Heroin Addiction: Signs, Risks, Withdrawal, and Treatment

Understanding Heroin Addiction

What Is Heroin Addiction?

Heroin addiction is a chronic condition that is characterized by physical dependence and withdrawal.

Those with a heroin addiction have what is known as opioid use disorder (OUD), which creates a strong need to use heroin to create feelings of relaxation and euphoria. With consistent use, the body can become reliant on heroin to maintain a sense of “normalcy.” 

Despite its harmful effects, it is very easy to become addicted to heroin.

How Does Heroin Affect the Brain and Body?

Heroin creates a relaxing, euphoric feel when it’s used.

The use of heroin rewires the brain’s communication that is responsible for you feeling good by flooding your brain’s reward center with dopamine. Heroin also produces metabolites – substances that process drugs – which bind to and initiate a reaction in specific brain receptors known as mu-opioid receptors (MORs). 

The body has naturally occurring neurotransmitters that bind to receptors in the brain and body to regulate hormone release, feelings linked to your well-being, and pain. When the MOR receptors are activated, the brain releases dopamine, which helps individuals feel good. The activation of MORs by heroin increases the urge to use heroin.

How Does Heroin Lead to Opioid Addiction?

When heroin and its metabolites produce substances that bind to and activate brain receptors, dopamine is released, creating a feeling of happiness and relaxation.

Heroin is a highly addictive, harmful opioid that, when used, sets off a reaction in the brain’s neurotransmitters, creating a feel-good response. With consistent use, the body and brain come to need the substance to feel normal. The chemicals in heroin replace the brain’s chemicals that produce dopamine.

What Is Heroin Use Disorder?

Individuals with a problematic pattern of heroin use that creates a significant amount of distress or impairment are known as having heroin use disorder.

The consistent use of heroin to produce feelings of euphoria and relaxation often leads to tolerance to a certain dosage, which leads to the need to increase the amount of heroin used to re-create the same feelings. 

Once the feelings are achieved, it’s followed by withdrawal symptoms and necessitates the urge to repeat using heroin regardless of the dangerous side effects and consequences.

Why Is Heroin So Addictive?

When heroin binds to opioid receptors in the brain, it creates a powerful release of dopamine, responsible for the feelings of happiness and pleasure.

Individuals will often continue to use heroin so they can re-create the initial feeling they had when they first used heroin – the need to feel that again leads to consistent, compulsive use. 

Stopping the use of heroin is challenging without professional help. The professionals at Legacy Outdoor Adventures provide safe, compassionate care that is tailored to your needs. Our treatment includes individual, group, and family therapy.

How Heroin Is Used

How Is Heroin Taken?

Heroin is used in several ways, which include:

•  Injection
•  Sniffed/snorted
• ·Smoked
•  Inhaled

Sometimes, individuals will combine crack cocaine with heroin to create a “speedball.” All the ways mentioned send the chemicals quickly to the brain, which increases the risk of addiction.

What Happens When Heroin Is Injected?

When heroin is injected into the body, its effects are felt almost immediately.

The injection of heroin intravenously, under the skin, or into a muscle provides an immediate, powerful feeling of euphoria and relaxation. It is considered the most common way those with heroin addiction use the drug.

Can Heroin Be Smoked or Snorted?

Yes, many people smoke or snort heroin instead of injecting it.

Individuals will heat it on foil and inhale the vapors through a tube in a practice known as “chasing the dragon.” Some prefer smoking heroin because they feel there is less stigma attached to it and it is safer. However, it is not safer to smoke heroin.

Inhaling powdered heroin through the nose is often the initial way many use it. While it does have less of a stigma, it is still a highly addictive route and often leads to injection to achieve the same feelings.

What Drug Paraphernalia Is Associated With Heroin Use?

The paraphernalia associated with heroin use includes syringes, small spoons, pipes, tin foil, and straws.

The above-mentioned paraphernalia are used to inject, smoke, and prepare heroin for use.

