What is heroin and how does it affect the body?
Heroin is an opioid drug created from morphine obtained from the seed pod of the various poppy plants. Heroin can be produced as a white or brown powder or a black sticky substance is known as black tar heroin. It can be smoked, sniffed, injected, or inserted rectally. Individuals who use heroin describe a feeling of warmth, relaxation, detachment, and reduced anxiety. The effects of heroin appear quickly and last for several hours. There is a high potential for abuse. An estimated 13.5 million people in the world take opioids (opium-like substances), including 9.2 million who use heroin.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms, Signs, Detox & Treatment
Effects of Heroin on Your Body
After entering the brain, heroin rapidly binds itself to the opioid receptors. Addicts usually report feeling a surge of pleasurable emotion or a rush. The intensity of the rush depends on the quantity of drugs consumed and how rapidly it binds with the opioid receptors present in the brain. With heroin, the thrill is generally followed by a heavy feeling, dry mouth, and warm flushing of the skin.
The prolonged use of heroin will eventually change the structure and functioning of the brain, leading to tolerance and dependence. Physical heroin dependence is when an individual develops the need to continue using the drug to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Psychological dependence occurs when an individual firmly believes that they cannot function without heroin. This is extremely common due to the addictive nature of heroin and the physical withdrawal symptoms that occur when stopping the drug.
Common Street Names for Heroin
Some commonly used street names include Junk, Horse, Smack, Brown Sugar, Dope, H, Skag, Snow, China White, Brown, Beast, Hero, Black, Tar, Heron.
Signs and Symptoms
Looking for Signs of Heroin Abuse
The rate of individuals consuming heroin in the United States has risen steadily since 2007. There are several common signs that one can look for in a person who is physically dependent on heroin:
If you see signs of drug abuse, it is recommended to seek help from addiction recovery services.
Signs of a Heroin Overdose
A heroin overdose occurs when a person consumes the drug lethally, causing life-threatening effects like death.
The most common symptoms of a heroin overdose are:
- Pale skin
- Blue tint on lips and fingertips
- A weak pulse and low blood pressure
- Shallow breathing (even gasping)
- A discolored tongue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Extremely constricted pupils
Heroin Effects on the Body
There is no safe level of use of heroin. The drug’s impact depends on a few factors such as a person’s weight, overall health, rate of consumption, and intake method.
For the next three to five hours after use, users usually experience:
Chronic use can lead to long term health consequences, such as the following:
In addition to the above risks, long-term use of heroin can change the functioning of a person’s brain. Heroin addiction is challenging to overcome without help. We are here to help you on the road to recovery.
Heroin Withdrawal Treatment
Users begin experiencing withdrawal between 6 and 12 hours after their last dose. Withdrawal from heroin may resemble those of prescription opioids. Because heroin leaves the user’s system faster than painkillers do, withdrawal comes on quicker.
Heroin Detox Facility help you taper off opioids safely by creating custom treatment plans based on your addiction assessment, medical profile, and needs. We also combine support groups, individual therapy, group therapy, behavioral therapy, and family therapies to assist your recovery.
