Heroin Addiction

The signs and effects of heroin use vary depending on when you take the drug. Here’s a look at the signs and effects you might experience when doing heroin:

• Track marks and needle scars on the skin from injections
• Small pupils
• Poor physical hygiene
• Slow movement or appearing to be in a dream-like state

Here are some signs when you come down from a heroin high:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Nervousness and easily irritable
• Inability to sleep
• Chills
• Pain in the joints, muscles and bones
• Extreme itching and scratching

General signs and effects of heroin addiction include:

• Inability to maintain employment or schoolwork
• Stealing from family, friends and strangers
• Choosing heroin use over other events
• Legal troubles related to the use of heroin

While using heroin, you might experience a sudden rush that feels euphoric and then drift into a dream-like state. During this period of relaxation, you might find yourself unable to move and your heart rate may drop to dangerously low levels. Heroin addiction has serious physical ramifications. Long-term heroin usage can lead to brain damage that leaves you unable to make decisions and react correctly in social situations. Additionally, you might find yourself facing a disease of the heart, liver and kidneys. Using needles to inject heroin leads to the risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis C.