Opioids are the leading cause of drug overdose deaths, which itself is the primary cause of premature death in the United States. Although it’s prescription opioid use that has ushered the third wave of the country’s opioid epidemic, this drug trend has led to a significant increase in heroin use. These powerful pain pills often result in accidental addiction and heroin is a cheap and readily available alternative that many users turn to when those prescribed medications run out. The result has been an epidemic within an epidemic.
Heroin abuse, addiction, and overdoses are overwhelming both and a national and local level. Massachusetts is also undergoing an acute heroin crisis of its own. In 2019, over 14,000 Americans died from a heroin-related overdose—a figure 7 times higher than it was a decade prior.
Heroin is a fast-acting central nervous system (CNS) depressant. Whether it’s smoked, drunk, or injected, the drug quickly binds to the mu, kappa, and delta opioid receptors in the body. This then triggers the release of hormones that create feelings of pain relief, pleasure, and euphoria but can also cause hallucinations, dysphoria, and disassociation. Physiological effects are also felt on the user’s heart rate, breathing, and consciousness.
In addition to the effects listed above, there are numerous dangers associated with heroin use. These are things that could ultimately change the whole trajectory of your life, or even end it. The dangers of heroin use include addiction, long-term health issues, overdose, and death.
This substance is incredibly physically and psychologically addictive. Like any other kind of drug, many individuals ultimately end up succumbing to severe addiction. Its mind-altering effects is sought after by users to escape pain and it is common to develop a physical dependence. Heroin addiction can alter the trajectory of any individual’s life significantly. heroin addiction makes it difficult to complete day to day tasks and responsibilities, including:
The ultimate identifier of whether someone is addicted to heroin will experience a myriad of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms shortly when they stop using. Additionally,
While the immediate risks of heroin use are fearful in their own right, the long-term health issues this drug can cause should not be overlooked. The list of health issues seen in those who do or did use heroin is lengthy:
A heroin overdose happens when more of the substance enters the bloodstream than the body is able to handle. The body tries to cope but is simply unable to. Some individuals who overdose will begin to vomit, and if they are on their back they then can aspirate, choke, and die. If a third party observes an overdose, acts quickly and appropriately, then they may be able to save the overdosing individual’s life. Narcan is a medication that is administered in time can reverse the effects of a heroin overdose. Unfortunately, even if a heroin user lives through an overdose, it is possible that they will suffer irreversible brain damage.
For those who overdose on heroin, death is a very real possibility. In 2019, nearly one-third of all opioid overdose deaths were at least partially attributed to heroin use. Similar to that of other opioids and central nervous system depressants in general, heroin lethality is due to the drug’s effects on the respiratory system. Depressants like heroin can slow or stop breathing altogether, causing a dangerous shortage of oxygen to the brain known as hypoxia. Brain cells are extremely sensitive to oxygen deprivation and can die within minutes. Heroin is incredibly potent and such a consequence can cause death in mere minutes.
Survivors of overdoses may see this as a wake-up call, that it is time to stop using. For those who are unable or unwilling to stop using heroin, an overdose-related death is not just possible, but inevitable.
Treating a heroin addiction can take multiple tries and an array of therapy options. The process can be challenging and ugly, but also rewarding and lifesaving. The best thing to do for yourself or a loved one who is struggling with heroin is to get professional help. Contact an addiction treatment facility that treats heroin use disorders.
The recovery process starts with detox. During the first few days following cessation of heroin use, withdrawal symptoms may begin to present themselves. Depending on the frequency, length of use, and amount used, symptoms may be more or less severe. For the most part, heroin withdrawal resembles that of a severe case of the flu: chills, headache, fever, sweating, aching, irritability. However, it is the severe cravings that many find the most difficult symptom to overcome.
Heroin detox programs are designed to manage and minimize heroin withdrawal symptoms. A medical detox program may offer Subutex or Suboxone, medications that minimize withdrawal symptoms. Some programs also provide alternative therapies such as yoga, acupuncture, massage, and more.
Following detox, some patients may stay in an inpatient or residential treatment facility for 30, 60, or 90 days. These programs provide the benefit of 24/7 supervision and care, a safe, temptation-free residence, nutritious meals, entertainment, and more. However, residential treatment is not always accessible or feasible for recovering addicts and it is not a permanent arrangement.
For those who have completed higher levels of care, intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and standard outpatient treatment (OT) can provide long-term care at fewer hours per week. IOP and OT provide flexibility for clients to be able to work, go to school, and otherwise return to daily activities while still making time to work on their recovery.
