Heroin Addiction: Effects, Withdrawal & Treatment
What Is Heroin?
Heroin is a powerful illegal opioid substance made from morphine, a natural opioid derived from opium poppies.2,3
Forms of heroin include:2,3
- White powder.
- Brown powder.
- Black sticky substance (“black tar” heroin).
Heroin is commonly used via several means:1,4,5
- Snorting or sniffing the powder (also called “insufflation”).
- Heating the heroin and smoking the fumes (inhaling it).
- Dissolving the heroin in water and injecting it intravenously.
Is Heroin Addictive?
Yes, heroin can be a very addictive drug. It acts on the opioid receptors in the body and both suppresses pain and elicits pleasure. At higher doses users typically experience a pleasurable rush of euphoria (a high).1 These pleasurable feelings can lead a person to want to repeat taking heroin.
A person can quickly build up a tolerance to heroin and may find they either need to increase the amount or frequency of their dose or change their method of use (e.g., from snorting to injecting) to get the effects they want.1,6
With continued heroin use, a person may quickly develop a physiological dependence. Dependence makes it especially difficult to quit, since the associated withdrawal symptoms are often painful and unpleasant characterized by symptoms that mimic an awful flu.1,7
Both tolerance and dependence are physiological signs that the body has adapted to heroin. Becoming increasingly tolerant to or dependent on heroin does not alone mean a person is addicted; however, both are signs of an opioid addiction, or opioid use disorder (OUD).7
An OUD is characterized by the compulsive seeking of heroin or other opioids despite the damage it causes to a person’s relationships, physical health, and other important areas of their life.7,8
What Are the Signs of Heroin Addiction?
As a person develops an opioid use disorder, they will begin to display signs that they are losing control over their heroin use, such as:7
- Using more heroin or using it more often than intended.
- Using heroin despite it causing social or interpersonal problems.
- Failing to fulfill obligations at home, school, or work due to heroin use.
- Using heroin when doing so can be physically hazardous, for example before getting behind the wheel.
View the full list of diagnostic criteria for an opioid use disorder.
Short-Term Effects of Heroin
When someone uses heroin, they may feel a near-immediate and very powerful high. Some of the other short-term effects of heroin use can include:1,9
- Heaviness in the extremities.
- Drowsiness/nodding off.
- Slowed breathing.
Heroin Overdose
Heroin overdose occurs when a person uses too much heroin or uses heroin that contains another drug, such as a more powerful opioid like fentanyl. With fentanyl-containing heroin on the rise, overdoses have grown significantly in number in recent years.10,11
What to Do in Case of a Heroin Overdose
If you believe someone has overdosed, call 911 right away.12 Do not delay calling for emergency medical assistance, and don’t worry about getting in legal trouble. Most states have Good Samaritan laws that provide certain legal protections for those who call for help in an overdose emergency or otherwise try to help, for example, by administering naloxone, the opioid overdose reversal drug.13
If you have naloxone, administer it right away, even if you’re not sure if the person is overdosing. Someone not overdosing on opioids will not experience adverse effects as a result of receiving naloxone.10
If the person does not begin breathing within 2-3 minutes, administer another dose of naloxone.14 Stay with the person until medical assistance has arrived and position them on their side to prevent choking should they vomit.12
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Heroin?
Heroin is a powerful drug capable of causing a great deal of harm over time. Someone who uses heroin long-term may experience numerous medical and mental health issues, including:15
- Chronic constipation.
- Insomnia.
- Deterioration of the brain’s white matter, which may lead to problems making decisions, regulating behavior, and controlling impulses.
- Opioid use disorder.
Injection users may experience a whole list of unique health risks, including clogged blood vessels, serious soft tissue infections, and increased risk of bloodborne diseases.15,17
Those who snort heroin may also suffer several unique health problems, including nasal pain and holes in the nasal septum.15,16
Heroin Addiction Treatment & Detox
Heroin addiction is treatable. If you or a loved one is suffering from an opioid use disorder and you don’t know where to turn, we can help.
Detoxing from Heroin
The treatment path for heroin addiction often begins with medical detox.18,19 In a medical detox program, the patient’s withdrawal symptoms are managed safely under the careful supervision of medical staff.19 Heroin withdrawal can be immensely uncomfortable and may include symptoms like:7,19
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Muscle and bone pain.
- Diarrhea.
- Nausea and vomiting.
At AdCare, we have two inpatient detox programs, one detox center in Rhode Island and one drug detox center in Massachusetts where you or a loved one can detox in a sober, medically monitored inpatient environment.
Heroin Addiction Treatment Options
Treatment for heroin addiction should continue after detox, either in an inpatient or outpatient environment.
