What is Heroin?
Heroin is an opioid that was originally introduced as a painkiller and cough suppressant. Its use was outlawed in most countries as soon as the dangers became recognized. Heroin addicts are attracted to the sense of euphoria that it produces immediately after it is injected or inhaled. It is frequently used as an escape from physical or emotional pain. Call our Vancouver addiction rehab center for more details.
Dealers sometimes add substances like strychnine and chalk to heroin to increase its weight. This can have lethal consequences, especially in conjunction with the actual heroin.
Heroin suppresses the part of the brain that is responsible for breathing. This creates a high risk of death by overdose.
Taking heroin by injection can result in several problems, including blood poisoning, collapsed veins and abscesses. Using a shared needle puts the individual at risk of communicable diseases, such as HIV.
Regular heroin use can lead to irregularities in the menstrual cycle, putting women at higher risk of pregnancy. Taking heroin during pregnancy can have serious consequences for the baby.
How addictive is it?
Heroin is one of the most addictive street drugs in use. It produces a “rush”, a strong sense of euphoria that is appealing to users, and a physical and mental dependency can develop after just two or three weeks of regular use. As heroin addiction takes hold, the individual has to use higher doses of the drug with increasing frequency in order to achieve the desired effects. Eventually, they may find that they no longer derive pleasure from the drug, but continue to take it in order to avoid the withdrawal symptoms and uncontrollable cravings.
What are the effects of using heroin?
Like most drugs, the effects of heroin depend on several factors, such as your age, how much of the drug you take and with what frequency, how long you have been using heroin, whether you also use other substances, and the presence of any coexisting medical conditions.
The immediate effect of heroin is the surge of euphoria. This is followed by a period of drowsiness and a general feeling of contentment. Many individuals experience nausea and vomiting, pinpoint pupils and sweating. One of the most dangerous effects is slowed breathing that, in some cases, can be fatal.
People who use heroin regularly are prone to constipation and loss of interest in sexual activity, and in women, irregularities in the menstrual cycle.
Why do I need help to quit using heroin?
Several studies have shown that people who attempt to stop using a drug without help are at a very high risk of relapse. One of the things that makes heroin particularly difficult to give up is the fact that it causes mood changes. You can feel contented and calm after taking the drug, only to become aggressive and angry during periods of withdrawal.
We can provide you with a safe place for healing, a place that is free from the distractions of the outside world. We will help you learn the skills to cope without needing drugs.
