Tampa’s Guide to Physical Signs of Heroin Use

Being able to spot physical signs of heroin use may afford you the knowledge necessary to help an addict.

If you think heroin addiction cannot happen to you, you are very, very wrong. Anyone may become addicted to any substance at any time. Addiction does not discriminate. It does not care what color you are, what you do for a living, who your parents are, or how much money you have. The physical signs of heroin use may be very telling. Call WhiteSands Treatment if you think you may be addicted to heroin. Do not be ashamed, many people suffer from this affliction.

Physical Signs of Heroin Use

The physical signs of heroin use may manifest in different ways. Look out for appearance. A heroin user will typically exhibit the following:

  • Runny nose
  • Slowed breathing
  • Sleepy eyes
  • Nodding off
  • Small pupils
  • Flushed skin

Paraphernalia. An individual who is using and abusing heroin may have these items laying around:

  • Rubber tubing
  • Syringes
  • Burnt spoons
  • Whitish/tan powder residue
  • Glass pipes
  • Tiny baggies
  • Dark sticky residue

Actions. Heroin users tend to exhibit the following behaviors:

  • Covering their body with clothing – despite the weather conditions
  • Slurred speech
  • Vomiting
  • Complaints of nausea and constipation
  • Decreased appetite
  • Lack in hygiene and grooming

In the long-term, heroin addicts may experience bruising and needle marks where they shoot up, heart issues, skin infections, liver and kidney diseases, and collapsed veins. Heroin is a highly addictive and powerful substance that ruins many lives. If you are concerned about yourself or someone you care about – please try to seek help. For more physical signs of heroin use, contact White Sands Tampa. Our professional and caring staff is ready to help you and answer your questions.

Physical Signs of Opiate Use

Opiates cover a host of drugs including prescription drugs (fentanyl, codeine, and morphine) and illegal drugs (heroin, and opium). The issue here is that many people get prescribed opioids and they may not be taking them as prescribed which can lead to addiction. These individuals are more likely to develop a heroin problem than an individual that is not prescribed these drugs because once an opioid addiction has developed, they may be able to source heroin, which offers a similar high, at a much lower price.

There is an opioid epidemic sweeping our nation. States and the Federal government have had much to say on this issue. Ohio’s Attorney General, for example, filed a lawsuit just last week against a few big-time pharmaceutical companies, accusing them of spending money on marketing campaigns that overstate the benefits of opioids as chronic pain meds and minimize the risks.

Signs of opiate use are similar to those of heroin abuse:

  • Constipation
  • Slowed breathing
  • Small pupils
  • Noticeable elation
  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Loss of consciousness

Signs of Crack Use

Crack cocaine is a powerful and intense drug – and those who use it may well be skilled at hiding it. Those who abuse crack, may seem hyperactive and overconfident. Signs of crack use include:

  • Dilated pupils
  • Restlessness
  • Increased rate of breathing
  • Burns on their fingers
  • Burns or blisters on their lips from smoking out of hot pipes
  • Aggressiveness
  • This person will disappear a lot – to go get high. The drugs’ effects do not last that long (similar to cocaine)

Immediate effects of crack include:

  • Stroke
  • Heart failure
  • Paranoia
  • Seizures
  • Anxiety
  • “Coke bugs” – people on crack have a tendency to hallucinate that bugs are burrowing under their skin
  • Death from respiratory failure

Long-term effects of crack abuse include depression, sexual dysfunction, stroke, heart attack, infertility, death, kidney failure.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, in 2014, more people died from drug overdose than in any other year to date on record. More than six out ten individuals involved an opioid. Do some research and become knowledgeable on these substances – it might help you stay away from them – or it may help you save someone else. Do not wait – if you are struggling with addiction, whether it be to opioids or alcohol, we can help! Call WhiteSands Treatment now to end the struggle.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.