Heroin addicts may have little or no eyebrows due to a combination of factors related to their drug use and lifestyle:
Compulsive behavior: Heroin addiction can lead to compulsive behaviors, including repetitive plucking or pulling of hair, known as trichotillomania. This behavior can result in the loss of eyebrows over time.
Poor self-care: Substance abuse, including heroin addiction, often leads to neglect of personal hygiene and self-care. Addicts may not pay attention to grooming habits, including trimming or maintaining their eyebrows.
Malnutrition: Heroin use can suppress appetite and lead to poor dietary choices. Malnutrition and deficiencies in essential nutrients can result in hair loss, including the loss of eyebrow hair.
Weakened immune system: Chronic drug use, especially intravenous drug use, can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections and skin-related issues that may affect hair growth.
Skin-picking and infections: Heroin users may experience skin-picking behaviors, especially if they inject the drug. This can lead to skin infections and scarring, including in the eyebrow area, which may contribute to hair loss.
Stress and mental health issues: Addiction can be accompanied by significant stress and mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions may lead to increased hair-pulling or contribute to the neglect of personal grooming.
It's important to note that the loss of eyebrows is not a universal trait among all heroin addicts, and individual experiences can vary significantly. If you or someone you know is struggling with heroin addiction, it's crucial to seek professional help and support to address the underlying issues and work towards recovery and overall well-being.