Heroin is an opioid made from the naturally occurring sap found in opium poppies. To make heroin more potent, drug producers add ammonia, fentanyl, chloroform, strychnine, and other hazardous materials. If you have a loved one who is losing the battle with heroin addiction, contact Rise Above by calling (877) 641-0717 to get information about our inpatient drug rehabilitation center.
How Does Heroin Work?
Heroin, fentanyl, and other opioids work by binding to pain receptors in the nervous system and blocking pain signals to the rest of the body. Legal opioids like morphine, methadone, fentanyl, hydrocodone, and codeine allow people to heal more peacefully from surgery by providing temporary relief from pain and discomfort. However, using opioids like heroin for long periods of time causes tolerance. This means that more of the drug is required in order for a person to get relief. Using heroin for extended periods of time causes the body to feel dependent on the drug. At the same time, heroin use causes an array of health and social problems. It can even result in overdose and death.Why Do People Use Heroin?
People use heroin because they are desperate for relief from pain and anxiety. As a Schedule I drug under the United States Controlled Substances Act, heroin is an extremely dangerous and addictive drug. Using heroin profoundly impairs the social, psychological, family, and occupational functioning of the user, but it also prevents people from feeling any kind of pain. Heroin users describe a rush of relief upon administration of the drug. Heroin has no approved medical use in California, or anywhere in the United States; however, it is one of the most frequently abused drugs in the state.Treating Heroin Addiction
Treatment options for overcoming a heroin addiction are most effective when clients have access to a full continuum of care. This includes residential rehab and partial hospitalization options. After finishing inpatient addiction treatment, people should have access to sober living and outpatient treatment. At Rise Above we offer heroin addiction treatment in the following programs:- Medical detox
- Inpatient rehab
- Partial hospitalization
- Sober living homes
Is My Wife, Husband, Daughter, or Son Addicted to Heroin?
Many heroin and fentanyl users turn to drugs in search of the rush of temporary relief from extreme pain and daily anguish caused by past trauma, including rape, abuse, violence, etc., and co-occurring mental health concerns. Heroin users report feelings of absolute euphoria and a complete, temporary absence of all physiological and psychological distress. The effects of heroin use are similar to those experienced with drugs like fentanyl, morphine, hydrocodone, and carfentanil. Consequences of heroin addiction include:- Semiconsciousness (nodding out)
- Slurred speech
- Constipation and stomach cramps
- Heart and lung infections
- Sexual dysfunction
- Hallucinations
- Avoiding friends and loved ones
- Collapsed veins
- Bacterial infections
- Respiratory depression
- Disorientation
- Severe itching and picking at the skin
- Damaged veins and tissue
- Liver and kidney disease
- AIDS and Hepatitis C
- Constricted, pinpoint pupils
