Heroin addiction is a dangerous condition affecting millions in the U.S. annually. While some individuals may try heroin without becoming addicted, the risk of developing a substance use disorder is alarmingly high. Understanding how addictive heroin can be may help people avoid it and stay healthy.
Fort Behavioral Health’s heroin addiction treatment program involves constant monitoring and supervision in our comfortable, professionally staffed rehab center. If you or someone you care about is struggling with heroin addiction, we encourage you to seek treatment. Contact us at 844.332.1807 to help guide you toward lasting recovery.
What Are the Risks of Heroin Abuse?
Heroin use carries numerous short- and long-term risks to an individual’s health. The most immediate danger relates to the method of use. For instance, injecting it may cause an overdose due to the quick delivery of the drug into the bloodstream. Sharing needles can transmit bloodborne diseases such as HIV and viral hepatitis.
Short-term side effects of heroin use may include:
- Slowed breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Itchy skin
- Confusion
- Impaired motor skills and coordination
- Decreased libido
There is also an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer due to toxins entering the body through contaminated needles or inhaling smoke from burning heroin.
In addition to these physical risks, heroin use may cause psychological harm. Long-term use increases these risks significantly and increases an individual’s vulnerability to developing mental health problems such as depression and anxiety disorders.
How Addictive Is Heroin?
Opioids have been used for centuries to treat chronic pain. Heroin is a powerful synthetic opioid, and its use has risen dramatically over the past several years. It is one of the most dangerous drugs today, as its potential for addiction is extremely high.
When heroin enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain, it binds to opioid receptors, triggering a rush of euphoric feelings that can be incredibly pleasurable. Feelings of euphoria can last anywhere from several minutes to several hours. However, with repeated use, the brain becomes accustomed to this feeling and requires more of the drug to achieve the same level of pleasure.
Tolerance for heroin also increases quickly, meaning higher doses are needed to experience the desired effect. Tolerance can lead people into a cycle of binging on more significant amounts of heroin to achieve the same high.
As individuals develop a tolerance for heroin, they may become physically dependent. Without it, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Cold sweats
- Muscle aches
The intensity of these withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that people who try to quit heroin may use the drug again to minimize pain and discomfort. Individuals may also compulsively seek out heroin despite the negative consequences or risks associated with doing so.
Those who take heroin put themselves at serious risk of developing both physical and mental addiction. A substance use disorder of this kind can be challenging, if not impossible, to overcome without proper treatment or support from loved ones and health professionals.
Overcome Heroin Addiction at Fort Behavioral Health
The heroin addiction treatment program at Fort Behavioral Health combines luxurious accommodations and state-of-the-art amenities with experienced, compassionate staff. Look no further if you’ve been looking for the right treatment program. We work with clients to tailor treatment to their individual needs. During the intake process, we answer any questions and meet clients where they are.
Our treatment facility in Fort Worth offers evidence-based treatment methods to set patients on the path to recovery. Our team members have helped thousands of people break free from addiction. Start your path to recovery by calling us at 844.332.1807 or filling out our brief online form.
