Signs of Heroin Use

There are many signs of heroin use. In the beginning, the user will typically experiment just once or twice a week and in some cases less often . . . once a month or less. When an user is the beginning stages of direct injection into a vein [mainlining], the most accessible veins are generally used - located in the inner portion of the arm near the elbow joint. This injection site is commonly called "the ditch" by users. If the person is mainlining, the signs of heroin use include scabs on the vein they use most often.

There are a few early signs of heroin use. In the beginning, the signs of heroin use that you probably would notice are the injection sites. As the user progresses from experimentation to addiction, they will eventually reach a point where they shoot up at least once a day. At this point, several injection sites become noticeable. For example, over a 6 month period, the user will have shot up at least 180 times. This is when the needle marks manifest themselves as "tracks." Trails of tiny scabs may extend 1-3 inches or more down the arm or leg in a straight line right over top of the vein.

Several signs of heroin use should raise a red flag when it comes to heroin addiction. These signs of heroin use include but are not limited to:

• Signs of heroin use include the pupils of the eyes are often very small in reduced lighting conditions when pupils normally dilate
• If a person is right handed, he normally uses his right hand to inject himself in the left arm and left handed person normally injects into the right arm
• As the tracks become progressively more visible, addicts will often wear long sleeves to hide the marks
• Injecting repeatedly into the same vein over and over again will cause the vein to collapse or "blow out". After a period of time, all veins in the arms may be blown out. At that point, the addict usually turns to veins located behind the knee or on the back of the hands.
• Signs of heroin use are an increase or decrease in appetite; changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain
• Change in overall attitude / personality with no other identifiable cause
• Changes in friends: new hang-outs, avoidance of old crowd, new friends are drug users
• Change in activities; loss of interest in things that were important before
• Signs of heroin use include a drop in school or work performance; skips or is late to school or work
• Changes in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities
• Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness
• Lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, discipline. Bored, "I don't care" attitude
• Defensiveness, temper tantrums, resentful behavior (everything's a hassle) are some of the signs of heroin use
• Unexplained moodiness, irritability, or nervousness
• Violent temper or bizarre behavior
• Paranoia -- suspiciousness
• Excessive need for privacy; keeps door locked or closed, won't let people in
• Secretive or suspicious behavior
• Car accidents, fender benders, household accidents
• Chronic dishonesty; trouble with police
• Unexplained need for money; can't explain where money goes; stealing
• Change in personal grooming habits
• Possession of heroin paraphernalia

Name:
Age:
City:
State:
Phone:
Email:
Seeking Help For:
Gender:
Describe the situation: