Heroin is an extremely addictive opioid synthesized from the opium poppy, morphine. Heroin is categorized with other narcotics under the Schedules I and IV of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. Internationally, the UN estimates there are over 50 million regular heroin users. Therefore, heroin addiction is extremely prominent throughout the US.
Heroin addicts report an intense rush with first use of the drug. After the initial rush, addicts commonly describe feelings of euphoria, relaxation, ambition, nervousness, and drowsiness. However, the short-term effects are greatly reduced after initial use. Therefore, people inject, smoke, or snort greater quantities of heroin to reach the desired high. When people begin to develop a tolerance to the drug, addiction takes place. Long-term effects of heroin include substance addiction, collapsed veins, heart infection, pneumonia, decreased liver function, and systemic abscesses. These effects can result to an opioid withdrawal syndrome.
Heroin withdrawal can begin within 6 to 24 hours of discontinued drug use. Psychological symptoms may include anxiety, depression, lack of motivation, and decreased libido. Physical withdrawal symptoms are numerous and can be extremely dangerous. Physical withdrawal symptoms include vomiting, fever, insomnia, severe muscle and bone aches, and diarrhea. In order to minimize heroin withdrawal symptoms, some addicts look to methadone treatment. Methadone is a synthetic opioid used for moderate to severe pain management. Methadone is also used to appease physical heroin withdrawal symptoms. Methadone maintenance stops the rapid cycling between intoxication and withdrawal. Although methadone itself can be addictive, methadone treatment is recommended to people who have tried to detox numerous times from heroin. During methadone maintenance, a medical professional carefully monitors the patient to reduce risks of further addiction.
After a medically monitored detoxification, people who are addicted to heroin can seek treatment. A heroin addict can check into a residential treatment center specializing in substance addiction. In a rehab facility, the addict works with professional therapists and psychiatrists on the issues surrounding their addiction. Issues can include family problems and childhood difficulties. Often heroin addicts are dual diagnosed by a psychiatrist meaning that along with their substance abuse, they also have an emotional disorder. Emotional disorders include depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders.
In addition to individual therapy sessions, patients participate in group therapy. Group therapy can include topics of relapse prevention, codependency, and anger management. In these groups a heroin addict can interact with fellow addicts. They learn to share their stories and experience a common bond beyond chemical dependency.
Although there is no cure for addiction, heroin addicts learn a new freedom, to live free of chemical dependency. With the help of therapists, 12-step programs, and sober fellowship, heroin users can recover from their addiction and lead happy, sober lives.
