Common Behaviors Of A Heroin Addict

Recognizing the signs of heroin use in a loved one isn’t always straightforward. Addiction can show up differently from person to person, affecting physical health, behavior, and emotional well-being in ways that aren’t always obvious right away. Still, there are common patterns that tend to show up across many cases of heroin use.

It’s worth noting that the language used to describe these patterns matters. While terms like “addict” carry stigma and can make people less likely to seek help, this article uses some of that language intentionally, since many people are still searching for those exact terms when trying to understand what’s happening with a loved one.

Learn more about the signs of a heroin addict

Physical Heroin Addict Behaviors

If you are concerned that a loved one may be abusing heroin, there are several behaviors you can be on the lookout for.

Physical Signs In The Body

Heroin addicts usually have a few characteristic bodily signs.

Some of the physical results of heroin addict behaviors include:

• “track marks”, scarring of the skin from needles usually found in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. This is one of the clearest signs of intravenous (IV) heroin use
• infections or abscesses from IV heroin use
• nodding off
• slowed breathing
• weight loss
• changes in appetite
• impaired coordination
• tremors
• slurred speech
• runny nose
• nausea and vomiting

Changes In Habits

If a loved one is abusing heroin, you may notice a change in their habits. Habit changes are usually due to a desire to hide their heroin use, or behaviors used to get more heroin.

A few of these include:

• lying
• asking for money, or taking money without permission
• spending time with heroin-using friends or family members
• picking at the skin
• falling through on responsibilities
• self-isolation
• wearing long-sleeved clothing, even in warmer weather

Use Of New Language Or Slang

Some heroin users begin using new slang words to describe the drug, the act of using heroin, other users, and more. Pay attention to the language your loved one is using if they’re using words you’re unfamiliar with. They may be using street names for heroin around you if they think you won’t recognize it.

Here are a few common terms used for heroin use:

• slang for heroin: blow, china, boy, black tar, big H
• slang for heroin use: chasing the dragon, chipper, jolly popper, cotton shooter
• slang for heroin drug combinations: atom bomb or A-bomb, china white, speedball

Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms

You may also notice changes in behavior when a person is withdrawing from heroin.

Some of the signs of heroin withdrawal include:

• flu-like symptoms
• insomnia
• hot and cold flashes
• sweating
• muscle cramps
• watery eyes and nose
• diarrhea

Emotional/Mental Heroin Addict Behaviors

Using heroin can cause many emotional and mental changes. Heroin is a powerful opioid drug that’s strong enough to influence brain patterns and behaviors.

Changes In Emotional State

Many heroin users express aggressive and sometimes dangerous behaviors. The drug can cause effects like sexual dysfunction, insomnia, sudden mood swings, and changes in perception of reality. All of these factors can make a person more agitated.

In younger heroin users, many teens and adolescents also tend to run away from home. They might be avoiding confrontation, punishment, or looking for a way to use heroin more freely.

Worsened Or New Mental Illnesses

Many people who abuse heroin experience mental illness. This may be a direct result of using heroin, or heroin may worsen existing mental illnesses.

Heroin use has been linked to the following mental illnesses:

• anxiety
• depression
• bipolar disorder
• borderline personality disorder (BDP)
• antisocial personality disorder (APD)

If your loved one is exhibiting changes in their mental state and they have a history of drug use, this may be a sign of heroin abuse.

Crime-Related Heroin Addict Behaviors

A person who’s addicted to heroin may engage in riskier behavior than they might if they were not addicted to the substance. Crime can be a result of actions taken to get more heroin, actions that are a direct result of being high on heroin, increased aggression on heroin, or other factors.

A few of the crime-related behavioral changes in a heroin addict may include:

• incarceration or frequent arrests
• theft or burglary
• damage of property
• impulsive violence
• engaging in fights

How To Approach A Loved One You’re Worried About

If you’ve noticed signs of heroin use in someone you care about, how you bring it up matters. Choose a calm, private moment rather than confronting them in front of others or when emotions are running high. Lead with concern rather than accusation, focusing on specific changes you’ve noticed and how they’ve affected you, rather than labels or judgments.

It’s also helpful to come prepared with information about treatment options, since many people are more open to getting help when there’s a clear, concrete next step rather than just criticism. If the conversation doesn’t go well the first time, that’s common; staying patient and continuing to express care can make a difference over time.

Find Heroin Addiction Treatment

Heroin addiction can manifest through multiple behavioral changes. Using heroin can lead to habitual substance abuse, physical dependence, and addiction. The underlying issues of mental illness and coping mechanisms must be addressed when looking at cases of heroin use. Most often, these heroin addict behaviors are a result of the environment a person is living in, or issues they’re trying to escape from.

Browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for more information about addiction recovery.