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Heroin: What You Need to Know

Heroin, also known as diacetylmorphine, is derived from the opium poppy plant. Heroin currently has no FDA-approved indications for use. It is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, with no approved medical use in the United States. With the high rate of prescription opioid addiction and the lower cost of heroin, many individuals turned to the cheaper option and developed heroin dependence. Continue to read more about heroin drug.

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By We Level Up | Author Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

Heroin, also called diacetylmorphine, comes from the opium poppy plant. It is an illegal drug with no approved medical use in the US. Classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, heroin is very dangerous and highly addictive. It is a leading cause of drug-related deaths, claiming thousands of lives each year.

Many heroin users started with prescription painkillers before turning to heroin. Since prescription opioid painkillers can be expensive, some people turn to heroin as a cheaper alternative, either to kill pain or as a cheaper drug of abuse.

But unfortunately, heroin quickly traps users in a cycle of addiction or dependence. Keep reading to learn more about heroin, where it came from, what it does to the body and mind, and why it is considered so dangerous.

Key Takeaways

  • Heroin is an illegal opioid drug derived from morphine. It is often used by injection, smoking, or snorting. 
  • Signs of heroin addiction may include physical changes (constricted pupils, drowsiness, track marks), behavioral shifts (withdrawal, secrecy, financial issues), and psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression, cravings).
  • Short-term effects include a rush of euphoria, but long-term use causes serious health risks, such as heart and lung problems and mental health disorders.
  • Heroin can stay in the system for hours or days, and withdrawal symptoms can be intense but are treatable with professional help.

What is Heroin

Heroin is an illegal opioid drug made from morphine, a natural substance extracted from the seed pod of opium poppy plants. These plants mainly grow in Mexico, Asia, and South America. Heroin comes in several forms. It can come as a white or brown powder or as a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin. It has many street names like brown sugar, junk, smack, or horse. 

How is heroin taken? Heroin is abused by injection, sniffing, snorting, or smoking. No matter how it is abused, heroin works very quickly. It binds to opioid receptors in your brain and creates a rush of euphoria and pain relief. 

However, this rush doesn’t last long. As the effects of heroin wear off, withdrawal symptoms quickly appear, such as intense cravings, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms will make you feel uncomfortable. Your body and brain will want to take more of the drug to avoid these symptoms. 

The regular use of heroin changes your brain chemistry. Over time, your brain becomes dependent on the drug to feel normal, and your body builds a tolerance. This means you’ll need higher doses of the drug to get the same high. This greatly increases the risk of addiction and overdose. 

For some people, a single dose can cause physical dependence. This dangerous drug can stop your body from receiving pain signals and slow down your heart rate and breathing. If you overdose on heroin, you may stop breathing or die.  

Many people start using heroin to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression. Unfortunately, it often makes these conditions worse and can lead to serious physical, mental, and social disorders.

Side Effects of Heroin

What does heroin do to your mind and body? Heroin affects the brain by attaching to opioid receptors. These receptors control feelings of pain and pleasure. When heroin hits these receptors, it floods the brain with dopamine, responsible for a strong feeling of happiness called a “high.”

But this high comes with a lot of risk. Below are some potential side effects of heroin.

Short-Term Effects

Heroin side effects appear shortly after taking it and can last a few hours. They include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Warm flushing of the skin
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Severe itching
  • A rush of euphoria and happiness
  • Drowsiness and wakefulness
  • Clouded mental functioning 
  • Heavy feeling in the arms and legs
Long-Term Effects

The long-term use of heroin can result in severe negative consequences, such as:

  • Damage to the heart, such as the infection of the heart lining and valves
  • Increased risk of infections, such as HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis B and C, from sharing needles
  • Liver and kidney diseases
  • Chronic constipation or stomach issues
  • Collapsed veins
  • Lung infections, including tuberculosis and pneumonia
  • Brain damage caused by lack of oxygen during overdoses

How can heroin affect your mental health? The drug alters your brain chemistry and causes imbalances in hormones and neurochemicals that aren’t easily reversed. Heroin significantly increases the risk for depression, anxiety, mood swings, personality changes, difficulty concentrating, and other mental illnesses. Chronic heroin abuse can negatively affect your cognitive ability, behavior, and your decision-making ability.  

