Identifying Common Heroin Paraphernalia

Heroin is an addictive illicit drug that is derived from the opium poppy plant. It can be taken in several ways, depending on the preferred method of use.

If you suspect that a family member or friend is using heroin, you may be wondering what signs to look for. One of the most obvious and visible signs of heroin use is the possession of drug paraphernalia.

Paraphernalia includes the tools and supplies needed to use the drug in its many forms.

Paraphernalia Related To Injecting Heroin

Heroin is used because of the intense euphoric effects that can last for up to six hours. The most immediate high from heroin comes from injecting the drug into a vein.

Paraphernalia related to shooting heroin may include:

• needles and syringes used to inject heroin
• rubber tubing used to “tie off” the limb for injection
• shoes missing their shoelaces
• cotton balls
• bent spoons used to cook heroin
• belts

In order to inject heroin, a person needs to prepare the substance by dissolving black tar heroin into a liquid. Heroin is often heated in a spoon until it turns into an injectable form.

After the syringe is loaded, a belt or tubing will be used as a tourniquet around a person’s arm or another extremity to prepare the vein for the needle.

Paraphernalia Related To Snorting Heroin

Snorting heroin is not as popular as IV injection because the effects take longer to arrive. People who snort heroin will often leave a white powder residue on hard surfaces such as tables or counters.

Paraphernalia related to snorting heroin may include:

• straws
• baggies
• small tubes
• rolled up dollar bills
• razor blades
• hollowed-out pen casings

When heroin is snorted, it tends to inflame or irritate the nasal cavity. You may notice people with a chronic runny nose, frequent nose bleeds, and sniffling if they’re snoring heroin.

Paraphernalia Related To Smoking Heroin

Heroin may also be smoked in a glass pipe. The most common type of smokable heroin is black tar heroin, which is a sticky, tar-like substance.

Paraphernalia related to smoking heroin may include:

• lighters
• glass pipes
• matches
• rolling papers
• straws
• burnt aluminum foil

Another common way of smoking heroin is by “freebasing”, which is done by heating heroin on aluminum foil and inhaling the vapors that arise.

The effects of smoking heroin can be felt within minutes, which makes it a popular way of taking the drug.

Learn more about how to identify a heroin pipe

Other Signs Of A Heroin Addiction

People who use illicit substances such as heroin, meth, cocaine, or other drugs will usually do so in a private area.

You may notice loved ones spending more time alone in their bedrooms, or locked in the bathroom for several hours at a time.

There may also be an usually large amount of cotton balls or aluminum foil in the trash or lying around the house, or plastic baggies with a white residue on the inside.

Spoons are often used to dissolve black tar heroin for IV injection. There may be spoons missing from the kitchen, or you may find spoons bent at a 90-degree angle lying around.

Treatment Programs For Heroin Use Disorders

There are several treatment options for heroin drug addiction or co-occurring alcohol addiction issues available at a rehab center.

Drug addiction treatment may include:

• medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioids
• individual and group counseling
• medically monitored detoxification
• 12-step programs
• dual diagnosis care

It’s important for people experiencing a substance use disorder to find an evidence-based treatment facility before attempting to recover cold turkey.

Withdrawal symptoms from drugs such as heroin can be dangerous, and medical supervision is advised.

Find Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

For additional information about heroin addiction or inpatient treatment programs, call the helpline at Bedrock Recovery Center today.

Our team can answer your questions about drug addiction, or provide a referral for medical advice.