Heroin is a highly addictive illegal substance processed from morphine. Created from the seedpods of the Asian poppy plant, heroin acts as a depressant by inhibiting the central nervous system. Repeated use of the drug heroin can create a strong physical addiction, and cause unpleasant heroin withdrawal symptoms after stopping use.
Heroin does not create a physical addiction immediately. Users slowly build a tolerance over time, requiring increased amounts of heroin to sustain the same effect. Heroin users may also need to change their method of using heroin in order to enhance their feelings of euphoria. Heroin can be smoked, snorted, or injected. The latter creates the quickest and strongest physical effects, yet also causes the most damage and risk. It is this increasing need that causes an addiction.
Heroin users report feelings of euphoria and a rush with use. They begin to experience dulling of the emotions, tiredness, and a decreased mental clarity. Limbs begin to feel heavy and loose, and a user often drifts into sleep. The effects of heroin can last for up to four hours after each use. After the effects of heroin begin to fade away, the user begins to experience the negative effects of the withdrawal symptoms of heroin.
These increase in strength and intensity until peaking at two to three days after last use. The withdrawal effects continue until the user takes heroin again or their body has purged the drug, usually taking at least seven days.
The effects of heroin withdrawal are significantly different than the effects from use. Users who are suffering through withdrawal can feel restless, unable to sleep, and experience uncontrollable muscle movements in their limbs. Illness may also occur, including nausea and diarrhea. Some users experience cold flashes and intense pain in their muscles and bones. Long time users who attempt to stop heroin use immediately can die from their withdrawal.
There are only a handful of recommended medications used to help treat addicts through their heroin withdrawal treatment. Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone are all used to block the effects of heroin. Though these drugs come with their own risks and complications, they are helpful tools along side therapeutic treatments to combat heroin addiction.
Heroin is one of the most abused opiate drug used today. Users face collapsed veins, liver disease, pneumonia, and death. With the help of qualified professionals addicted users can work through heroin detox to withdrawal from heroin and move towards a life without heroin.