An opioid made from morphine; heroin is derived from opium poppy plants grown in various regions around the world. Make no mistake about it, there is no such thing as a “casual” heroin user, as heroin addiction can show its face after only one use.
It comes in the form of a white or brown powder, or a black, sticky tar-like substance. If you have ever used heroin, you have likely come to know it by its most notorious quality, which is its extreme euphoric rush that leaves you wanting more.
How Addictive Is Heroin?
Heroin is definitely one of the most, if not the most addictive drugs on the planet. This is due to the fact that when it is injected, snorted, or smoked, a large amount of dopamine is released into the bloodstream, creating an intense rush of pleasure. Logically, you want to recreate this experience over and over again, and a heroin addiction quickly develops.
Before you know it, you need a larger amount of heroin in order to feel the same way you did in the beginning. You begin doing more heroin, more often. At this point, your heroin addiction takes over and it is all that you can focus upon. You may stop meeting your responsibilities at work, school or at home. You might notice that your life appears to be falling apart, as you can’t think of anything else but getting your next high.
Long-Term Effects of Heroin
Permanent changes in your mind and body can occur from using heroin long-term. It actually deteriorates the white matter of your brain. Heroin addiction causes imbalances in your brain’s neurotransmitters and hormones.
Problems with decision-making, emotional issues, and stress responses are all affected as a result of long-term heroin use.
You may have collapsed veins due to injecting heroin and develop abscesses. Lung complications may occur as well as an infection of the heart lining and valves. Liver and kidney disease are a risk. Sexual dysfunction in men and irregular menstrual cycles for women are both commonly experienced.
Treatment for Overcoming a Heroin Addiction
Breaking free from heroin addiction is not something you should attempt to do alone. Detoxifying yourself from heroin logically becomes the first step. During this period, you should expect to experience many difficult symptoms which may include:
- Intense drug cravings
- Sweating or shaking
- Depression or agitation
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Muscle spasms
- Nervousness
Because these symptoms can become so extreme, your best bet is to get professional help at a rehab center. Medical detox providers utilize medications and therapy to help lessen these symptoms you may be experiencing, increasing the probability that you will move through your withdrawal period safely and successfully.
Another helpful aspect of heroin addiction treatment is talk therapy. Therapists help you uncover why you started using heroin to begin with. They will also help you develop coping strategies to avoid falling back into relapse and using heroin again.
Receive the Help You Need at Asheville Detox
Has heroin addiction taken over your life? We at Asheville Detox understand how wicked a drug heroin is, and how difficult it can be to rid your life of it. That is why we are committed to being there for you, through every moment of your rehab period.
We know how to make you feel safe and comfortable during this challenging time of your life. Trust our team of professionals and take the first step to become clean again. If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, call us today to learn how we can help you beat your addiction and restore peace in your life.
