Heroin addiction
What is heroin?
Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive drug. It is a type of opioid, meaning it is derived from the opium poppy plant and produces a strong sense of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief. Heroin is one of the most dangerous drugs on the market, as it can lead to addiction, overdose, and even death.
Heroin is a white or brown powder, or a black, sticky substance known as “black tar heroin.” It is usually injected, snorted, or smoked. When it is injected, it is typically mixed with other substances such as sugar, starch, or powdered milk.
Heroin works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain. This interaction causes the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for the feeling of pleasure. As a result, heroin users experience a rush of pleasure that can last for a few minutes.
What is addiction?
An individual with addiction is one who can no longer control their dependence on a substance, activity, or behaviour. It is a chronic illness that can seriously harm a person’s relationships, finances, physical and mental health.
Heroin addiction can also lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, and difficulty going about daily tasks for the addicted person. It’s critical that anyone battling an addiction to heroin gets expert assistance from a professional healthcare provider.
Heroin addiction
Heroin use can lead to tolerance, meaning the user needs to take more of the drug to experience the same effects. This can lead to dependence, which is when the individual’s body needs the drug to function normally.
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The effects of heroin
Having an addiction to heroin alters the normal function of the brain, leading to compulsive use and noticeable changes in behaviour. The drug produces a “downer” effect, causing relaxation and drowsiness, but can also induce a feeling of euphoria. Heroin is a very strong drug, and the first dose could cause dizziness and vomiting. Heroin can have serious short-term and long-term effects. Short-term symptoms from heroin addiction may include:
Nausea- Vomiting
- Flushed warm skin
- Impaired judgment
- Muscle and bone pain
- Slowed heart rate
- Heavy feeling in legs and arms
- Severe itching
- Dry mouth
- ‘Gouching out’ – A back and forth state of being conscious and semiconscious
NauseaLong-term symptoms could include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Insomnia
- Collapsed veins (from injecting)
- Abscesses (from injecting)
- Breathing problems, which include pneumonia
- Liver and kidney disease
- Risk of HIV/AIDS/HEP C (contracted by sharing needles)
Heroin is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening drug. If you or someone you know is struggling with heroin addiction, it is important to seek professional help.
Treating heroin addiction
It is important to seek professional medical help immediately if you suspect you or a loved one may be addicted to heroin. Our treatment programmes at Steps Together typically include a combination of clinical treatment, therapy, hospitality and accommodation. Medication can help to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while psychotherapy can provide valuable support and guidance.
For our residential and non-residential (outpatient) clients, we provide an eclectic blend of discrete, private, and confidential therapy programmes. This guarantees that we provide treatment and therapy programmes that are tailored to each individual, family, or group’s needs. These cover a wide range of addictions, disorders, and emotional and mental health concerns, and they include some of the best and most scientifically supported treatment modalities.
At Steps Together, we carefully blend clinical treatment, therapy, hospitality and accommodation to provide you with the perfect holistic environment, all under one roof, to help you enjoy your stay and make the most of your treatment programme and recovery.
Heroin detox
The first step in addiction treatment for heroin is detoxification. Detoxing from heroin involves slowly reducing the amount of the drug in the system until the individual is no longer dependent on it. This process can be difficult and uncomfortable, so it is important to have medical supervision to ensure the safety and comfort of the individual.
The heroin detox period is the essential initial step in your recovery journey at Steps Together rehab facility. Although there might be discomfort, our expert recovery team will provide constant support and supervision. Heroin rehab facilities offer a controlled environment to manage withdrawal symptoms you may experience.
Changes in your body you may see through heroin addiction treatment or heroin detox programme:
- Goosebumps and feeling cold (rattling)
- Uncontrollable leg movements
- Muscle and bone pain
- Feeling restless
- Insomnia
- Diarrhoea
Steps Together will assist you in overcoming your addiction as part of the Detox Programme. Our team of knowledgeable experts are here to help and support you at every stage of what may seem like a difficult process. Together, with a thorough plan to assist you in breaking your addiction, we will offer you a safe and welcoming environment to recovery.
For a free and confidential discussion with one of our friendly treatment advisors, please call 0330 175 7031 today.
Real stories from our previous clients
“I can’t imagine to this day what it was like for my parents, a mix of relief that I had finally agreed and disbelief that this is what it had come to.”
Ben, sober since January 2019