The long-term effects of heroin abuse extend beyond the individual. They affect families, friendships, and entire communities. But with comprehensive addiction treatment, it is possible to overcome heroin’s powerful grip, prevent irreversible damage, and save lives.

Therapist and patient discussing strategies for recovery from heroin addiction

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What are the Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Addiction

How do you identify if you or someone you know is becoming addicted to heroin? Heroin addiction is difficult to recognize, especially in the early stages. 

People struggling with heroin abuse may show certain physical, psychological, and behavioral signs. Signs and symptoms are similar to other opioids and include:

Physical Signs

  • Constricted pupils
  • Slurred speech
  • Drowsiness
  • Sudden weight loss
  • Constipation 
  • Marks on the arms or legs from needles (trace marks)
  • Constantly runny nose or coughing without illness

Behavioral Signs

  • Isolation from friends and family
  • Loss of interest in hobbies or social activities
  • Neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or school
  • Borrowing or stealing money to buy drug
  • Lying about their whereabouts
  • Engaging in secretive behavior

Psychological Signs

  • Mood swings, including irritability or depression
  • Feeling anxious or restless
  • Appearing disoriented
  • Having difficulty concentrating
  • Intense cravings

If you or someone in your family or one of your friends is showing signs of addiction, seek professional help immediately. The sooner you get help, the more chances you have for a long-term recovery.

We Level Up offers comprehensive treatment for substance use disorder, including heroin. Contact us today to learn more.

How Is Heroin Taken?

How to take heroin? First, you must understand that all forms of heroin carry significant health risks, including addiction, overdose, and various physical and mental health complications.

How is heroin used? Heroin can be taken through various routes of administration. The most common methods include:

  • Heroin Injection: Heroin is dissolved in water and injected directly into the veins using a syringe. Injecting heroin delivers the drug rapidly into the bloodstream, resulting in an immediate and intense high.
  • Smoking: Can you smoke heroin? And how is heroin smoked? Heroin can be heated on foil or a similar surface, and the vapors are inhaled through a tube or straw. Smoking heroin produces a quick onset of effects but is less potent than injecting.
  • Snorting Heroin: Heroin is ground into a powder and snorted through the nose. The drug is absorbed through the nasal mucosa and enters the bloodstream, but the effects may be less intense than injection or smoking.

The rise in heroin abuse is closely tied to the increased use of prescription opioids. Prescription opioids like oxycodone, oxycodone ER (OxyContin), hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin), oxycodone/acetaminophen (Percocet), and morphine are commonly used to treat pain from injuries, surgeries, cancer, and chronic conditions. When heroin is used as prescribed and under medical supervision, these medications can effectively manage pain. However, they carry a high risk of misuse and addiction.   

Many people misuse prescription opioids to relieve pain, experience euphoria, or avoid withdrawal symptoms. Over time, they need larger doses to achieve the same effects due to tolerance. This cycle often leads to dependence and addiction. 

When some people can no longer get prescription pills due to strict regulations and higher costs, they turn to heroin, a cheaper and often more accessible alternative. Both prescription opioids and heroin belong to the same class of drugs—opioids. They produce similar effects on the brain. According to the American Medical Association, about 45% of people who use heroin start by misusing prescription opioids. 

Several factors contribute to the transition from prescription opioids to heroin, including lower cost, more accessibility, high potency, and ease of use. But switching to heroin use after prescription opioid addiction is very risky. The strength of heroin is unpredictable, increasing the chances of overdosing. And heroin overdoses can slow breathing so much that it can lead to death. 