Why Does the Method of Use Affect Health Risks?

While each method of heroin use holds its own risks, specific methods may pose a different level of danger.

Health risks associated with injection:

• Scarred and collapsed veins
• Infective endocarditis
• HIV and hepatitis B/C
• Soft tissue infection and skin abscesses
• Vascular blockage
• Highest overdose risk

Health risks associated with smoking:

• Lung damage
• Mucosal inflammation
• Toxic leukoencephalopathy
• Overdose risk remains

Health risks associated with snorting:

• Perforated nasal septum
• Nasal tissue damage
• Disease transmission
• Gateway use

Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Addiction

What Are the Signs of Heroin Addiction?

It can be difficult to identify heroin addiction at first, but three signs indicate heroin addiction: physical changes, behavior changes, and changes in relationships.

Physical signs include:

• Injection marks and site wounds
• Pinpoint pupils
• Nodding off during events or activity
• Slowed breathing
• Itching or a continuous runny nose
• Sudden, quick, unexplainable weight loss

Behavior changes include:

• Abandoning hobbies or activities that once interested them
• Disappearing for large blocks of time
• Extreme mood swings
• Neglect of hygiene
• Financial issues

Relationship issues include:

• Social isolation
• Secretiveness
• Telling untruths

Other signs may include restlessness, memory impairment, lack of focus, muscle pain, and cold flashes.

Why Does Heroin Cause Drowsiness and Slow Breathing?

Heroin binds to the opioid receptors in the brain stem, causing slow breathing and sleepiness.

Why Do People Experience Nausea, Vomiting, and Constipation?

Opioids, including heroin, often cause vomiting, constipation, and nausea because they stimulate the part of the brain that detects harmful substances.

When the brain detects harmful substances in the blood, it triggers the body’s natural reflexes to rid itself of toxins.

Can Heroin Cause Weight Loss and Runny Nose?

Yes, weight loss and a chronic runny nose are side effects of heroin use.

How Does Heroin Affect Heart Rate and Mental Health?

Opioids like heroin depress the central nervous system and slow down the rate of the heart, causing irregular heart rhythms and an increased risk of a heart attack.

Those who use heroin are also at an increased risk of emotional numbness, depression, and anxiety.

Health Risks of Heroin Use

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Heroin Addiction?

Long-term use of heroin changes the brain’s physiological and physical structure, which can create long-term imbalances in the hormonal and neuronal systems.

These changes are not easily reversed due to deterioration of the brain’s white matter.

Why Are HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C Common Risks of Injecting Heroin?

People who inject heroin may share syringes, which can have traces of blood on them and, when used by two or more people, can transfer HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C if one of the individuals has one or both of the diseases.

What Are Abscesses and Scabs?

Abscesses initially look like pimples or bumps on the skin and can become inflamed cysts filled with pus, while scabs result from puncture wounds, which can become open sores, lesions, and track marks.

Both abscesses and scabs result from injections.

How Does Heroin Affect Co-Occurring Mental Illness?

Heroin addiction can worsen the symptoms of mental health disorders because of the changes in the brain that create issues like mood swings, cognitive impairment, and emotional instability.

Sometimes, heroin use occurs because an individual is attempting to cope with mental health conditions such as anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. However, continued use of heroin can increase the risk of mental health issues and the inability to stop using heroin.

How Does Fentanyl Increase the Risk of Heroin Use?

When fentanyl is combined with heroin, it increases the strength of both drugs, which can lead to significant intoxication and risk of harmful side effects such as an overdose.

Heroin Overdose

What Are the Signs of a Heroin Overdose?

The common signs of a heroin overdose include:

• Slowed breathing
• Constricted pupils
• Clammy or cold skin
• Loss of consciousness
• Purple or blue fingernails or lips
• Gurgling or choking noises
• Vomiting

Why Can Heroin Overdose Lead to Coma or Death?

The effects of heroin, such as depressed breathing, can cause respiratory arrest, which means the body will have a lack of oxygen.

