Signs of Heroin Abuse
- Dry mouth
- Droopy appearance, as if extremities are “heavy”
- Alternately wakeful and drowsy
- Disorientation, poor mental functioning
- Signs of injection; infections
- Shallow breathing
- Euphoria
- Drowsiness
- Constricted pupils
- Nausea
- Unkempt appearance/hygiene issues
- Missing cash/valuables, stealing/borrowing money
- Change in performance, academic or otherwise
- Drug paraphernalia
- Apathy and/or lethargy
- Possession of unexplained valuables
- Runny nose
- Lying/deception
- Change in friends
- Little or no motivation
- Ignores consequences of chosen behaviors
- Withdrawal from usual friends, activities, or interests
- Eyes appear “lost” or have faraway look
- Slurred speech
- Loss of interest in usual, healthy activities
- No interest in future plans
- Broken commitments
- Hostility towards others
- Unexplained absences at work, school or family events
- Poor self-image
- Running away
- Difficulty in maintaining employment
Please take note – many of these signs of heroin addiction are common to adolescent behavior, indicating irresponsibility or psychological problems like depression and do not necessarily mean someone is using heroin. If one or more signs were noted, it would be wise to follow-up and identify the source (s) of the problem.