Inpatient and outpatient programs will utilize many of the same core treatment elements, including counseling, group therapy, medications (e.g., methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone), drug education, and mutual support groups (e.g., Narcotics Anonymous or SMART Recovery) to help people address their addictions and learn new coping skills to bolster their recovery.18
Inpatient/residential programs offer around-the-clock care and the chance to put all of your focus on your recovery. These programs can be a great starting point for those with moderate to severe opioid use disorders who need intensive support as they begin their treatment journey.18
Outpatient addiction treatment programs vary in intensity. The most intensive outpatient program, partial hospitalization, is similar to inpatient programs; however, you do not live at the facility.
Intensive outpatient programs offer fewer hours of treatment per week but still offer a great deal of support. Standard outpatient programs involve minimal hours of therapy and are often utilized by those who are continuing in their treatment journey after completing a higher level of care.18
Heroin Addiction Treatment at AdCare
AdCare offers the full range of treatment programs, and we can help you determine what your particular treatment path may look like when you call us at .
Our caring admissions navigators are available to answer your questions about how to pay for addiction treatment, and help you start the rehab admissions process.
If you have health insurance, you can check your insurance coverage for rehab by using our confidential now.
Please don’t wait to get the help you deserve. We’re here to help you recover.
What Are the Signs of Heroin Use?
Individuals who may be using heroin often exhibit a range of noticeable symptoms. Common signs include a sudden and marked change in behavior, such as increased secrecy or withdrawal from social interactions. Physical indicators can manifest as a constricted pupil size, frequent nosebleeds (if snorted), or track marks on the arms and legs (if injected). Users may also experience a decline in personal hygiene and grooming, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and a persistent feeling of euphoria followed by lethargy.
In today’s landscape of substance abuse, there are two opioids frequently encountered in illicit markets that have surpassed heroin in prevalence. The first is mitragynine, which is actually the primary active component found in kratom, a herbal product derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia. Known for its stimulant and sedative effects at varying doses, mitragynine is gaining attention both for its potential therapeutic effects and its risks.
The second opioid, fentanyl, is particularly concerning due to its extreme potency. This synthetic opioid is responsible for a significant surge in drug-related fatalities in recent years. Even minute quantities can lead to overdose, making it increasingly dangerous. The alarming rise in fentanyl’s availability on the streets poses serious public health challenges, as it is often mixed with other substances—sometimes without the user’s knowledge—amplifying the risk of accidental overdoses. Together, these two substances highlight the evolving dynamics of opioid use and the urgent need for comprehensive approaches to address the opioid crisis.
How Does Heroin Affect the Body?
Heroin exerts severe effects on the body, leading to myriad complications. Initially, it causes a rush of pleasure as it enters the bloodstream, but this immediate satisfaction is fleeting. Over time, heroin can lead to respiratory problems, including slow and shallow breathing, which may result in hypoxia—a condition characterized by insufficient oxygen reaching the brain. Long-term use can lead to various health issues, including heart infections, liver disease, and conditions associated with the collapse of veins in individuals who inject the drug. Weight loss and malnutrition are also common as the drug can inhibit appetite and nutritional absorption.
How Does Heroin Affect the Brain?
Heroin significantly alters brain function by binding to opioid receptors, which are crucial for processing pain and pleasure. This interaction leads to a cascade of pleasurable sensations, creating a strong desire to repeat the experience. Chronic use restructures the brain’s chemistry, diminishing its ability to feel pleasure from natural rewards—essentially hijacking the brain’s reward system. Prolonged exposure to heroin can lead to long-term cognitive deficits, impacting memory, decision-making, and impulse control, as well as increasing the risk of mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
How to Treat Heroin Addiction
Treating heroin addiction often involves a comprehensive approach that may include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counseling, and support groups. Medications such as methadone or buprenorphine can reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier for individuals to focus on their recovery. Behavioral therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and contingency management, help individuals modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use. Continuous support, whether through individual therapy or group sessions, is vital for sustaining recovery and preventing relapse.
Over time, the opioid medications used for MAT (such as buprenorphine) can be safely tapered. AAC medical staff is skilled in this technique.
What Are the Benefits of an Inpatient Heroin Drug Rehab?
Inpatient rehab programs offer an immersive treatment environment that allows individuals to focus entirely on their recovery without the distractions of everyday life. These programs provide round-the-clock medical care and support, ensuring personalized attention during detoxification and recovery phases. Inpatient treatment facilities often offer a structured routine with therapy sessions, group support, and educational workshops, creating a sense of community among participants. This setting can significantly enhance an individual’s chances of long-term sobriety due to the combination of focused care and a supportive environment.
Is There Outpatient Treatment For Heroin Addiction?
Outpatient treatment for heroin addiction provides flexibility for individuals who may not require or prefer a residential program. This type of treatment allows patients to attend therapy and counseling sessions while maintaining their daily responsibilities, such as work or family obligations. Outpatient programs usually include regular check-ins, individual counseling, medication management, and access to support groups. This approach can be particularly beneficial for those with a solid support system at home and who have motivation and commitment to work on their recovery while living in their community.