How Does Naloxone Reverse an Opioid Overdose?

The effects of naloxone reverse an overdose by swiftly blocking the effects of heroin on the brain, which restores normal breathing within a couple of minutes.

When Should You Call Emergency Medical Services?

You should call emergency services immediately when someone is not breathing, showing signs of severe distress, or unresponsive.

Heroin Withdrawal

What Is Heroin Withdrawal?

Withdrawal is a specific set of symptoms that suddenly occur when stopping or slowly reducing the amount of heroin used.

What Are the Most Common Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms?

The most common symptoms of withdrawal typically include muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid heartbeat.

Why Do Cravings Occur During Withdrawal?

The brain is accustomed to the drug, and when you’re going through withdrawal, it creates the urge to use and experience the pleasurable effects of the drug, especially when symptoms are uncomfortable and you know heroin will relieve the discomfort.

How Long Does Heroin Withdrawal Last?

The most intense symptoms of withdrawal occur between 48 and 72 hours after use is stopped.

Can You Detox From Heroin Without Medical Supervision?

Yes, it is possible to detox from heroin without medical supervision, but it is generally not the safest approach.

Heroin withdrawal is usually not life-threatening by itself. However, symptoms can be severe, and attempting to detox alone can increase the risk of dehydration, relapse, overdose, and complications related to other substances or underlying medical conditions.

Treatment for Heroin Addiction

What Are the Most Effective Treatment Options for Heroin Addiction?

The most effective treatment option for heroin addiction is medication-assisted treatment (MAT): the combination of FDA-approved medications and behavioral therapies.

MAT prescriptions such as naltrexone, methadone, and buprenorphine help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Some medications may even block the effects of heroin if relapse occurs. Combined with behavioral therapy, MAT is shown to improve treatment outcomes.

Legacy Outdoor Adventures uses behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and outdoor adventure therapy alongside medication to support treatment adherence and long-term recovery.

How Do Methadone and Buprenorphine Help Treat Opioid Addiction?

Both medications work by reducing opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings, helping people stabilize physically so they can focus on counseling, behavioral therapies, and other aspects of recovery.

What Type of Injection Can Be Used to Stop Heroin Addiction?

Long-acting injectable medications, such as Sublocade and Vivitrol, can be used to treat opioid use disorder and help reduce cravings, withdrawal, and opioid use.

Why Is Behavioral Therapy an Important Part of Recovery?

Therapy helps individuals recognize harmful behavior patterns, learn coping skills, and make long-term changes in their lives.

During sessions, individuals are encouraged to learn how to change harmful thought patterns and behaviors that are linked to their substance use. As they learn to change these patterns, they develop healthy coping skills to manage triggers and cravings.

How Are Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions Treated?

Mental health professionals treat co-occurring mental health disorders and addiction by combining treatment approaches that address the symptoms of mental health with the symptoms associated with addiction.

Heroin Addiction Treatment at Legacy Outdoor Adventures

Why Is Residential Treatment Recommended for Heroin Addiction?

Residential treatment provides a structured, safe space that supports recovery.

In residential treatment, individuals can focus on recovery, free from outside distractions.

How Does Legacy Support Clients After Medical Detox?

Once the detoxification process is completed, clients will transition to our residential program, where they participate in comprehensive, trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment combined with adventure therapy.

How Does Adventure Therapy Complement Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment?

Adventure therapy provides learning opportunities that promote resilience and personal growth and teach coping skills.

How Does Legacy Treat Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions Alongside Heroin Addiction?

Treatment of co-occurring disorders at Legacy Outdoor Adventures combines types of psychotherapy such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with substance use disorder treatment.

How Does Legacy Help Clients Build Long-Term Recovery Beyond Withdrawal?

Through our hybrid program, we help clients build long-term coping and recovery skills through participation in activities such as meditation, mindfulness, adventure therapy, and psychotherapy.