Heroin AddictionWhat is Heroin?

Heroin is a highly addictive and illegal drug that is derived from morphine, or the opium poppy. Originally created in 1974, heroin was used medicinally until the addictive potential of this drug was acknowledged. It currently has no approved medical use in the United States. Heroin functions as a depressant or “downer” in that it inhibits the brain’s ability to distinguish pain and alters the brain’s pleasure systems. There are several street names or slang terms for Heroin, including “junk”, “H”, “black tar”, “smack”, and “skag”. Typically, heroin is sold as a white or brownish powder and is usually “cut” with other drugs or ingredients that include starch, sugar, powdered milk, quinine, or other poisons. Heroin can be used in a range of ways, depending on the preference of the user and the purity of the drug, though is usually smoked, injected, sniffed or snorted. The abuse of Heroin, both short and long term, can result in devastating physical, mental, and emotional consequences.

Heroin Addiction Statistics

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), teenagers have reasonably easy access to heroin. Also from the NSDUH information, among recent first time heroin users, ages 12 to 49, the average age was 20.7. This may reveal that many heroin users begin using the drug in early adulthood. Other heroin statistics include the following:

Causes of Heroin Addiction

Addiction to heroin can be caused by a variety of factors. Major underlying causes of heroin abuse are related to biological, psychological, and social/environmental factors. Biological factors that can attribute to heroin addiction include genetic influences as well as variances in brain mechanisms and body chemistry linked to drug abuse. Psychological factors connected with heroin addiction are underlying traumas, cases of abuse, feelings of depression, anxiety, etc. Heroin may be used in an attempt to escape from uncomfortable feelings, pain, or realities of living. Social/environmental factors that can contribute to drug addictions include family substance use, availability and acceptability of drugs within the community, and pressure from peer groups. Circumstances such as poverty, poor housing, and homelessness are other examples of social/environmental factors that can be linked to heroin addiction. Heroin addiction can also be co-occurring with abuse of other substances, alcohol, and even eating disorders. The addiction nature is influenced by several factors, and it is likely that heroin abusers may struggle with another form of addiction.

Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Use, Addiction, and Dependence

Men and women who are using heroin may display the following signs and symptoms:

Individuals who are addicted to heroin may exhibit the following signs and symptoms:

Lastly, the following signs and symptoms can occur with dependency on heroin:

Heroin Effects

Addiction to heroin can cause numerable short and long term consequences on the user. These consequences can impact a man or woman physically, psychologically/mentally, and socially. The following are ways that heroin can impact the various facets of a user’s life:

Physical Effects – The use of the drug heroin can physically compromise the normal behaviors and mechanisms of the body by interfering with the various systems. Here are some negative physical consequences resulting from using the drug Heroin:

Psychological / Mental Effects – Using heroin can also have negative impacts on mental health. Here are some negative psychological and mental effects from using Heroin:

Social Effects – The use of Heroin can result in multiple negative social effects. These can include the following:

Heroin Withdrawal

When a man or woman becomes dependent on a drug, such as Heroin, a physiological withdrawal state will occur when the drug use is stopped or reduce. Physical withdrawal symptoms can last from 48-72 hours or as long as 30-60 days. This is dependent on the quantity, frequency, type, and extent of time heroin may have been used. During the state of withdrawal from heroin, the body is attempting to recuperate from the interference of the drug within its systems and the dysfunction the drug may have caused

Withdrawal from Heroin may cause the following symptoms:

For anyone who has become dependent on Heroin and is attempting to withdraw from the drug, there is a potential risk of relapsing. A relapse means returning to the use of Heroin after a phase of abstinence from the drug. This can be a common occurrence for men and women who are making an effort to stay clean for the first time. Heroin relapse can be caused by several issues that can be successfully treated. Having the support of a rehabilitation center and treatment team can create long term success for recovery and relapse prevention.

Heroin Treatment and Help

Heroin addiction is a debilitating habit that can result in a number of negative consequences. If you or a loved one is struggling with a heroin addiction, the first step towards overcoming this is by identifying the problem. Obtaining professional help is crucial to dealing with the complications that may have resulted from heroin use. Heroin addiction can be overwhelming and devastating to deal with, but fortunately, you do not have to be alone. Heroin addiction treatment should be approached in holistic manner including intensive therapy, behavioral therapies and support that leading rehab centers provide. If you are fighting urges to use, even if you believe the problem is under control, call us right now at 1-888-563-5213. Our helpline representatives can answer your questions and provide you with tips for immediate treatment options at the appropriate recovery center in your area.