Heroin is a highly potent, fast-acting opiate narcotic that is said to create a rush of pleasure and overall well-being. This drug is a derivative of morphine, which is a naturally-occurring opiate.

Understanding Heroin Abuse

Learn More About Heroin Addiction

After a few hours the high wears off leaving the user eager to obtain more of the substance in order to get those feelings back.

Heroin is especially dangerous as it is a street drug that is likely mixed, or “cut” with other substances. While sometimes the heroin is cut with substances such as cornstarch or baby powder, other times it is mixed with lethal substances such as arsenic or quinine. When bought on the streets there’s no way to know what the heroin is mixed with which can lead to overdose and death. Heroin is consumed in a number of different ways such as smoking, injecting, and snorting. All methods result in the substance reaching the brain and resulting in a blissful high.

After prolonged use, heroin addicts develop a tolerance to the drug which means that they require more and more in order to experience the desired high or rush. Eventually heroin addicts spend a majority of their time, energy, and money trying to get more heroin. The results of heroin abuse can be totally devastating, affecting all areas of an individual’s life. Negative consequences of heroin abuse can include financial problems, relationship difficulties, and a decline in work or school performance. Heroin addiction is a long-term disease that causes an individual to keep using despite all of the apparent negative effects.

Statistics

Statistics of Heroin Addiction

It has been estimated that of 4.2 million people (1.6%) in the U.S. ages 12 and older have used heroin. It’s approximated that over 23% of those who try heroin become addicted to it. The lifetime prevalence rates have been estimated at 1.7% of those ages 18-25, and 1.8% or adults 26 or older.

Causes

Causes and Risk Factors for Heroin Abuse

Since the exact cause of heroin addiction is unknown it has been determined that it is a combination of many different factors. These factors may include:

Genetic: Drug abuse is known to run in families. Individuals who have family members struggling with addiction problems are more likely to develop addiction problems themselves.

Brain Chemistry: Addiction to heroin can cause changes in brain structures and alter brain chemicals which cause cravings for more heroin. When an individual takes a drug like heroin they experience feelings of overall well-being and leads them to want to continue to use.

Environmental: Those who abuse heroin have often been exposed to substance abuse at an early age which makes drug abuse seem acceptable. Individuals who are exposed to drug abuse at an early age have learned that drug use is an acceptable way to deal with life struggles and stresses.

Psychological: Many people who struggle with heroin addiction may also be suffering with untreated mental illnesses. The use of heroin may be an attempt at self-medication.

Signs

Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Abuse

Signs and symptoms of heroin use depends upon how long an individual has been using and the amount of heroin that is consumed. The most common symptoms of heroin abuse include:

Mood Symptoms:

Depression
Anxiety
Aggression
Anger
Irritability
Mood swings

Behavioral symptoms:

Aggression
Violence
Interpersonal problems
Inability to interact normally with others
Loss of relationships
Unkempt appearance
Risky behaviors
Drug-seeking behaviors
Changes in normal behavior patterns
Failure to fulfill major life responsibilities
Falling asleep
Lying
Hiding the drug in various places

Physical symptoms:

Cravings
Hyperactivity
Fatigue
Feeling disoriented
Increased sleep
Constant runny nose
Scabs or bruises due to skin picking
Dizziness
Headache
Dry mouth
Slurred speech
Track marks
Weight loss
Malnutrition
Loss of self-control
Inhibitory behavior

Psychological symptoms:

Emotional numbing
Inability to think clearly
Psychosis
Inability to think clearly
Disorganized thoughts
Changes in personality
Hallucinations
Delusions

Effects

Effects of Heroin Abuse

The effects of heroin abuse and addiction can be cause devastating effect in all areas of an individual’s life. Some effects of heroin addiction include:

Runny nose
Increased blood pressure
Increased respiratory rate
Tachycardia
Anxiety
Irritability
Depression
Difficulty swallowing
Circulatory problems
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Liver damage
Respiratory depression
Intense sweating
Sleep apnea
Joint pain
Chills
Body weakness
Unsteady gait
Trouble with the law
Incarceration
Respiratory arrest
Suicidal ideation
Coma
Death due to overdose or suicide

Co-Occurring Disorders

Learn About Co-Occurring Disorders

There are a number of disorders that co-occur with addiction. The most common co-occurring disorders include:

Mood disorders
Anxiety disorders
Eating disorders
Substance abuse
Alcoholism
Antisocial personality disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder

Effects of Withdrawal

Effects of Withdrawal for Heroin Abuse

Heroin withdrawal can result in symptoms that range in intensity depending upon how long the substance has been abused, how much heroin an individual has been using, and the individual characteristics of the addict. Due to the severe unpleasantness of withdrawal symptoms, heroin detox should be done in a medically supervised environment under the direct care of healthcare professionals.

Withdrawal symptoms of heroin may include: