Contrary to what some may believe, heroin addiction is ravaging discreetly worldwide. As stated by the Office For National Statistics (ONS), in 2016, in England and Wales alone, reports discovered a devastating 3,744 drug poisoning deaths, with nearly 30% of them being attributed to poisoning from heroin and/or morphine. Despite these staggering statistics, drug poisoning is not the only way in which heroin abuse is impacting the lives of individuals in the UK. Rather, due to the extremely addictive potential of the drug, anyone who is exposed to the effects of heroin can quickly develop heroin addiction and experience long-lasting health consequences associated with it.
Oftentimes, conversations surrounding invasive and harmful drugs, like heroin, are kept in the shadows until individuals become directly affected by such drug use in their lives or the lives of their loved ones. Unfortunately, leaving these conversations in the shadows will only inform worsening consequences for individuals who have heroin addiction or are otherwise vulnerable to developing heroin addiction throughout their lifetime. For this reason, it is necessary to shed light on heroin addiction, including dispelling stigmas and misinformation, educating others on its warning signs and symptoms, effective routes for treatment and recovery, and everything in between.
We at PCP – The Perry Clayman Project are no strangers to the devastating effects of all types of alcohol and drug addiction, especially heroin addiction. Our organisation offers comprehensive rehabilitation programmes in five locations across the UK to help individuals through every step of the recovery process – from detoxification – used to establish initial sobriety – to long-term aftercare – used to maintain sobriety and prevent a future continuation of previous substance use. Although effective heroin addiction treatment is complex, it is necessary to foster lifelong sobriety and recovery from its lingering effects.
Understanding Heroin Addiction: What Is Heroin?
Heroin (also known as diacetylmorphine or diamorphine) is a semi-synthetic and highly addictive opioid drug. According to a Drug Fact Sheet curated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), heroin is processed from morphine, “a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of certain varieties of poppy plants grown in: Mexico, South America, Southeast Asia… and Southwest Asia.”
Generally, opioids are substances that work by binding to specific receptors in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly the spinal cord and brain, to reduce the perceived intensity of physical pain. In addition to blocking pain signals, opioids also release large amounts of dopamine throughout the nervous system, which can contribute to feelings of pleasure, contentment, and euphoria. As stated by Drug Science:
[Heroin] works by affecting brain receptors involved in reward, pleasure and the perception of pain. The chemical modification of the morphine molecule to produce diamorphine has produced a drug that crosses the blood-brain barrier more quickly than morphine – this produces a rapid rise in brain levels of the drug and what users term a ‘rush’.
Thus, the differentiating factors between heroin and morphine include the speed of onset, drug potency, duration of effects, and associated toxicity in high doses. Additionally, morphine is an opiate derived from natural plant matter, whereas heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from the opiate morphine.
In the UK, recreational heroin is a class A drug alongside the following substances:
- Cocaine (including crack)
- Ecstacy (MDMA)
- LSD
Magic mushrooms - Methadone
- Methamphetamine (crystal meth)
Class A drugs are substances that which Parliament considers to be the most harmful. Different types of drug classes inform the severity of drug penalties, along with the amount of a substance one has in possession, as well as if they are dealing or producing it. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical heroin is used for medical purposes in many countries, more specifically for relief from both acute and chronic pain.
How Is Heroin Used?
As noted by Drug Science, there are several routes of administration when it comes to heroin use. The first route of administration is through injection, the use of a syringe and needles to inject heroin into the skin, typically into a vein or a muscle. It is important to note that although this is one of the most common ways that people use heroin, this route of administration poses great risks to an individual’s health and well-being. Not only does it make individuals vulnerable to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections (including hepatitis, HIV, and other pathogens), but injection is also the most potent way to use heroin, placing individuals at risk of drug overdose.
The next route of administration for heroin use is by vaporising it and inhaling, smoking, or snorting it. When compared to injecting heroin, smoking heroin has a much lower risk of overdose. Yet, smoking or snorting any substance can still pose unique risks to organ health, compromising cardiovascular, respiratory, and many other organ systems.
The last way that people use heroin is rectally. Although rectal heroin use may be safer than injecting heroin, it still poses complications about potential drug overdose. In other words, there is nothing that can be done if an individual uses too much.
