The signs and symptoms of heroin misuse or addiction can manifest in a myriad of ways that adversely impact your daily life and functioning. At Refine Recovery, we seek to equip you with the information you need to recognize these signs early – like secrecy, social withdrawal, vomiting, constipation, changes in the skin, and erratic behavior – to seek early intervention and the groundwork for your recovery.
If you or someone you know is showing signs of heroin addiction, it is crucial that you reach out to mental health specialists early so that we can provide personalized care for a well-rounded path to your lasting recovery.
What Is Heroin?
Heroin is an illicit opioid that is made from morphine, which is derived from the seed of opium poppy plants. It mainly grows in South Asian regions, Colombia, and Mexico. Heroin is available as a white or brown powder. It is also available as a black, sticky substance that is known as black tar heroin.
Typically, heroin is snorted, smoked, or injected into a vein to experience heightened feelings of well-being and pain relief.
Despite its worldwide appeal, Dr. Marisa Sisk, the Chief Clinical Officer at Refine Recovery, says, “In the U.S., heroin is categorized as a Schedule I substance, which means that it has no known medical uses and has a high potential for misuse.” Indeed, heroin is a highly dangerous opioid that was responsible for at least 3,984 overdose deaths in 2023.
What Are Symptoms of Heroin Addiction?
The heroin use disorder symptoms (heroin addiction symptoms) can be divided into physical, psychological, behavioral, withdrawal, and overdose symptoms.
The Physical Signs of Heroin Addiction
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Excessive fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Weight loss
- Muscle pain
- Abdominal cramps
- Skin abscesses due to injections
- High blood pressure
- Respiratory troubles, such as irregular breathing.
Dr. Sisk draws attention to the fact that “By the time physical signs of heroin addiction appear, the body has already built tolerance. This is why family members often miss the first window for intervention.”
Refine Recovery’s data shows that more than 40% of our clients with long-term heroin use present with untreated infections and skin abscesses, showing how heroin can damage your physical health if left untreated. Hence, understanding the psychological signs is pivotal.
The Psychological Signs of Heroin Addiction
- Persistent cravings and urges to use heroin
- Mood swings
- Depressed mood
- Disorientation
- Aggressiveness
- Feelings of shame and worthlessness
- Co-occurring mental health conditions.
Dr. Sisk emphasizes, “Heroin is very addictive, which is why cravings and urges can become so persistent that the person prioritizes heroin use over everything else. It is crucial to note these psychological symptoms leading to behavioral changes early.”
Furthermore, our internal data shows that more than 60% of the time, heroin use presents with a co-occurring mental health condition. A holistic path to recovery requires treating both at the same time.
The Behavioral Signs of Heroin Addiction
- Erratic behavior
- Poor judgment and decision-making
- Secrecy and lying
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Changes in social circle
- Poor performance in academics or work
- Financial difficulties
- Legal entanglements from theft and other illegal behaviors to obtain heroin.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
As heroin is a highly addictive substance, withdrawal symptoms can set in within a few hours and can manifest as follows:
- Intense cravings
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Abdominal cramps
- Muscle pain and twitching
- Mood swings
- Crying.
Heroin Overdose Symptoms
One of the most dangerous consequences of heroin use is the huge risk of overdose. The heroin overdose symptoms are as follows:
- Low body temperature
- Cold, clammy skin
- Bluish lips and fingernails
- Slowed breathing
- Convulsions
- Coma.
If you suspect a heroin overdose, act immediately. Call emergency services like 9-1-1 immediately and administer naloxone available under the brand name Narcan, as it can reverse opioid overdose symptoms and restore normal breathing.
Why Is Heroin Such a Dangerous Drug?
Heroin was at the center of the second wave of the opioid crisis, which began in 2011 as the heroin overdose deaths began to rise. By 2015, heroin became the leading reason for overdose death in the U.S.
The reason why heroin is so appealing is that it binds to specific opioid receptors in the brain, leading to a wide range of euphoric and sedative effects that keep you coming back for more.
This is how heroin dependence symptoms develop, where the body begins to need heroin to feel and function normally. As tolerance increases, so does the quantity of heroin to achieve the desired effect, but so does the risk of heroin overdose.
Moreover, in recent times, fentanyl has also been illicitly mixed with heroin. Fentanyl is more lethal than heroin, and even as little as 2 milligrams of fentanyl can lead to an overdose.
What Are the Treatment Options for Heroin Addiction in Los Angeles?
If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin use in Los Angeles, Refine Recovery offers holistic and personalized intervention plans where you can safely withdraw and heal from heroin addiction under close, empathetic medical supervision.
Following detox, here are the therapies you receive for a well-rounded recovery from heroin use:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT gets to the bottom of underlying thinking patterns that lead to heroin use and equips you with coping skills to handle life’s triggers and stressors without resorting to heroin use.
- Trauma-Informed Care: Our experts are trained to identify the underlying trauma patterns leading to heroin use and provide a safe, non-judgmental setting where you can heal.
- Dual Diagnosis: Oftentimes, heroin use occurs with co-occurring mental health conditions. Our dual diagnosis treatment utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, medication management, and peer support to offer a comprehensive path to lasting recovery.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Going forward, your recovery is going to be your priority. This is why we emphasize lifestyle modifications such as nutrition, exercise, meditation, mindfulness, and yoga for a healthier, sober future.
- Aftercare: We also offer aftercare options such as ongoing therapy/counseling, medication management, relapse prevention, and 12-Step programs such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA) to sustain your recovery.
Reach Out to Refine Recovery to Begin Healing Today!
Heroin is a dangerous opioid, with a high risk of misuse and fatal overdose. If you or a loved one is struggling with any of the signs of heroin addiction, do not delay your recovery any longer. Reach out to Refine Recovery today. Our team is here for you and is ready to take this journey forward with you.
Please do not hesitate to call us at (866) 890-9573 to speak to our experts now!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Addiction
1. What is heroin?
Heroin is an illicit opioid that is derived from morphine. It also goes by the street names of Beast, brown, China white, H, horse, junk, and smack.
2. How is heroin used?
Heroin is snorted, smoked, or injected into the vein.
3. What are the heroin intoxication signs?
Initially, heroin produces euphoria, followed by a cycle of sleep and wakefulness. Other symptoms will include flushing of the skin, dry mouth, drowsiness, respiratory depression, and heaviness in the extremities.
4. How can heroin overdose be addressed?
Heroin overdose can be addressed by immediately calling emergency providers and injecting naloxone, which is administered as a nasal spray or injection.
5. Can heroin addiction be cured?
Heroin addiction can be treated and managed with detox, therapy, medication management, trauma-informed care, dual diagnosis treatment, peer support, and aftercare.
