We Know: All About How Heroin Addiction WorksWhat is heroin?Heroin is derived from morphine, which is a substance extracted from the poppy plant. Typically in powder form, heroin can appear white or brown and can be injected, smoked or snorted. Heroin has many street names or slang names including smack, H, and junk. What is heroin addiction?Heroin addiction is the compulsive need for heroin despite physical, mental, emotional and social affects that are unsavory. Heroin addicts feel a need for the drug and will do anything to have the drug, whether it is illegal or harms the ones they love. Heroin addiction must be treated by professionals in a drug treatment facility or rehabilitation center. What are signs of heroin addiction?Heroin users typically experience a "rush" or a surge of euphoria immediately after a dose. Following the euphoria is flushing of the skin and a feeling that the arms and legs are weighted down. Since the central nervous system is depressed while high on heroin, users become alternately wakeful and sleepy. Those addicted to heroin run a higher risk of overdose, collapsed veins, liver disease, pneumonia and infection of the heart valves. Some of these conditions can last even after a person stops abusing heroin. How is heroin addiction treated?Once a person is admitted to a rehab facility for their addiction to heroin, they will undergo several different types of treatments. For one, heroin addicts will be prescribed medications that help to ease the withdrawal symptoms of ceasing heroin use such as pain in the muscles and bones, restlessness, insomnia, upset stomach, diarrhea, uncontrollable kicking and cold sweats. Heroin addicts are also treated with a drug called methadone that prevents the body from experiencing pleasurable sensations from heroin abuse. Addicts are also typically exposed to behavioral therapy, in which the addict and psychologist will discuss why they became an addict and how to prevent such behavior in the future. |
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