Heroin is a highly addictive illegal drug made from morphine, a natural product of the opium poppy plant. The morphine is further chemically modified to become heroin. It continues to be a commonly abused drug in the U.S., even with its reputation of being high risk. Here are some statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse for 2015:
Slang terms for heroin are:
Heroin is a depressant commonly used for its sedative effects, heroin comes in the form of white or brown powder or as a tar-like substance; it’s typically injected, smoked, or sniffed. To get a faster high, many abusers will intravenously inject the drug. When you introduce heroin to the brain, it converts to morphine and interacts with the opioid receptors in the brain. Combined with an influx of pleasurable feelings referred to as a “rush.” When the rush is over, the depressant drug makes a person quite drowsy for hours and slows down the heart and breathing.
Overdosing on heroin can cause respiratory failure, with breathing, slowed to the point of death. Heroin is highly addictive and felt the fastest of all opiates, hence why addicts commonly prefer it. Long-term use can to being dependent on the drug or addiction. To avoid getting sick from withdrawal, and not to get high, a heroin addict usually will keep using the drug. An addict may even combine other opiates such as prescription drugs that contain oxycodone or hydrocodone, for continual opioid influence in the body.
Here are some typical signs and symptoms of using heroin:
Some of the following effects of heroin abuse include:
When used long-term, abusing heroin can lead to dependency and addiction; this severely changes the behavior and life of the individual to one who always seeks and uses the drug. A higher dose can lead to lethal levels of heroin and overdosing. People who inject the drug have many risks associated with drug addiction; some of these effects include scars and veins collapsing, infections, if the needle isn’t sterilized, hepatitis B or C, or HIV (AIDS). Chronic use can also lead to lung damage.
Heroin addicts go through withdrawal symptoms when stopping the drug; these symptoms usually peak the first day or two after use and last for many days after.
Over a period, heroin withdrawal can include nausea and vomiting, cold sweats, chills, crying, fever, insomnia, feeling of heaviness, intense cramping in limbs that results in “kicking,” as well as intense heroin cravings. Severe muscle and bone aches, profuse sweating, and diarrhea can also occur as the body tries to readjust from the effects of heroin usage.
The individual must get proper treatment for successfully overcoming heroin addiction; this includes a holistic program aimed toward addressing personal struggles and therapy, coupled with a long-term action plan for continued care after treatment is complete.
To begin the healing process, opt for the best Utah heroin addiction treatment program. Ardu Recovery Center in Provo, Utah, offers comprehensive substance abuse recovery programs that are designed to get users back on their feet and free of drugs. If you’re prepared to put in the effort, our professionals will help you ease into a sober and healthy new life.
Depending on your needs, we offer programs and therapies like: