A heroin addiction happens when someone that uses the drug becomes dependent upon it. They will have cravings and experience symptoms of withdrawal when they stop using the drug.

Heroin is illegal. It is an opioid drug that comes from morphine. In the United States, it is a Schedule I narcotic drug. There isn’t a medical use for this drug, however, many people use it for the euphoric effects.

Unfortunately, there are millions of people who are losing their lives due to a heroin overdose. Many others have personal and professional issues in their life due to heroin use.

If you have an addiction to heroin, please reach out to us here are Blue Hills Recovery Center to get into a treatment program.

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Heroin Works on Pleasure and Pain

When someone uses heroin, it quickly goes into their brain and gets stuck on the opioid receptors. Once that happens, the brain’s reward center is affected. The person who is using the drug will have a reduction in pain and experience significant improvements to their pleasurable feelings.

In addition, when heroin connects to these receptors, it can create a huge dopamine surge. When that surge goes into the user’s body, they get a high feeling. Oftentimes, when that high wears off, the user feels they need more of the drug to make it through the day which is how the addiction usually begins.

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Effects of Heroin Use

If you or someone you know are using this drug, there are going to be effects that are experienced such as:

  • Initial rush of euphoria
  • Nodding in and out
  • Feeling a warm sensation flow over your body
  • Skin flushing
  • Dry mouth
  • Impaired judgment
  • Cloudy thinking
  • Heavy feeling throughout the body (mostly the limbs)

These are the effects that happen from using the drug. However, there are more effects that occur when someone is addicted to this drug, too.

Heroin Addiction Effects

If you or someone you know has a heroin addiction, some of the effects that may be experienced include:

  • Not being able to control how much of the drug to use or when to stop
  • Continuing to use, so you don’t have to experience any symptoms of withdrawal
  • Avoiding situations where someone might question your drug use
  • Losing interest in enjoyable activities or hobbies
  • Life revolves around drug use or getting the drug
  • Continuing to use heroin even when negative consequences happen
  • Seeming paranoid or afraid
  • Losing motivation
  • Being spaced out most or all the time
  • Having sudden energy bursts
  • Unstable mood
  • Unexplained personality changes

Any time that someone experiences these things, it is a sign they could be addicted to drugs.

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Signs of Heroin Overdose

Unfortunately, there are many people who overdose on this drug, too. Some of the signs of heroin overdose include:

  • Making gurgling/choking noises
  • Discolored tongue
  • Vomiting
  • Pupil constriction
  • Weak or faint pulse
  • Purplish/blue skin, lips, or nails
  • Uncontrollable muscle spasms or movements
  • Unresponsive, even if not unconscious
  • Unconsciousness or even a coma

If you see someone who is experiencing these signs, don’t try to figure out what is happening, just call 9-1-1 right away.

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Get Treatment for a Heroin Addiction Today

A heroin addiction can turn fatal very quickly. If you or someone you know is addicted to this drug, it is crucial to know there are treatments that can help you to turn your life around.

Contact us today to get into a treatment program, so you can overcome a heroin addiction.

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You deserve to become your best self. With decades of combined experience in the field of addiction medicine, our staff knows what it takes to build a foundation for recovery.