Heroin addiction, effects, withdrawal from heroin, detox,
and treating heroin abuse
Heroin is a highly addictive drug that
is derived from morphine. Heroin comes in the form of a powder
that is usually white or brown in color. In the past it was
more common for heroin users to inject the drug intravenously
however recently more and more users smoke and snort heroin
because of the high risk of disease transmission and also
because they believe they will not become addicted. No matter
how heroin is used, it is addictive. There are serious health
risks associated with the use of heroin but because of its
euphoric, irresistible high, many people are unable to "kick"
the habit even after they have experienced the consequences.
Heroin effects include cloudiness as well as possible depression
and long-term use can lead to heart problems abscesses, and
liver disease. People who use heroin habitually usually lose
relationships, friends and any activities that were once important
to them because heroin takes over their lives. Dreams and
goals that were once at the
forefront of people’s minds are clouded over by the
necessity of getting high.
Dependence on heroin occurs very quickly,
even after only using the drug a few times. People who use
heroin develop a tolerance to the drug, meaning they
need more and more of it to achieve the same feeling. Once
a person has become addicted to heroin, the chances of stopping
without outside help are slim. Among heroin addicts overdose,
institutionalization and death are all common. People who
are addicted to heroin are often afraid to quit because the
withdrawal symptoms are too severe. These symptoms include
craving, restlessness, insomnia, vomiting and pain. Heroin
symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks,
in some cases longer, and are usually very painful. Heroin
withdrawal is not usually fatal however people undergoing
withdrawal symptoms often believe them to be because they
are so painful. Many of these users opt to continue the detrimental
cycle of heroin addiction because they do not want to experience
the pain.
There are many different programs and treatments
for heroin addiction including medications as well as behavioral
and therapeutic models. Heroin addiction is treatable and
usually begins with a medical detoxification program. In a
treatment center there is constant supervision so if something
goes wrong a medical professional can take care of it. Treatment
provides an outlet that heroin addicts on the street do not
have. Treatment for heroin addiction is quite
common and very effective.
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