What Are the Signs of Heroin Abuse?

Heroin is a dangerous and incredibly addictive illegal substance that is synthetically produced from morphine. Users frequently become dependent on the substance, sometimes after just one experience, and suffer excruciating physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when the drug is not available. There are many telling signs of heroin abuse, which are made apparent when an individual is actively using the drug, has been abusing it for a long time, or is experiencing physical withdrawal. Short-term symptoms include nausea, confusion, and slowed breathing, while long-term use can result in general addiction symptoms, such as relying on the drug to function. Withdrawal can bring intense physical pain, tremors, and fever.

Short-term heroin abuse results in obvious physical symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, difficulties with speech and mental processing, and slowed respiratory rates. Heroin brings an immediate feeling of euphoria and a release from pain, which virtually ceases the mind and body's ability to function properly. As the intense initial rush subsides, users may start feeling sick as their bodies try to reject the drug. Many individuals are unable to think clearly or engage in meaningful conversation with others.

Research shows that a large proportion of people who experiment with heroin quickly become addicted. Addiction entails developing both a dependence on the drug and increased tolerance levels. Individuals experience physical and mental dependence to the point that their entire lives become consumed with obtaining and using the drug. Ever-increasing tolerance levels means that larger amounts of heroin are needed to produce the same results. As people use the drug more frequently and in larger quantities, the risk of overdose and death increase almost exponentially.

When an addicted person does not have access to the drug, he or she usually experiences severe psychological and physical withdrawal. Years of heroin abuse leave an individual's central nervous system completely reliant on the drug, and serious physical symptoms manifest within two days of abstinence. People often experience insomnia, cold flashes, fever, vomiting, and intense pain in the muscles and bones. Most physical withdrawal signs of heroin abuse can take up to four days to fully subside, but psychological cravings can persist for years.

There are many treatment options available to persons suffering from heroin abuse. Active users may need to undergo medical detoxification procedures to flush the drug from their bodies and begin the recovery process. Medications such as methadone and Valium® are commonly prescribed to ease the physical withdrawal symptoms of heroin. Clinical counseling sessions, group therapy, and inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation centers can help individuals regain control over their bodies and learn to live meaningful, productive lives without relying on drugs.