Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment in Fort Lauderdale

Heroin is an illicit opioid derived from morphine, a substance that comes from the opium poppy plant. Heroin is classified as a central nervous system depressant, and it creates intense feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and pain relief.[1] It is either injected, smoked, or snorted, with injections being the most dangerous due to the risk of overdosing or becoming infected through unsanitary or shared needles.[2]

Heroin enters the bloodstream and rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier to bind to opioid receptors in the brain.[3] When binding occurs, this causes a rush of dopamine to be released, creating a solid association between heroin and pleasure or feeling relief. Due to heroin being a fast-acting substance, individuals may develop an addiction to heroin much more rapidly than they would with some of the prescription opioids.

There are many types of illicit heroin that are of varying strengths and purities, which makes it unpredictable how they will affect each individual. Because the strength and purity are inconsistent, it greatly increases the risk of both overdose and other very serious health conditions due to use.[4]

Heroin addiction develops through continued use, as the drug alters the brain’s reward and motivational systems. Over time, the brain will become less responsive to natural sources of pleasure, making it feel like heroin is something that is necessary to get through the day or to manage emotional discomfort.[5] As tolerance to the substance develops, the user then has to take heroin more frequently and in larger amounts to achieve the same feelings as they had when they first started.

Physical dependence will develop soon after, meaning that the body has now become accustomed to having heroin in it. At this point in time, many will continue to use heroin to avoid the cravings and discomfort that they would experience if they stopped. This cycle makes it virtually impossible for someone to stop using heroin without the assistance of a professional addiction treatment center.

Recognizing the following signs of heroin addiction can make it possible for you to get help for yourself or a loved one before the situation gets worse:

• Strong cravings for and preoccupation with trying to get heroin.
• Using heroin more frequently or in larger quantities than intended.
• Trying to quit or reduce use of heroin, but not being able to do so.
• Withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit or cut back
• Continuing to use heroin despite physical, legal, and relationship consequences.
• Having changes in mood, sleep, or everyday activities.

Recognizing these warning signs early can help individuals and loved ones seek heroin addiction help before risks escalate.

The misuse of heroin carries a high risk of overdose because of its effects, which impact breathing and cardiac output.[6] The use of even a small amount of heroin, by itself, can suppress your breathing and result in either losing consciousness or death. However, the risk of overdose is much greater if heroin is combined with other depressants like alcohol or a benzodiazepine.[7]

Injecting heroin increases the risk of numerous health care issues.[8] The health care issues that are common with the misuse of heroin include infections, abscesses, hepatitis, and HIV. These health care issues emphasize the need for professional treatment at a dual diagnosis rehab facility as early as possible in order to stop using and begin the recovery journey.

Many people dealing with heroin addiction are unable to quit by themselves, despite wanting to stop. Heroin alters the way that certain areas in the brain that handle impulsivity, stress response, and executive functioning work together.[9] This can create intense cravings for the substance, despite being aware of the harm caused by its continued use.

This physical dependence on heroin, along with psychological dependence, creates an ongoing cycle of use. Attempts at quitting will likely be halted due to cravings, emotional distress, or returning to the drug as a coping mechanism. Structured substance use disorder treatment programs in South Florida can assist you in safely and effectively progressing through this process.

Heroin addiction is frequently found co-occurring with mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder.[10] In some cases, hypothetical psychological distress or emotional pain leads to heroin use; however, as time passes, heroin use typically translates to worsening of these symptoms, thus feeding a cycle of continued addiction.

It is necessary for those struggling with heroin to address their mental health as well as their addiction in order to achieve lasting recovery. Treatment for co-occurring disorders helps people to understand the connection between substance abuse and emotional health and to develop healthier ways of coping.

Watching someone you care about suffer from heroin addiction can be a difficult experience. Families often feel confused as to how best to help or fear that any form of intervention may worsen the situation. An important first step in helping a loved one suffering from a heroin addiction is learning about addiction and encouraging the use of professional services.

Many behavioral health treatment providers offer family therapy and family education programs designed to assist family members and support their understanding of addiction, facilitating improved communication and establishing a supportive atmosphere during treatment and recovery.

Agape Treatment Center’s approach to treating heroin addiction takes an outpatient, evidence-based, and holistic approach to combine substance-related treatment and mental health treatment. As a leading treatment facility, our treatment options are targeted towards individuals who require ongoing and consistent therapeutic support but do not require inpatient or medical detox support. Treatment plans are individualized to address characteristics related to an individual’s history of heroin use, co-occurring mental health issues, and daily responsibilities.