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Heroin is a synthetic opioid derived from opium poppies. It can be inhaled, snorted, or smoked.

Heroin addiction is also known as opioid use disorder. It involves brain and behavioral changes that occur after heroin use.

What is the cause of heroin addiction?

Heroin is highly addictive. It is an opioid that binds to brain receptors and releases the chemical dopamine. This release of dopamine is temporary, as with many drug side effects. Some people want more.

The brain will not produce as much dopamine if a person uses an opioid over time. The person will then need to take higher doses or more frequently in order to feel the same good feelings. In some cases, opioid addiction begins with prescription painkillers prescribed following a surgical procedure or other injury. These drugs are similar to heroin in their effects.

When a person is addicted to prescribed drugs and cannot obtain them, they will turn to heroin or other illegal drugs to get the same high. Some people will be unable to stop using legal painkillers and recreational drugs.

What are the risks of heroin addiction?

Anyone who uses opioids is at risk of developing an opioid use disorder. There are many factors that increase the likelihood of developing an addiction.

The Mayo Clinic states that some of the risk factors include:

• Substance addiction in your family or among members of your own is something to take seriously.
• Heavy tobacco use
• History of severe depression or anxiety
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• Exposure to high-risk people or environments
• History of risk-taking behavior

Remember, however, that just because you or someone close to you has a risk factor or several, it doesn't necessarily mean that they will develop a substance abuse disorder. Addiction has many facets. Addiction can be caused by genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.

What are the signs and symptoms of heroin abuse?

Early on, the symptoms of opioid abuse disorder may not be apparent, especially if a person goes to great lengths in order to conceal their use. It can become harder to conceal the increased use. The following are some of the signs and symptoms that can indicate heroin use:

• Anxiety or drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Constricted (smaller) pupils
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• Memory problems
• If you inject the drug, needle marks will appear.
• Runny nose, or sores on the nose (if you snort the drug).
• Constipation
• Reduced pain sensation

Other signs of heroin abuse can include:

• Changes in appearance or decline of personal hygiene
• Changes in behavior such as sudden secrecy and aggression
• Money issues such as having money problems or needing to borrow more money for no reason
• Problems at work or school
• Risky or dangerous behavior

Addiction is the inability to stop using substances despite negative consequences. You may find that you have to use more heroin in order to feel the same pleasure you did with less.

How can heroin addiction be diagnosed?

A psychiatrist or psychologist will conduct a thorough assessment and examination to diagnose any substance use disorder. This includes opioid use disorder. In some states, the diagnosis may be made by a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.

A variety of tests are used. This includes lab tests, such as blood or urine tests, and a clinical examination.

Speak to a professional if you suspect you or someone close to you has an addiction. A mental health professional can be a psychiatrist, social worker, licensed drug or alcohol counselor, or physician.

How does heroin addiction get treated?

No drug, including heroin, is a "cure all". There are many effective treatments that can help the individual into and through recovery. Treatments are usually based on:

• The individual
• The substance used
• Any coexisting medical conditions

Effective treatments for opioid use disorders come in various forms. Multiple forms of treatment from trusted sources are often more effective than using just one.

Both pharmacological and behavioral treatments are effective in treating opioid use disorders.

Treatment with pharmaceuticals

Once physically addicted to heroin, stopping can result in withdrawal symptoms that range from discomfort and fatigue to nausea and vomiting. Some of these withdrawal symptoms can be severe. Some of these symptoms include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• Pain
• diarrhea

Detoxing from heroin can be a painful process, and it is often accompanied by intense cravings. Some individuals use heroin to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and detox. Medication is able to reduce the physical symptoms of withdrawal and ease cravings.

Most treatments begin with detoxification. Further treatment will be less successful if detox is physically difficult to endure. Detox should always be performed under medical supervision, and may even require hospitalization by your physician.

Treatment for behavioral disorders

Outpatient and inpatient settings can both be used for behavioral treatment. This can include:

• Individual therapy
• Group Therapy
• contingency management

The following are some of the benefits that behavioral therapy can provide:

• Identify triggers for drug use.
• Build coping skills to cope with cravings.
• Relapse prevention is a key concern.
• Find out what is causing you emotional distress and deal with it.

What is the outlook on heroin addiction?

Opioid abuse disorder is a serious but treatable condition. Addiction does not have to be long-term or permanent. Help is available, and recovery is possible.

Immediately consult a healthcare provider if you suspect heroin use among yourself or those close to you. You can get an assessment from them, and they will provide you with resources to help you recover.

Credit: thewebhealth.com drugsdiscussion.com