Made from morphine, heroin is an illegal opioid which has become more than common in today’s society. People usually use this drug by inhaling, sniffing, or injecting it directly into the veins.
The rise in heroin addiction is closely linked to the broader opioid epidemic, which has seen a significant increase in addiction to opioid pain medicines in the United States.
Despite knowing the devastating consequences of the drug, there are individuals falling prey to heroin use disorder. Often, what they may have started as an escape develops into a dependency that, with time, becomes impossible to get rid of.
However, with the right support, a structured treatment plan and credible professionals, recovery is within reach! At PCP (the Perry Clayman Project), we ensure to make the healing journey as smooth as possible. Our experts understand how challenging this process can be and thus personalise every treatment plan accordingly to support a swift recovery.
Introduction to Drug Addiction
Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is a chronic and complex condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the inability to control the use of a substance, despite the negative consequences it may have on a person’s life. This condition can involve the use of illicit drugs, prescription medications, or other substances, and can have serious repercussions on a person’s physical and mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, drug addiction is a treatable condition that requires a comprehensive treatment plan. This plan often includes medication, therapy, and support groups to address the multifaceted nature of the disorder and support long-term recovery.
What May Cause Heroin Addiction?
Several factors contribute to why people do not just wake up one day and decide to start using heroin out of nowhere. There is a whole science behind this addiction, which may stem from:
Family Influence
The family of an individual has a powerful influence on deciding whether he or she will abuse drugs in the future. For example, if one has heroin dependency in his or her family history, then he or she will be prone to become dependent on the same drug. It might not be today or tomorrow, but one day this person will also resort to heroin to seek pleasure. Recognising the signs of drug use in a family member is crucial for early intervention and support.
Peer Pressure
There can be instances when a person’s friends or colleagues have been addicted to heroin. And to get accepted into that circle, this individual, who previously had never done drugs, may start doing it under pressure from peers who are drug users.
Stress or Mental Health Issues
With lives becoming more hectic than usual, people are more keen towards exploring ways to seek instant pleasure. Addiction to drugs, including heroin, often fills this void due to their instant rewarding nature. People may often abuse these substances to experience a temporary high and forget about their worries. This abuse can lead to long-term health problems, including mental disorders, which are common among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and addiction.
Understanding Opiate Addiction
Opiate addiction is a specific type of substance use disorder that involves the use of opioid medications, such as heroin, morphine, or prescription painkillers. These substances work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, producing feelings of pleasure and relaxation. However, they can also cause negative effects, such as drowsiness, constipation, and respiratory depression. Opiate addiction can lead to physical dependence, where the body requires the drug to function normally, and tolerance, where higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms can make it challenging for individuals to stop using the substance without medical help. The National Institute on Drug Abuse highlights that opioid addiction is a major public health concern, with millions of people struggling with opioid use disorder and needing comprehensive treatment to overcome.
The Stages Through Which Heroin Use Disorder Develops
Not even a single drug develops dependency through its single dose. The process is complex and involves stages such as:
● Initial Encounter: This is the phase where a person engages in drug use. In the case of heroin, an individual may either sniff, inhale, or inject the substance.
● Developing Tolerance: After a dose or two, the body might not be able to experience the same highs with the same dosage as before. This is because the body may have developed a tolerance against the drug. Now, to overcome this effect, the individual will have to increase the dose.
● Forming Dependency: In between satisfying the urges, overcoming tolerance, and increasing the dose, a person eventually forms dependency. This person now cannot function normally without having the substance.
Symptoms of Heroin Dependency
An individual’s heroin dependency can manifest in many ways. Nevertheless, the path they choose for addiction, their symptoms are more or less the same. A few of the most common signs of heroin use disorder may include:
● Anxiety
● Depression
● Sudden weight loss
● Runny nose or flu-like symptoms
● Dry mouth
● Inability to make decisions
● Constant state of confusion
● Random bruises around the body
The above were some general signs of heroin use disorder. Another symptom that could directly indicate if a person has developed this drug’s dependency depends on how he dresses or covers himself.
For example, someone starts to wear long-sleeved shirts or full-length clothes even in hot weather. This is to hide the marks or tracks from injecting heroin into their body. Additionally, addressing drug-related problems is crucial in rehabilitation to minimise behaviours leading to illicit drug use and foster new, healthier behaviours.
Heroin Addiction Impact on the Body Organs
Heroin use disorder can have some adverse consequences on the various organs of our body. It can impact:
● Brain and Nervous System: Heroin acts directly on the opioid receptors in the brain. As a result, the user may experience an intense euphoria at first and then distorted cognitive abilities later on. Additionally, there is a significant risk of opiate overdose, especially during the transitional phase between detoxification and the initiation of maintenance therapy.
