Heroin Addiction | Definition, Symptoms and Effects

Heroin is obtained from the Opium poppy and mixed with Morphine – a drug often administered by doctors for patients in palliative care. It is a class A illicit substance, and given that one in four people who try heroin for the first time become addicted, it is perhaps simultaneously one of the most addictive and dangerous drugs on the planet.

Unlike alternative opiate drugs, heroin is often cheaper, and its powdered appearance is usually brown, but it can be white or tar-like black. It is often associated with intravenous use (injection via needles), although it’s not uncommon for it to be smoked or inhaled, and its effects take place instantly; the brain’s pain receptors become numb, causing users to reside in a temporary but acute state of relaxation, often feeling comatose.

Heroin attaches to opioid receptors in the brain, leading to a release of artificial dopamine, which gives rise to all-around feelings of euphoria, pleasure, and relaxation. The euphoric and comatose state usually lasts for around three to five hours.

Sooner or later, we cannot feel normal without the drug because the brain cannot produce natural amounts of dopamine by itself. This usually results in us craving another fix; once we become physically dependent on heroin, we’ll require stronger doses to recreate the original sense of elation – thus building a terrifying tolerance.

One of the most unacknowledged and tragic factors of heroin addiction is that those addicted physically need to keep the drug in their system to avoid the highly uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. What’s most distressing of all is that heroin addicts often feel so desperate for their next fix that they can neglect or abandon those they love. Although it seems like they’re choosing heroin over you, they are not consciously doing so, and many feel powerless to control it. Furthermore, many heroin addicts attempt to stop, but our bodies won’t allow us, thus making heroin addiction feel like a noose around our necks.

It’s not just the person addicted who suffers; the consequences of caring about somebody with a heroin addiction can be utterly heart-wrenching for family and friends to witness. We know it feels excruciatingly painful to see a loved one succumb to heroin addiction, and we understand that if you’re helplessly watching on the sidelines, your mental health may greatly suffer also.

How heroin addiction hides itself

Heroin dealers don’t call heroin by its real name. They will often use code names for heroin, so they don’t arouse suspicion. If someone you love is using the following names in text messages or person, they may be referring to heroin.

Spending some time in a rehabilitation centre is the best course to overcome heroin addiction. You’ll first be given thorough heroin detoxification, and then afterwards, you will be asked to attend various holistic rehab therapies. These will help you to understand the underlying cause of heroin addiction, which will empower you with the awareness you need to build and maintain abstinence.

You can find more information on how to start your heroin addiction treatment. If you think you are ready to make the first step, please reach out and call us at Primrose Lodge today. Our friendly and supportive team understands what you’re going through, and we’re here to support you.