What are the Signs of Heroin Addiction

What are the Signs of Heroin Addiction

Published September 2017

If you don’t already know the signs of heroin addiction it can be hard to spot, because those who use heroin are typically pretty good at “covering their tracks”. For a number of reasons, heroin addiction is known to be one of the sneakiest of addictions, also the most powerful and too often times deadly. Someone who is using heroin will try to hide it for as long as they can, but if you’re able to pinpoint the signs your chances of helping the person struggling are much greater.

Physical Signs of Heroin Abuse

• Sudden weight loss
• Tiny pupils
• Needle marks on legs, arms, or hands
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Flu like symptoms (nausea, fever, and vomiting)
• Runny nose
• Slurred speech
• Poor hygiene
• Constipation
• Skin appears flushed
• Under eye puffiness
• Cuts, bruises, or scabs on the skin
• Loss of appetite
• Infections
• Burn marks on mouth or fingers from smoking

Evidence of Heroin Use

• Syringes
• Tiny plastic baggies
• Burnt silver spoons
• White or tan powdery residue
• Aluminum foil with burn marks
• Valuable possessions or money has gone missing
• Tiny orange caps (from syringes)
• Rolled up dollar bills
• Pieces of cigarette filters lying around
• Empty plastic pens (with no ink) for smoking
• Rubber ties
• Small glass pipes
• Dark brown or black sticky residue