How do we address this issue? The very first step is to prevent the misuse of prescription opioids. Doctors and pharmacies are working to reduce access to these medications. They are using Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) to identify patients who are at risk of multiple opioid prescriptions. Healthcare providers screen patients for signs of addiction and offer early interventions. 
For those people already struggling with addiction, evidence-based treatments like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone can be life-saving. These medications, when combined with therapy, can help people overcome heroin addiction.

Heroin Drug Injection, HIV, And Hepatitis

Addressing the root causes of drug addiction, such as through comprehensive substance abuse treatment and support services, is vital for reducing the risk of heroin injection and associated health complications. Heroin drug injection increases the risk of HIV and hepatitis infections.

What does heroin do to the body? Here’s some information about heroin effect on the body and the connection between heroin injection and these viral infections:

  • HIV transmission: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can be transmitted by sharing contaminated heroin needles and other drug paraphernalia. When individuals inject heroin using needles previously used by someone infected with HIV, there is a risk of transmitting the virus. Moreover, risky sexual behaviors in the context of drug use can also contribute to the spread of HIV.
  • Hepatitis transmission: Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver, and there are several types, including hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV). Like HIV, hepatitis viruses can be transmitted by sharing needles and drug paraphernalia. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted through sexual contact and other means of blood-to-blood contact.
  • Injection-related risks: Heroin injection involves using needles, syringes, and other equipment that may not be adequately sterilized. Sharing needles and other injection equipment can lead to the transmission of bloodborne infections. In addition, injection practices that involve using unclean water or reusing and sharing drug preparation equipment increase the risk of infection.
  • Co-infection: Individuals who inject heroin and become infected with HIV or hepatitis B or C may experience co-infection, meaning they are infected with multiple viruses simultaneously. Co-infection can have severe health implications, as it may lead to more rapid disease progression and increased risk of complications.
  • Harm reduction strategies: To address the risks associated with heroin injection and the transmission of HIV and hepatitis, harm reduction strategies are crucial. These strategies aim to minimize the negative consequences of drug use without requiring abstinence.
    • Examples of harm reduction approaches include:
      • Needle and syringe exchange programs: These programs provide sterile needles and syringes to individuals who inject drugs, reducing the sharing of contaminated equipment.
      • Safe injection sites: These supervised facilities allow individuals to inject drugs under the supervision of healthcare professionals who can provide sterile equipment and respond to potential overdoses.
      • Education and counseling: Providing information on safe injection practices, the risks of HIV and hepatitis, and promoting safer sex practices can help individuals make informed decisions and reduce the spread of infections.
      • Access to testing and treatment: Ensuring that individuals who inject drugs have access to HIV and hepatitis testing, as well as appropriate medical care and treatment if diagnosed, is crucial to reducing the impact of these infections.

Heroin Drug Classification Fact Sheet

Heroin Definition

Heroin is a highly addictive illegal opioid drug derived from morphine, extracted from certain poppy plants’ seed pods. How is heroin taken? It is typically sold as a white or brownish powder or as a sticky black substance known as “black tar heroin,” and it can be smoked, snorted, or injected. It is commonly misspelled as “heroine drugs.”

Heroin Schedule

What schedule drug is heroin? In the United States, heroin is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This classification reflects its high potential for abuse, absence of accepted medical use, and lack of safety under medical supervision.

Heroin Street Names

Heroin is known by various street names, varying by region and community. Some common street names for heroin include “H,” “smack,” “junk,” “dope,” “brown sugar,” and “horse.” These names are often used as slang terms to refer to the drug in illicit drug markets and among individuals involved in drug use.

Meth vs Heroin

Methamphetamine (meth) and heroin are both highly addictive illegal drugs belonging to different substances. Methamphetamine is a stimulant that increases energy and alertness, while heroin is an opioid that produces feelings of euphoria and sedation.

Half Life Of Heroin

Heroin half life can vary based on several factors, including the individual’s metabolism, the drug’s purity, and the administration route. On average, the half-life of heroin ranges from 2 to 6 minutes when injected intravenously, meaning that half of the drug is eliminated from the body within that time frame.

