Understanding Heroin Dependence

Heroin addiction, also known as heroin use disorder, is a chronic condition which is the need to seek out and use heroin consistently.

Heroin is an opiate drug derived from opium poppy plants and typically appears as a whitish-brown or brown powdered substance. Users commonly either inject it after mixing it with water or smoke it. Heroin binds to opioid receptors in the brain and also affects dopamine neurotransmitters.

The effects of opioids like heroin make the user feel euphoric, and it inhibits the brain’s ability to feel pain. As with most illicit substances, heroin overstimulates the areas of the brain that are associated with pleasure and reward.

The cycle of addiction usually starts with the use of prescription opioid medications for the treatment of pain, and patients then start using heroin. Some studies have shown that a heroin addiction may be due to a genetic disorder or brain chemical issue and, as such, should be treated as a serious medical issue.

Other forms of opioids are morphine, fentanyl, codeine, dihydrocodeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.
It is a highly addictive drug that causes severe drug dependency.

SIGNS OF HEROIN ADDICTION INCLUDE

Heroin addiction can manifest through a range of physical, mental, and behavioural symptoms. Common physical signs include:

HEROIN ALSO SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTS MENTAL HEALTH, LEADING TO SYMPTOMS SUCH AS:

SYMPTOMS OF HEROIN ADDICTION

SIGNS OF HEROIN INTOXICATION:

Individuals addicted to heroin often experience a range of common symptoms, including drowsiness, constricted pupils, slowed and slurred speech slowed breathing, vomiting and decreased heart rate and the following:

Decreased perception of pain, Euphoria, Confusion, Desire to sleep, Nausea, Constipation, Pupil constriction, Slow heart rate, Low blood pressure, Slowed movement, Head nodding, Slurred speech, Hypothermia

SIGNS OF A POSSIBLE OPIOID OVERDOSE:

Pin-point pupils may occur. However, a patient with dilated pupils may still be experiencing an opioid overdose, Decreased heart rate, Decreased body temperature, Decreased breathing, and Altered level of consciousness. People may be unresponsive or unconscious., Pulmonary edema, Shock, Death

SYMPTOMS OF HEROIN WITHDRAWAL

The risk factors of an unsafe withdrawal can be devasting. Symptoms often occur after around 5 hours of not using, with the worst of it lasting for 2 to 4 days and can last for up to two weeks.

Agitation, Anxiety, Muscle pain, Increased tearing, Trouble sleeping, Runny nose, Sweating, Yawning, Goosebumps, Dilated pupils, Diarrhea, Fast heart rate, High blood pressure, Abdominal crampsShakiness, Cravings, Sneezing, Bone pain, Increased body temperature, Hyperalgesia, Drooping eyelids, Teeth chattering, Emotional pain, Stress, Weakness, Malaise, Alexithymia, Dysphoria

OTHER RISK FACTORS:

Long-term heroin dependency can lead to a tolerance increase, and this can lead to respiratory depression, infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, cardiovascular problems, damage to the brain, liver and kidneys and overdose, which can be fatal.

Psychologically, heroin abuse treatment is characterised by intense cravings for the drug, as well as impaired judgment, decision-making, and impulse control.

Individuals may continue to use heroin despite knowing the harmful effects of heroin and other opioid use on their health, relationships, and overall well-being.

Heroin dependency may also be linked with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), further complicating the treatment process.

TREATMENT FOR HEROIN ADDICTION: BRAIN AND BODY

Heroin dependency is a complex and devastating issue that affects individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Addressing this challenge requires a unique approach that combines medical intervention and psychological support.

The treatment landscape for heroin addiction often includes a variety of strategies such as detox, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counselling, and rehabilitation programs.

HEROIN DETOXIFICATION

Detoxification is typically the first step, where individuals are closely monitored as they withdraw. This process can be painful and dangerous, necessitating professional supervision to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Medication-assisted treatment, such as methadone, naltrexone buprenorphine and naloxone, will help ease the effects of acute withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. Medications to assist with nausea or diarrhoea may also be added. These medications can support long-term recovery by stabilising the individual’s condition and allowing them to engage more effectively in therapy and other recovery activities.

OPIOID DEPENDENCE THERAPY

Psychological support is equally vital in the recovery process. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), contingency management, and motivational interviewing are some of the therapeutic models employed to help individuals address the underlying issues contributing to their opioid dependency. These therapies aim to modify behaviours, improve coping strategies, and enhance motivation for change. They are effective treatments for addiction or substance use disorder.

Drug use and addiction go beyond physical symptoms; there is usually a deep-seated issue or trauma that results in drug dependence. Treatment plans should always include finding ways to uncover the root cause and address these stressors through extensive therapy.

OUTPATIENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT

Choosing an outpatient treatment option is an effective way to treat heroin dependence. Regular therapy sessions, homework, drug tests and determination are assets in recovering from drug abuse and dependency. While inpatient treatment clinics used to treat addiction can be effective, outpatient treatment provides all the essentials to those who need treatment, including a safe detox, therapy and a post-treatment facility to help you beat your drug addiction in your own home.