One of the most addictive substances abused is heroin. Heroin does not give users an adrenaline rush like cocaine or crystal meth. Instead, it has a calming effect on a user’s body and brain. Its impact on users makes them want to take more to achieve the same effect. However, the withdrawal symptoms are so harsh that it often makes it difficult for users to quit without support. If you or someone you know needs help ending an addiction, seek out a heroin detox center.
Why Is Heroin Abuse so Prevalent?
Heroin is a powerful substance because it will fill your brain with dopamine. In fact, heroin produces so much dopamine that your brain receptors will not be able to manage the amount properly. At the outset, heroin makes people feel a relaxed yet intensely pleasurable sensation. After someone develops an addiction, their dependency is so great that if they do not use it, they will experience withdrawal symptoms that will be uncomfortable—including the inability to produce dopamine on their own. In some cases, using heroin can cause a life-threatening overdose.
When determining how addictive heroin is, we should consider the emotional triggers that would make someone dependent on the substance. Heroin addiction is prevalent in people struggling with mental health disorders that have not been addressed appropriately. People will use heroin because it is low-cost and easy to access. Those with mental health disorders are even more prone to become hooked on heroin since it helps provide feelings of euphoria.
How Is Heroin Used?
Another reason heroin is so addictive is because of the way that users take the substance. The most common way people use heroin is by injecting it with a needle directly into the bloodstream. Others snort the drug or even smoke the drug. These methods, especially injection, lead to an extremely fast, intense high.
However, all of these methods have severe consequences on the brain, making users feel detached from the drug as it leaves their system. Such an intense, immediate reaction makes them crave the drug as they begin to crash.
Signs of Heroin Addiction
There are many indications of heroin abuse, such as changed behaviors and the existence of drug paraphernalia. Below are some of the most prevalent signs of heroin addiction:
- Aggressive behavior
- Anxiety
- Body aches
- Fluctuating weight
- Moodiness
- Poor personal hygiene
- Restless
- Sleepiness
- Stomach cramps
- Track marks
- Trembling
These behaviors can often be obvious soon after a person uses heroin or as their body is responding to withdrawal symptoms.
Heroin abusers may also have financial troubles as their focus will be on maintaining their drug habit versus taking care of their responsibilities. In addition, since their focus is on getting and using heroin, they will not be focused on their performance at school or work.
End Heroin Addiction at Detox LA
Nearly 23% of people who begin using heroin will develop an addiction. When someone becomes addicted to heroin, their lives will change as their dependency becomes their primary focus. Work, school, hobbies, and even loved ones will become less of a priority. Instead, people addicted to heroin will develop poor judgment and decision-making skills.
Heroin abuse is not a problem that anyone should ignore. If you are ready to take steps to end your addiction, medical detox will support you. Attempting to stop using heroin without medical support could lead to severe, potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox and psychotherapy can help people end their addictions and find positive coping mechanisms.
Don’t let heroin run your life any longer. Contact Detox LA at 818.616.7341 to end your heroin addiction and begin a new journey in life.