In 2008, approximately 3.8 million Americans aged 12 or older had admitted to using heroin at some point in their lives, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This drug is highly addictive and using it can have serious repercussions. Early intervention may make treatment more effective, so those who may be addicted to this drug should seek help as soon as possible.
Administration
People can inject, sniff, snort or smoke heroin. Injections typically provide the greatest intensity, and the user usually feels her body react in approximately seven seconds. Users feel the effects from sniffing or smoking heroin in about 10 to 15 minutes. All forms of heroin administration are addictive, but injection is the main method of use among users seeking addiction treatment, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Considerations
Many people who use heroin become physically dependent on the drug. They spend their time and energy obtaining and using it, and this behavior interferes with their impairing their ability to function. This can make it difficult for them to keep a job, have close relationships or lead a normal life.
Medical Complications
Medical complications often occur as a result of heroin addiction. These may include collapsed or scarred veins, boils, bacterial infections, soft-tissue infections, liver disease, kidney disease, lung complications, clogged blood vessels, miscarriage, arthritis and other rheumatologic issues. Sharing needles may lead to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and many other bloodborne viruses. Some of these complications are life-threatening.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms often occur when addicts stop using the drug suddenly. These symptoms include bone or muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, cold flashes, leg movements and insomnia. They usually peak approximately one or two days after the last dose, and usually begin to subside after a week. However, some heroin addicts may experience withdrawal symptoms for many months.
Misconceptions
Some individuals reported that they smoke or inhale heroin because they believe using the drug this way is less addicting than injecting the drug. This is not true. Using heroin is addictive, regardless of which way the drug is administered, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Treatments
Detoxification programs help heroin addicts stop using the drug by minimizing the severity of withdrawal symptoms, and are usually the first step of the treatment process, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Doctors may prescribe methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, buprenorphine/naloxone or other medications to lessen withdrawal symptoms or assist in the recovery process. Although medication often proves useful, heroin addicts benefit more from treatment that has both pharmacological and behavioral components. Behavioral treatment may involve participation at a residential or outpatient facility. Some treatment programs allow patients to earn points based upon negative drug tests, and the patient then redeems these points for rewards and items that encourage health living. Cognitive-behavioral interventions help the addict to modify their expectations and behaviors related to their heroin use.
References
- Office of Applied Studies: Results from the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Heroin Abuse and Addiction: How is it Used?
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: Heroin Abuse and Addiction: Treatment
- U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration: Narcotics