Recognising the Harmful Effects of Heroin Use
The National Insitute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) highlights that the intensity of the “rush” of euphoric pleasure that results from heroin use depends on several factors, including how much of the drug is taken as well as how rapidly the drug passes the blood-brain barrier and binds to opioid receptors. Individuals who engage in heroin use may experience a rush of pleasure and euphoria accompanied by:
- Warm flushing of the skin
- Dry mouth
- Heavy feeling in the extremities
- Slowed breathing and heart function
- Sedation and drowsiness
- Clouded mental function
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hypothermia
- Severe itching
As one can see, individuals who may use heroin to any degree are also subject to experiencing more unpleasant symptoms alongside the “rush” of euphoria. Unfortunately, some of these effects can be life-threatening. For instance, severely slowed breathing can lead to permanent brain damage as well as comas.
Aside from concerning physical symptoms, it is also essential to recognise the emotional and mental impact of the “rush” associated with heroin use. The addictive nature of heroin comes from its play on the neurotransmitter dopamine, which works to mediate feelings of pleasure and contentment. In short, drug use influences nerve cells to release large surges of dopamine, which trigger a psychological “high.” After exposing the brain and body to heroin, an individual’s brain will seek to repeat the experience, making them especially vulnerable to repeated heroin use. This reinforcement of substance use can inform heroin addiction.
Heroin Withdrawal: Physical and Psychological Symptoms
When it comes to heroin use and abuse, there is truth in the saying, “What goes up must come down.” The “rush” caused by heroin use is very short-lived, often followed by intense withdrawal symptoms that only worsen with increased use. As Drug Science highlights, some of the most common withdrawal symptoms of heroin use include:
- Sweating
- Depression and suicidal ideation
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feelings of discomfort and unease
- Physical and psychological cravings for heroin use
- The development of mental health disorders
- Cognitive impairment
- Turning to crime and prostitution to “fund” heroin use
Unfortunately, heroin withdrawal is severely unpleasant, and its effects play a significant role in why individuals with heroin addiction continue to use the substance despite experiencing worsening harms and health risks.
While these symptoms may appear after using heroin one time, they can become more intense and severe after frequent heroin use. With repeated heroin use, an individual will no longer be able to reach their desired high (or achieve the “rush” that they once did) due to their brain and body developing a tolerance to the substance. This can place them at risk of using heroin in larger quantities, increasing their risk of health complications, drug overdose, and death.
The Development of Heroin Addiction
Unfortunately, many individuals report feeling addicted to heroin after using it just one time. This can be especially common among those who inject heroin upon using it their first time, as this route of administration causes the most potent high possible. For those who may question the immediate development of addiction upon initial use, it generally takes as little as three to five consecutive days of frequent use to inform heroin addiction and dependence.
To understand what heroin addiction is and the severity of the effects it can pose on an individual’s health, it is first necessary to address substance use disorder (SUD). As stated by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable mental disorder that affects a person’s brain and behavior, leading to their inability to control their use of substances like legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. Symptoms can be moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form of SUD.
There are many different types of SUD, depending on the type of substance use an individual is struggling with. For instance, since heroin is an opioid, the correct terminology for SUD related to heroin use is known as opioid use disorder (OUD). According to the publication titled Opioid Use Disorder by authors Dydyk, Jain, and Gupta, “Opioid use disorder [OUD] is the chronic use of opioids that causes clinically significant distress or impairment,” characterised by the desire to continue heroin use or abuse despite the consequences it is causing to an individual’s life. Moreover, “[OUD] includes dependence and addiction, with [heroin] addiction representing the most severe form of the disorder.
There are many well-known factors, aside from initial heroin use, that can increase an individual’s risk of developing heroin addiction and OUD throughout their lifetime. Consider the following risk factors:
- Genetic vulnerabilities
- Parental substance abuse
- The presence of untreated mental health problems
- Chronic alcohol and other forms of drug abuse
- Parental abuse, neglect, and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- Unresolved trauma
- Early substance use
- Chronic stress
To best prevent the development of heroin addiction and other types of drug addiction, it is important to participate in professional treatment to overcome mental, emotional, and behavioural challenges that may otherwise inform substance use. Oftentimes, individuals begin using drugs to self-medicate distress. By learning healthy and effective coping mechanisms for stress management, individuals can reduce their risk of substance use, misuse, abuse, and addiction.
