However, subtle but significant changes in behaviour, physical appearance, and overall well-being can suggest that a loved one is addicted to heroin. 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 people suffering from heroin addiction begin to ignore their physical appearance. They may experience significant weight loss and skin sores or infections as a result of medication injections or persistent itching or picking. Furthermore, some individuals may look unwell or have a runny nose on a frequent 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 continues to use heroin, finding and consuming it becomes the most essential aspect of their existence. Normal responsibilities, such as attending school or working, become less important. It is probable that they do not care about their daily tasks. This is because the drug may impair their ability to concentrate and present in class or at work. They are more prone to miss work frequently and place less emphasis on their professional success.

• 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 believe that if they use drugs, a loved one will notice. Someone may isolate themselves because the drug is the most important thing in their life and they spend all of their time attempting 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. However, if they believe you don't know what you're looking for, they may leave things lying around. Look for abandoned gum wrappers with fire markings, spoons, or aluminium foil with burn marks. Check for needles, pipes and drug remains, such as little plastic bags and shoelaces that could have been 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 866-381-8221 and we’ll help you kickstart the recovery journey of your LGBTQ+ loved one struggling with heroin addiction.