Heroin overview
Heroin was formerly referred to as morphine diacetate as it is a derivative of the opium poppy and synthesized from morphine. It is classified as a semi-synthetic opioid and is used as an analgesic (or painkiller) when prescribed as such in other countries. However, in the US, it is extremely popular as a recreational drug and 90% of the world’s illicit heroin supply comes from Afghanistan.
The 4 key signs of heroin use
There are a number of signs that indicate the presence of heroin dependency. Initially, the heroin user is able to hide these warning signs, but over time, family members, friends, and others around the individual on a regular basis start noticing changes in the individual. The following are the four primary signs to look for:
Behavioral signs – one of the obvious signs is being alone and avoiding interaction with others when they are using. They will usually make up excuses for being alone or take mysterious and unexplained trips out for “errands” when in reality they are leaving to go meet their dealer. They will nod in and out of consciousness and have difficulty carrying on a conversation with others. They will appear anxious when they need a fix and calm when they are high.
Money – initially, the individual may only use heroin one or two times a day, but eventually it will start costing them a lot of money. They’ll make up excuses as to why they are always broke or make frequent trips to the bank to pull money out. Eventually, they will lose their jobs as the addiction worsens and because of the condition that they are in when they are high. Finally, they’ll be late on their bills, borrow money from family and friends frequently, and may start stealing to support their addiction.
Paraphernalia – heroin is usually injected, smoked, or snorted and each one of these methods requires certain paraphernalia to ingest the drug. For instance, belts or shoelaces, foil or gum wrappers, needles (new or used), spoons, and syringes are all indicators that a person is injecting the drug. Glass pipes, razor blades, and straws are indicators that the user is smoking heroin or snorting it.
Physical signs – there are numerous physical warning signs. Dilated pupils, drooping eyelids, and vomiting are signs that the individual recently used heroin. The user may wear sunglasses, even when it is dark outside, in order to hide the appearance of their eyes from others. You may notice that their appetite has decreased significantly and this may be accompanied by a dramatic loss of weight. Additional signs of heroin addiction are coughing and sneezing, flushed skin, needle marks, runny nose and constant sniffing, runny nose, sniffing and slowed breathing.
Useful Resources And Link For Heroin Information
- Heroin Information And Facts From NIDA
- Drug Rehab For Heroin At Delray Recovery Center In Florida
- DEA Drug Information On Heroin