Heroin Epidemic

Heroin became the drug of choice for many opioid users: The heroin epidemic significantly increases the abuse, addiction, and overdose deaths associated with heroin use. It became particularly pronounced in the United States in the late 2000s and early 2010s, with a surge in heroin-related fatalities and a rise in individuals transitioning from prescription opioid abuse to heroin.

Heroin Rehab

Heroin rehab programs typically provide a comprehensive approach to addressing addiction’s physical, psychological, and social aspects.

In heroin rehab, the initial step often involves a medically supervised detoxification process to safely manage withdrawal symptoms as the drug is eliminated from the body. This is followed by a range of evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), individual counseling, group therapy, and family therapy, to address the underlying issues contributing to addiction and promote behavioral change.

Heroin Drug Fact Sheet

For more information about heroin, download the free heroin drug fact sheet below. The DEA has made the file publicly available for download to help raising awareness about heroin use and abuse.

Heroin-2020Download
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Statistics & Facts About Heroin

Access to evidence-based treatment for heroin addiction, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with medications like methadone and buprenorphine, is crucial in supporting recovery. However, treatment gaps and barriers to access continue to be significant challenges in addressing heroin addiction effectively. How many people die from heroin? Take a look at the summarized statistics below about heroin.

80%

Roughly 80% of heroin users reported misusing prescription opioids before using heroin.

Source: CDC

14,000

In 2019, there were over 14,000 deaths involving heroin drugs, representing a substantial increase compared to previous years.

Source: NIDA

902,000

In 2020, 0.3%, or roughly 902,000 persons 12 or older, reported taking heroin in the previous 12 months.

Source: NSDUH

Heroin Effects On The Body

Heroin is one of the most addictive substances, and an addiction to this drug is hard to overcome without professional heroin addiction treatment. Heroin addiction is treatable. Although it is possible to recover from heroin addiction, it’s not easy.

Experience Unexplained Physical Changes

Since this drug often causes nausea and vomiting, many people using heroin lose their appetite. Because of this, most people who abuse this drug lose weight. Weight loss is often one of the first physical signs and symptoms of heroin addiction that family members notice. Moreover, many heroin users appear tired and look older than their actual age. They may have dark circles around their eyes and a pale complexion. Some might even have a bluish tint to their skin because of how heroin affects heart rate and blood pressure.

Other unexplained physical changes commonly linked with heroin include:

  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Slurred speech.
  • Scabs and bruises.
  • Constant runny nose.
  • Heavy-feeling limbs.

Experience Excessive Itching And Skin Picking Disorder

Other common symptoms of heroin addiction are itching skin and skin-picking disorder. When used, heroin triggers the immune system to release histamine, a chemical typically released when someone has an allergic reaction. When released inside the body, histamine activates the skin’s itch receptors, which commands the brain to scratch an itch.

In addition, heroin can:

  • Irritate nerve fibers in the body, making itching worse.
  • Bind to specific receptors in the body that send itch signals to the brain.
  • Lead to injection injuries that cause abscesses and skin infections that may itch as they attempt to heal.

Many heroin users pick their skin as well. Generally, the picking is a result of the intense itching heroin causes. However, the anxiety and restlessness associated with heroin withdrawal can also lead to skin picking.

Heart Attack

Chronic heroin injectors may develop collapsed veins and infection of the valves and heart linings. Other cardiovascular effects include heart failure, blood vessel damage, low blood pressure, collapsed veins, and heart attack. Heroin users were at higher risk for acute myocardial injury (the medical name for heart attack) after heroin inhalation and binge drinking. The cause might be a heroin-induced cardiotoxic effect or vasospasm compounded by binge drinking.

Lung Disease

Lung problems, including various types of pneumonia, may result from the poor health of the user as well as from heroin’s depressing effects on respiration. In addition to the effects of the drug itself, street heroin often contains toxic contaminants or additives that can clog blood vessels leading to the lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain, causing permanent damage to these vital organs. 

