Heroin is one of the most commonly used and most addictive drugs of all time. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, approximately 902,000 Americans use heroin each year.
So, why is heroin so addictive, and what is the science and reasoning behind it?
Read on to learn more about heroin addiction, treatment, and recovery so you can help yourself or someone you love.
Why is Heroin so Addictive?
While many drugs are difficult to stop once a user starts, heroin is one of the most difficult. This opioid drug comes from morphine, which is a naturally occurring substance derived from poppy plants.
When someone uses heroin, it enters the brain rapidly. Once the drug is taken, it binds to opioid receptors which leads to the person feeling relaxed and euphoric. Once it’s bound to those receptors, the drug releases dopamine which is a neurotransmitter directed toward the pleasure and reward center of the brain.
Heroin is not only an extremely potent drug, but it’s also fast-acting, which also leads to its addictive effects. Most users say they have an impulse to use more once those effects wear off, leading to the addiction cycle repeating itself.
Why is heroin so addictive? Because it can actually change the brain and distort areas that are related to making decisions and impulse control. Those changes make it extremely difficult for someone to stop using heroin.
Even those who want to stop using this drug have a tough time once they start. Chronic use of heroin can ultimately alter the pathways of the brain and make “normal” rewards feel much less pleasurable. This only increases the user’s desire to use the drug again.
Feeling High
Those who use heroin describe it as a “rush” and feelings of heightened happiness and awareness. How “high” a person feels may depend on their body weight, overall health, and the strength of the drug or how much they’ve used in the past.
Most people say that they feel the high from heroin for around three to five hours after using it. Intense feelings of pleasure, a slower heartbeat, and a decreased appetite are common.
Heroin allows people to quickly cope with the stress of life or deal with either physical or emotional pain. Users tend to crave more after the first use, which is what often leads to addiction. Some users may become addicted to heroin in as little as a week or less.
Heroin Addiction Signs
If you’re concerned that someone you know may be addicted to heroin, it’s crucial to know the signs. Once you’re aware of what heroin addiction looks like, you can help the person take steps toward recovery.
Common physical symptoms include constant itching (usually at one or two areas of the body), rapid weight loss, and slurred speech. The person may seem drowsy often or could even fall asleep out of nowhere. Dry mouth, nausea, and irritability are other common signs.
If someone seems to develop a tolerance to heroin, this is a strong sign that the person is addicted. Any drug use that is performed repeatedly will eventually lead to tolerance. This means the person will need more of the drug or stronger doses to get the same effects.
Heroin Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms
Once someone is addicted to heroin, they may experience withdrawal if they stop using it. The withdrawal process is quite uncomfortable, but it can also be very dangerous if it’s not addressed.
Some signs of heroin withdrawal include muscle and/or bone pain, restlessness, and insomnia. The person may also get a fever, feel “hot and cold,” and deal with diarrhea and vomiting. If the withdrawal symptoms are too intense, the person may go back to using heroin just to get relief.
Both heroin addiction and withdrawal also present some personality changes. This may include social isolation, anxiety, depression, and intense bouts of anger. Problems with work, school, and family life are also common.
Long-term use of heroin is even more dangerous than the withdrawal. It can lead to a range of issues including lung infections, vein collapses (from frequent injections), and kidney or liver disease. Some people also experience extreme anxiety or even bipolar disorder.
Heroin Addiction Treatment
Fortunately, there is hope for those addicted to heroin. The process of recovery from the drug requires several steps and lots of support.
In most cases, medically supervised detox is recommended so that the person is monitored by a healthcare professional. They can also ensure that the pain and discomfort of withdrawal are minimized in a safe environment.
Once a person is physically detoxed from the drug, they may receive a variety of treatments. These treatments are usually two-part: medical and behavioral so the person recovers both physically and mentally.
It’s important to note that each person is unique and will have their individual needs when it comes to treatment and heroin addiction recovery. A holistic program that goes beyond detox and treats physical and mental issues together is the best approach.
Patients should also undergo an ongoing learning process that helps them live a healthier, happier life. Look for programs that include professional nutritionists, mental health professionals, and trainers so the person can improve their life through diet and other healthy means.
Residential rehab is an excellent way to help someone addicted to heroin recover, like the services at Americasrehabcampuses.com. Through various on-site treatment programs, addicts can talk to others going through the same thing while remaining in a safe, calm, monitored environment.
This option helps people avoid relapse while also getting the level of support they need to fully recover as they stay sober. A staff of experienced professionals can make a huge difference in someone’s life who wants to recover and return to a normal life.
Recovery is Possible
Why is heroin so addictive? This powerful drug has a strong grip on many people, but fortunately, real recovery and sobriety are possible with the right care, support, and treatment.
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