Heroin is a highly addictive drug made from the common painkiller morphine, and heroin addiction is a serious and widespread public health concern. Morphine is a substance that is taken from the seed pods of opium poppies which have psychoactive properties. Heroin can be a highly addictive substance and it can vary quite a lot in appearance from supply to supply, and this is due to the nature of the drug as well as what it is mixed with during the manufacturing process.
It is important to note that heroin is one of the most commonly used recreational drugs on the market, and as a result, many people die from overdosing on it every single year. It is important for those who have become addicted to heroin to search for treatment as soon as possible to avoid serious complications to the body and the mind.
How is Heroin Used?
Like most recreational drugs, heroin can be administered to the body through multiple means. The most common way to take this drug is by mixing it with water and then injecting it directly into the bloodstream. Other methods include sniffing, smoking, and snorting. For those looking for an extra high, it can be often mixed with other substances such as different drugs or alcohol – and this increases the risk of hospitalization.
How Addictive is Heroin?
Heroin is one of the most addictive drugs out there, and for many people, it is one of the most dangerous of all. Using heroin repeatedly can not only make a person feel addicted to the drug, but it can cause the body to become dependent on it, and this is where the real danger lies. Many people who become addicted to heroin need to get intensive treatment in order to help them overcome this dependency and sadly, many people relapse or struggle with the transition back to a healthy life.
When people who have become addicted to this drug stop taking it, they can experience some serious withdrawal symptoms including cold flushes, vomiting, muscle pain, and even insomnia. This is why people will continuously return to taking the drug as this has become their new normal.
What Does Heroin Do to the Brain and Body?
When a person starts to take heroin on a regular basis, many changes will happen in the body and all of these can be dangerous and potentially cause fatal consequences in the future.
The brain
The first thing to discuss when looking into long-term heroin use is the impact it has on the brain. Repeatedly using heroin will not only make a person feel addicted, but it will physically change the chemistry and the structure of the brain; and some of these changes can be almost impossible to reverse. Continued use of this drug will create imbalances of the hormones in the brain and this can lead to many problems throughout the body. Also, white matter is an important part of the brain and heroin can deteriorate levels of white matter to such an extreme that it becomes difficult to perform regular spacious awareness tasks or to make decisions.
Withdrawal
As we mentioned briefly above, the main impact that heroin has on the body is the withdrawal symptoms it creates once a person has become completely dependent on the drug. For those who have become addicted, withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as a few hours after the last time the drug was taken.
Some of these more immediate withdrawal symptoms can include things such as restlessness causing the person to become fidgety and shaky, muscle pain and bone pain that causes a person to feel vulnerable and immobile, vomiting as well as diarrhea which of course is unpleasant for anyone.
Twenty-four to forty-eight hours after the drug is taken, the withdrawal symptoms can become more extreme and this often causes the taker to find a source of the drug, no matter what stands in their way. This desperation is caused by the chemical changes in the body that makes a person so dependent on the drug that their drug-addicted instincts kick in without regard to the consequences they could face.
Getting Treatment for Heroin Addiction
It is more important than ever to get treatment as soon as you can if you or someone you know is struggling with heroin. This drug is highly addictive, and only professionals trained in drug management and rehab can safely guide a user through the recovery process. Finding an outpatient rehab is a crucial step that can truly save a life. Overcoming heroin addiction requires more than just willpower. Professional rehabilitation programs offer the medical supervision, evidence-based therapies and emotional support necessary to navigate withdrawal and prevent relapse. By addressing the root causes of addiction in a structured environment, individuals can successfully rebuild their lives and achieve lasting sobriety.
Why Choose Evolve Indy?
At Evolve Indy, we design our recovery plans around your specific needs. Our facility offers a safe, supportive and compassionate environment where you can focus entirely on healing. With a team of highly experienced addiction specialists, we provide the comprehensive care, modern therapies and community support needed to guide you through every stage of your recovery journey.
Take the First Step Today
Do not let heroin control your future any longer. Reach out to Evolve Indy today to speak with an admissions counselor about our intensive outpatient programs, customized treatment plans and therapy options. We are here to help you reclaim your life.