Using Opiates for Anxiety is Dangerous
People turn to chemical substances for a variety of reasons. Some people begin to use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate the symptoms associated with an underlying mental health condition. Substance abuse and mental illness are very closely interlinked for a variety of reasons. For example, someone with depression might struggle with feeling down and morose, and might not feel motivated to participate in social activities or take care of day-to-day tasks. They might find that if they use alcohol, they are more inclined to engage socially and they feel more motivated to take care of their obligations and responsibilities.
Using Heroin to Cope With Symptoms of Anxiety
Along the same vein, some people might use drugs like heroin to combat symptoms associated with anxiety. They might feel stressed out and anxious throughout the day, and after experimenting with heroin (or another opioid narcotic) they might find that these symptoms are alleviated. Some symptoms commonly associated with anxiety include:
- Excessive worrying, even when there is nothing to worry about
- Feeling extremely agitated or irritable, and otherwise experiencing mood swings
- Experiencing restlessness throughout the day, and an inability to sit still
- Feeling extremely tired or fatigued throughout the day, and not being able to fall asleep at night
- Having a difficult time concentrating throughout the day
- Experiencing a range of physical symptoms, like an upset stomach, muscle tension, a clenched jaw, or general feelings of physical discomfort
- Experiencing panic attacks at extremely inopportune times, which can include an increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and hyperventilation
If you have been experiencing the symptoms of anxiety for any length of time, you might feel trapped and not know where to turn. rather than turning to a chemical substance like heroin, it is a good idea to reach out for professional help. Agape Treatment Center can help.
Why Does Heroin Temporarily Decrease Anxiety?
Experiencing the symptoms that go hand-in-hand with an anxiety-related disorder is essentially the same as being unable to relax. People who experience anxiety feel constantly on edge; they feel as if something bad is always going to happen as if imminent danger is always on the horizon. This can be quite an uncomfortable way to live. People who experience anxiety and who are not being professionally treated for their anxiety disorder might turn to chemical substances as a means of self-medication. heroin affects the central nervous system and causes feelings of euphoria and intense relaxation.
Heroin Relaxes You and Leads to Addiction
The feelings of relaxation that are supplied by heroin can effectively combat symptoms associated with anxiety, however, it is crucial to know that using any illicit substance will always exacerbate mental health symptoms and ultimately make them worse. While symptoms of anxiety might go away temporarily, they will always come back as soon as the substance becomes unavailable. That is to say that men and women who have been abusing heroin and attempts to alleviate symptoms of anxiety will need to undergo a dual diagnosis treatment program. At Agape Treatment Center we focus on dual diagnosis treatment options, treating substance abuse issues and mental health concerns simultaneously.
Agape Treatment Center – Heroin Addiction Recovery
At Agape Treatment Center we are well equipped to deal with men and women of all ages and walks of life who have been struggling with heroin abuse or addiction. Furthermore, our program of treatment for co-occurring disorders focuses on tackling all implications of addiction simultaneously, including underlying mental health conditions. If you believe you may have been struggling with anxiety and you have been using heroin to self-medicate, we are available to help. Our team of psychiatric professionals will tackle underlying mental illness while our team of addiction specialists and licensed therapists works to treat all symptoms associated with substance abuse. To learn more, please feel free to reach out to us today.
