Over 96,000 people die from drug overdoses in a year in North America. Drug addiction can be a deeply traumatic and difficult problem. It is hard for both the user and the people around them to go through that experience.
One of the most addictive and dangerous drugs is Heroin.
This article is here to help you understand what heroin is and what its effects are. It also covers the question “why do people use heroin?” and some measures of intervention.
Table of Contents
What Is Heroin?
Heroin is an addictive opioid drug. The substance originates from the seed pods of opium poppies. Opioid drugs make people feel calm and relaxed. They get used in medicine as strong pain relief such as morphine, codeine, and methadone.
It can come in two main forms. The first is a powder that can be either fine white granules or brown “rocks”. The second is black tar heroin, a black sticky substance.
You can inject, snort or smoke heroin. It is sometimes combined with crack cocaine, known as “speedballing”. Many people also mix alcohol and heroin, exacerbating the effects of both substances.
What Are the Effects of Taking Heroin?
The effects of taking heroin can vary depending on the person and the quantity taken. Body weight, height, and age can all be influencing factors. It can also be influenced by their current state of mental and physical health.
Heroin users describe an initial rush of euphoria, feeling happy and relaxed. It can also make people feel drowsy and can numb physical and mental pain.
Some of the more serious side effects of taking heroin are:
- Very slow breathing
- Slowed heartbeat
- Muscle spasms
- Lowered body temperature
- Blue lips or fingers and toes
- Vomiting
If an overdose occurs, it can cause seizures or even heart attacks. In some cases, an overdose can even lead to a coma or death.
Why Do People Use Heroin?
Heroin is one of the most addictive drugs available. That means that once someone starts using it, it can be hard to stop.
Their tolerance will also increase over time. This means that they will need to take more to feel the same sensation.
It can be difficult to pinpoint why people start using heroin. People could start for many reasons, but many addicts report using it to deal with severe emotional pain.
Being able to access therapy for heroin addiction can help a lot. It gives them a chance to work through the emotions at the root of the problem.
Rehab, like that available at Hope Rising, is also an excellent intervention. These centers supply professionals who understand how people stop using heroin. They offer a wide range of support for both the physical and emotional sides of addiction.
Those with addiction may also consider accessing a 12-step program or support group. These groups offer peer support and positive incentives for progress towards getting clean.
Understanding Heroin Addiction
Heroin is a dangerous and addictive substance. It can destroy the lives of the people who take it and also the people around them. Understanding the question “why do people use heroin?” is the first step to recovery.
If this article was helpful for you, then check out our health section. There you can find more articles about sobriety and living a healthier life.