When people discuss addictive drugs, heroin seems to be at the very top of the list. It’s because people, and even experts, believe that heroin is so powerful and addictive that anyone who takes it is almost certain to develop dependence. In other words, taking heroin recreationally a few times can easily find a quick and deadly transition into addiction.
What is heroin?
Heroin is highly addictive and harmful. DrugWarFacts.org considers it as the most addictive illegal narcotic compared to other drugs.
Also known as diamorphine, among other names, is an opioid. This means like opium and morphine, it’s made from the resin of poppy plants. Heroin comes from opium, a milky, sap-like substance coming from the pod of the poppy flower. The opium is refined to make morphine, then further refined to turn into different forms of heroin or other opiate painkillers.
Most heroin users inject it, that’s why there’s another factor of infection from unsanitary or reusing needles, which can cause many infections and even AIDS.
Heroin’s effects on the brain
In 1972, researchers at Johns Hopkins University discovered that neurons in the brain have receptor sites that are specific for opiates such as heroin, morphine, codeine, and opium. As it turns out, these opiates are structurally similar to endorphins. Endorphins are naturally produced in the brain and are responsible for feelings of euphoria and are also involved in how we feel pain and stress.
Opioid receptors can also be found throughout the brain, even the brain cell, which is responsible for blood pressure and breathing. This is why those who overdose on heroin initially show breathing problems.
Heroin hijacks the brain by pretending to be endorphins. Then, it locks on the receptors to give users powerful feelings of euphoria or to prevent feelings of pain. However, morphine is more powerful than endorphins, and overtime, naturally occurring endorphins won’t be enough to make users happy. They would continually seek out heroin to give them that desired feeling they initially had. This feeling is the high–a rush of euphoria which can’t be reproduced naturally. It’s unlike anything anyone has ever had naturally, and it is so powerful. This rush is what users seek, eventually causing them to develop an addiction.
Treatment for heroin addiction
An addict who wants to cut down on heroin or get clean will have painful withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms include muscle cramps and spasms, depression, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, and goose bumps, among others.
This fear of withdrawal can also trap them into an endless cycle of heroin seeking behavior. However, this cycle can be broken, with effective addiction rehab provided by facilities such as Bridges of Hope.
Bridges of Hope is a drug and alcohol rehab treatment center in the Philippines. Over the years, it has helped hundreds of individuals and families overcome addiction. If you need help with your own heroin addiction or you know someone who needs help, contact us: 09175098826.
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