“What are signs of a heroin addiction?”
My 27-year-old son has been acting strangely, and I think it might be a heroin addiction. He's had used drugs before, but now he just seems skiddish, easily angered, and anxious all the time. Are these signs of a heroin addiction?
4 Answers
This is from the handout I use when speaking to Scout leaders and parent groups:
To detect heroin abuse in a family member, look for these signs:
• Sleepiness, nodding off
• Unexplained periods of euphoria and activity followed suddenly by severe fatigue
• Confusion, disorientation
• Declining responsibility and work or study performance
• Covering the body with long pants and long sleeves when not warranted by the weather
• Lying
• Thefts, criminal activity, missing money
• Odd sleeping patterns
• Weight loss
• Scabs and sores from picking at skin
• Runny or itchy nose
• Slurred speech
Drug paraphernalia that may be found includes syringes, spoons, tiny plastic bags or wrappers, water pipes.
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use
There are many signs, both physical and behavioral, that indicate drug use. Each drug has its own unique manifestations, but there are some general indications that a person is using drugs:
• Sudden change in behavior
• Mood swings; irritable and grumpy and then suddenly happy and bright
• Withdrawal from family members
• Careless about personal grooming
• Loss of interest in hobbies, sports and other favorite activities
• Changed sleeping pattern; up at night and sleeping during the day
• Red or glassy eyes
• Sniffly or runny nose
Additionally, you can look up on line the DSM V criteria for substance use disorders. There are 11 criteria, each of which must be present for a minimum of 6 months to be a (+) answer.
To detect heroin abuse in a family member, look for these signs:
• Sleepiness, nodding off
• Unexplained periods of euphoria and activity followed suddenly by severe fatigue
• Confusion, disorientation
• Declining responsibility and work or study performance
• Covering the body with long pants and long sleeves when not warranted by the weather
• Lying
• Thefts, criminal activity, missing money
• Odd sleeping patterns
• Weight loss
• Scabs and sores from picking at skin
• Runny or itchy nose
• Slurred speech
Drug paraphernalia that may be found includes syringes, spoons, tiny plastic bags or wrappers, water pipes.
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use
There are many signs, both physical and behavioral, that indicate drug use. Each drug has its own unique manifestations, but there are some general indications that a person is using drugs:
• Sudden change in behavior
• Mood swings; irritable and grumpy and then suddenly happy and bright
• Withdrawal from family members
• Careless about personal grooming
• Loss of interest in hobbies, sports and other favorite activities
• Changed sleeping pattern; up at night and sleeping during the day
• Red or glassy eyes
• Sniffly or runny nose
Additionally, you can look up on line the DSM V criteria for substance use disorders. There are 11 criteria, each of which must be present for a minimum of 6 months to be a (+) answer.
Hello,
Actually, this sounds more like a stimulant than a depressant. Heroin is a depressant and is characterized by pin pointed pupils, rough voice (like the person just woke up), the person is continually scratching their nose and often “sick.” Methamphetamine, on the other hand, is more what you described.
Don Johnson, CADC III: AOD Counselor
Actually, this sounds more like a stimulant than a depressant. Heroin is a depressant and is characterized by pin pointed pupils, rough voice (like the person just woke up), the person is continually scratching their nose and often “sick.” Methamphetamine, on the other hand, is more what you described.
Don Johnson, CADC III: AOD Counselor
They can be. One simple sign to look for is pinpoint pupils. Opioids cause the pupils to constrict. You need to learn more, though. From a medical standpoint: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35785382-overcoming-opioid-addiction
You're right, there's an excellent chance he's abusing something, not entirely clear what. If he nods out for a while with pinpoint pupils and later is irritable, could be heroin. If he comes home with enlarged pupils, agitation, and maybe some hallucinations, could be meth. See if he'll show you his arms to look for needle tracks. But as his mom, you should turf this issue to a skilled, neutral third party. If available, consider hiring an interventionist. This is an experienced addiction specialist who can pull together family members and others to help get to the bottom of what's happening. Or, you could have him seen by an addiction treatment program, but be careful that you pick a good one. Some are just in it for the insurance.