Drug Overdose: The Role of Drug Poisoning and Fentanyl Contamination
One of the most devastating yet common results of heroin addiction is the increased potential for death caused by drug overdose. While there are an undeniable number of individuals who have used heroin to intentionally overdose, some may be shocked to realise that many drug overdose deaths are unintentional. On the one hand, frequent users of heroin may attempt to use heroin in larger frequencies, quantities, and durations in an attempt to achieve desired effects, leading them to unintentional overdose. Others, however, may attempt to use heroin or other street drugs without testing them for possible contaminants, like fentanyl.
According to the NHS, “Fentanyl is a strong opioid painkiller. It’s used to treat severe pain, for example during or after an operation or a serious injury, or pain from cancer.” Despite its use in medical settings, fentanyl is also produced and used illegally. Also, fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin, which is an obvious cause for concern.
Over the last several decades, there has been a significant rise in recreational fentanyl being “cut” into other street drugs, like heroin, as a cheap yet potent additive. Unfortunately, those struggling with addiction may unknowingly use heroin that is contaminated with fentanyl. Even in small doses, fentanyl is deadly, causing unsuspected buyers to place themselves at the risk of unintentional overdose death.
In August of 2022, the ONS reported that “4,859 deaths related to drug poisoning were registered in 2021 in England and Wales, equivalent to a rate of 84.4 deaths per million people; this is 6.2% higher than the rate recorded in 2020 (79.5 deaths per million).” Additionally, “Approximately half of all drug poisoning deaths registered in 2021 involved an opiate (45.7%; 2,219 deaths).” This is a significant increase from the 2016 statistics mentioned previously. Worldwide, drug overdoses at the hands of fentanyl and other types of opioid overdose are becoming increasingly common.
Only medical treatment can save an individual from a drug overdose. To prevent overdose death and related concerns, it is necessary to bring focus to effective treatment options for heroin addiction as well as fentanyl addiction, ensuring that individuals know that treatment is available and lifelong recovery is possible.
Treatment for Heroin Addiction at PCP
At PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, we wholeheartedly understand how distressing it can be to attempt to navigate the effects of heroin addiction in oneself or a loved one. However, after an individual takes the first step in admitting that they need help, we can guide them in establishing sobriety and maintaining long-term recovery through one of our many treatment programmes.
The journey to recovery from heroin addiction will begin with detoxification to help individuals rid the remnants of alcohol and other drugs from their bodies. At PCP, we offer several heroin detox clinics that provide inpatient, medically-assisted care to assist individuals in getting sober from heroin and other drugs. Alongside medical detox, clients will have access to 24/7 professional support to help them prepare for the treatment journey that will follow.
Following detox, clients will be encouraged to participate in one of our several rehabilitation programmes aimed at helping individuals struggling with any form of substance abuse, addiction, or dependence. We offer both short-term inpatient programmes as well as long-term treatment programmes that consist of medical detox, full rehabilitation, and sober living accommodations within our third-stage supported housing. While we recommend inpatient rehabilitation for a minimum of 12 weeks (90 days), we understand that this is not achievable for those with responsibilities, like school, work, or childcare, that cannot be put on hold. Thus, outpatient treatment provides greater flexibility in scheduling.
Overall, both our inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programmes prioritise the use of individualised care. We understand that no two clients share the exact same needs, experiences, or goals for recovery. Therefore, we put together personalised treatment plans that resonate best with the client’s specific needs – rather than prescribing a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
No matter where an individual stands on their journey to recovery, we have the support and tools needed to establish and sustain lasting sobriety.
Discussions about heroin are often left in the shadows, as many do not consider the repercussions of heroin use until they are directly affected by it. Unfortunately, the lack of conversations surrounding heroin abuse and addiction has contributed to an increase in use as well as the number of overdose deaths related to opioids. In short, heroin addiction requires professional help to overcome, and treatment is life-saving. At PCP – The Perry Clayman Project, we have the professional support, guidance, and resources that individuals need to successfully detox from heroin and establish lasting sobriety from addiction. Recovery is a phone call away. To learn more about our treatment centres located conveniently around the UK, call us at 08000 380 480.