● Heart: Often injected intravenously, over time, heroin can make its users’ veins collapse. In worst-case scenarios, this damage can also disturb the rate at which the heart pumps blood, increasing the chances of getting a heart attack.
● Digestive System: People who have developed dependency on heroin usually report poor appetite, constipation or bloating. This is because the substance is known to slow down digestion, which in turn creates all the chaos.
● Overall Immune System: Long-term addiction to heroin can disturb the production of white blood cells necessary for warding off infections. As a result, the user of the substance will frequently get ill or fail to heal from usual diseases.
Risks and Complications
Drug addiction can have serious risks and complications, including accidental overdose, infectious diseases, and mental health problems. Individuals who struggle with drug addiction are at a higher risk of experiencing physical health problems, such as tooth decay, blood-borne viruses, and respiratory infections. Additionally, drug addiction can lead to an increased risk of mental health disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. The Drug Enforcement Administration reports that synthetic drugs, such as fentanyl, can be highly addictive and deadly, underscoring the need for effective treatment and support services. Addressing these risks and complications is crucial for improving the overall health and well-being of individuals affected by drug addiction.
How Does Heroin Dependency Affect the Overall Quality of Life?
Besides impacting the human body organs, heroin use disorder also has a substantial impact on how an individual lives their life. It can result in:
● Disturbed Relationships: An individual with heroin dependence can never form stable relationships. Because they are always under the influence of the drug, they like to spend their time alone and, as a result, neglect important relationships around them.
● Financial Crisis: Addiction, whether it is to heroin or any other drug, is expensive. Those suffering from the condition may often go to any lengths to satisfy their urges. Such individuals may get involved in theft, debt, or vandalism to obtain the finances to fuel their addiction. The impact of addiction varies greatly depending on personal circumstances, including substance use and mental health.
● Legal Consequences: Possession of heroin is illegal in many countries. Individuals involved in dealing with or the use of this drug may face imprisonment, which may even complicate the process of reintegration into society.
Treatments for Heroin Use Disorder
Recovering from heroin addiction can seem like a never-ending battle. But the good news is that Rehab Today by PCP makes this journey more manageable and interactive by offering different treatments. Those with heroin use disorder can start their treatment at PCP with confidence.
Professional Assessment
A professional and thorough psychological as well as medical assessment by health care providers can decide what kind of treatment plan suits an individual’s condition the best. For this evaluation, a mental healthcare practitioner might ask you questions like:
● When and how did you start using heroin?
● What is your family and friends’ background? Are there any instances of heroin addiction there?
● Have you ever tried to quit using heroin? If yes, what was your reaction?
● What are the goals you want to achieve by the end of the treatment?
Detoxification
The next step involves safely getting rid of the addictive substance from a person’s body. This process, known as detoxification, is regulated under medical supervision to ensure safety and manage withdrawal symptoms effectively.
PCP offers multiple private drug detox clinics throughout the UK to help people recover from drug abuse. It provides the right setting and expert care to support you throughout the process. With us, you never have to consider detox as a painful intervention!
Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Quitting any addiction is accompanied by endless dangerous withdrawal symptoms. To ease the withdrawal process and support ongoing management through maintenance therapy, doctors may prescribe medications such as:
● Naltrexone
● Buprenorphine
Behavioural Therapies
Psychological support and behavioural therapies help mental health practitioners to identify what actually caused the dependency to develop. One such therapy is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which many of the therapists use. It aids in identifying the triggers or negative thought patterns and then developing healthy coping strategies to maintain an addiction-free life.
Inpatient or Outpatient Rehab Programmes
Depending on the severity of a person’s addiction, he or she may be asked to enrol in an inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programme. Those whose condition isn’t severe may also be allowed to attend day care rehab so they can continue with their daily life responsibilities. However, people with severe dependencies are advised to attend specialised rehabilitation programmes.
Take the First Step Towards a Healthier Life Today!
Heroin addiction can ruin a person’s life to the extent that he or she does not want to exist anymore. Even the withdrawal signs can become so distressing that they might begin using the drug again.
Here at Rehab Today by PCP, we want no one to have to fight heroin addiction alone. Therefore, our expert team offers comprehensive treatment programmes to help you regain control over your life. From medical-grade detox to inpatient and outpatient rehab plans, our recovery procedures are carefully curated for each and every individual.
We will be with you every step of the way. Contact us today and start on the path to a life free from addiction.
Your new chapter begins now.
