What Is Heroin Addiction?

Heroin, an illicit opioid drug, is incredibly addictive and is classified as a controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse. It can be injected, snorted, or smoked, quickly binding to opioid receptors in the brain, resulting in feelings of euphoria and pain relief. However, heroin use poses serious health risks, including respiratory failure, addiction, overdose, and transmission of infectious diseases through needle sharing.

What Are Different Types of Heroin?

Heroin comes in various forms, including white powder, brown powder, and black tar.

What Does It Look Like?

White powder heroin resembles baking soda or powdered sugar, while brown powder heroin can range from light tan to dark brown, often with a powdery consistency. Black tar heroin is dark and sticky and, like its name, is tar-like in texture.

Who Uses It?

Like other substances, heroin use spans many different demographics. Addiction to heroin doesn’t discriminate, and users may come from various backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, ages, and professions. Sometimes, it is mental health issues or stress that leads someone to heroin use. However, some people turn to heroin after becoming addicted to prescription painkillers that they obtained from doctors for legitimate reasons. Once their prescriptions run out, they find that obtaining heroin illicitly is often easier and less expensive than finding the painkillers they are addicted to.  

How Does It Make You Feel?

Heroin induces relaxation, euphoria, and numbness to physical and emotional pain, often accompanied by a warm sensation. The effects are short-lived, leading to tolerance and dependence with repeated use.

How Long Does the Feeling Last?

Heroin’s euphoric effects typically last a few hours, depending on how much is used and whether it’s snorted, smoked, or injected. 

Is It Addictive?

Yes, heroin is highly addictive, leading to physical and psychological dependence that makes quitting challenging without professional help. The withdrawal from heroin is typically very uncomfortable, even painful, for most people. As a result, using more of the drug is appealing because it will make those symptoms go away. At New Life Recovery, we can help you get through heroin detox safely and comfortably. 

Is It Dangerous?

Heroin consumption poses significant health risks, including the possibility of overdose, respiratory failure, contracting infectious diseases through needle sharing, and exacerbating mental health issues. The illicit and unregulated nature of the drug further increases these dangers because there is no way of knowing what heroin is mixed with. Additionally, because heroin is an illegal substance, it carries legal ramifications as well. 

What Are The Long-term Effects of Using Heroin?

Long-term heroin addiction can have profound and detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. Some of the long-term consequences may include:

• Cardiovascular issues, including heart infections, collapsed veins, and circulatory problems
• Respiratory problems like pneumonia 
• Liver and kidney disease
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C
• Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions
• Cognitive impairment
• Overdose
• Death

Signs & Symptoms of Heroin Abuse

Some of the most common indicators of heroin abuse and addiction include: 

• Pinpoint pupils
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue, drowsiness, and nodding off
• Isolation and secrecy
• Neglecting responsibilities 
• Track marks (from injections)
• Unexplained financial problems 
• Asking for money without a clear explanation

Benefits of Heroin Detox Program

Attending a heroin detox program provides you with some important benefits. Our program offers medically supervised withdrawal in a safe, comfortable environment. Detoxing from heroin on your own can be very uncomfortable and may result in medical complications. At New Life Recovery, you are assured that you will be monitored and kept as comfortable as possible during the detox process. Additionally, completing the program will instill motivation for continuing with treatment in an inpatient or outpatient program. Our detox program provides a supportive environment that is crucial for promoting recovery and preventing relapse. Ultimately, detox programs are vital steps toward achieving lasting sobriety and overall wellness.

Where Can I Find Help, Treatment, and Support?

For assistance with heroin addiction, New Life Recovery offers personalized treatment programs at all levels of care and support to guide you on your recovery journey.

How To Pay For Heroin Detox Program:

Financing heroin detox can be done through your health insurance, government assistance programs, or payment plans offered by your treatment center. Seeking help is a crucial step toward recovery, and resources are available to support individuals in overcoming heroin addiction. Contact one of our compassionate admissions experts for more information about paying for rehab.