There are some signs to look out for if you believe a friend, family member, or loved one is using heroin or addicted. Often, individuals go to great lengths to hide or obscure their use of drugs. But as their usage continues, it becomes more and more difficult to keep the signs of heroin use a secret. If you notice the following signs, an individual may be using heroin:

• Excessive agitation
• Anxiety and an inability to control moods or emotions
• Physical symptoms like slurred speech or constricted pupils
• Physical signs like needle marks along the forearm or between toes
• Persistent intestinal issues such as constipation

But perhaps the clearest signs that someone is addicted to heroin is how their personal hygiene may suddenly decline. Individuals addicted to heroin rarely concern themselves with their appearance. Also, unexplained aggression or needless secrecy are signs.

Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing a heroin addiction than others. However, it’s important to remember, addiction is a disease that can happen to anyone. Some risk factors include:

• A family history of addiction
• Heavy tobacco use
• A personal or family history of mental health disorders

These risk factors don’t mean an individual will become addicted to heroin. But being aware of them means you are in a better position to recognize potential substance use disorder.