Infections

Heroin can decrease and suppress T and B immune cells. It can lower someone’s ability to fight infections, viruses, and bacteria. How someone uses heroin and other forms of the drug can also put them at risk for disease.

Close-up view of heroin and associated paraphernalia highlighting the dangers of addiction

Heroin Drug Test

Heroin drug tests detect the presence of heroin or its metabolites in a person’s system. Here are some critical details about heroin drug tests:

  • Types of drug tests: Heroin can be detected through various drug testing methods, including urine, blood, saliva, and hair tests. Urine tests are the most commonly used method for detecting recent heroin use.
  • Detection window: The detection window for heroin in drug tests depends on the specific type of test being used. Generally, heroin and its metabolites can be detected:
    • In urine for 1-3 days after use.
    • In blood and saliva tests, heroin can typically be seen for 6-12 hours.
    • Hair tests have a longer detection window and can detect heroin use for several months or more, depending on the length of the hair sample collected.
  • Testing accuracy: Drug tests for heroin have generally high accuracy rates when conducted by reputable laboratories. False positives are rare, but false negatives may occur if the drug is no longer present in detectable amounts or if the test is conducted outside the drug’s detection window.
  • Purpose of testing: Heroin drug tests are used for various purposes, including employment screening, probation or parole monitoring, substance abuse treatment programs, and forensic investigations. They are also commonly used in healthcare settings to assess patients with suspected heroin use or monitor individuals undergoing addiction treatment.
  • Other opioids detection: Some drug tests designed to detect heroin may also identify other opioids, including prescription opioids and synthetic opioids like fentanyl, as they share similar chemical structures.

How Much Does Heroin Cost?

The information provided here is for general knowledge only and should not be interpreted as a guide for purchasing or engaging in illegal drug activities.

How much is a gram of heroin? The weight or quantity typically measures the price of heroin and is commonly sold in small units, such as “bags” or “capsules.” Street prices can vary significantly, but on average, a single dose or bag of heroin can range from $5 to $20 or more.

The cost of heroin can vary across different regions and even within local markets. Supply and demand dynamics, law enforcement efforts, and drug availability can influence regional price variations.

Moreover, the purity of heroin can vary greatly, with higher purity levels generally associated with higher prices. Dealers may adulterate or cut heroin with other substances to increase profits, which can affect the drug’s quality and cost.

How Long Do the Effects of Heroin Last?

Heroin levels peak in the body about 5 minutes after it is injected or snorted. But it is about twice as potent when it is injected.

Heroin produces a feeling of euphoria (a ‘rush’) almost immediately after abusing it. Afterwards, most people experience feeling calm and detached. This is followed by feeling content for several hours after it is used.

How Long Does Heroin Stay in Your System?

How long heroin stays in the system can differ for each person based on factors like height, weight, age, body fat percentage, metabolism speed, and amount of heroin used. Drinking plenty of water may slightly shorten detection times. These variables influence how long heroin takes to leave the body and how long drug tests can detect it.

How Long is Heroin Detectable in Urine?

Urine drug screening is the most common way to test for heroin use. The heroin urine test is typically looking for a byproduct of heroin, called 6-MAM. Most tests can detect it for up to 12 hours after use.

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Heroin Withdrawal and its Symptoms

Heroin is a highly addictive drug, and the body and brain quickly adjust to its presence. While it may take time to become dependent on heroin, psychological cravings can happen even after using it once. Heroin withdrawal refers to the symptoms that happen if you suddenly cut back or stop using heroin. While withdrawal isn’t typically life-threatening, it can make you feel sick. 

The symptoms can be so uncomfortable and intense that you may do anything to avoid them. The withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and depend on factors like how much and how long you take it. You may experience a combination of physical and psychological symptoms during withdrawal. 

The physical symptoms of heroin withdrawal may include:

  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Restlessness and insomnia
  • Abdominal cramps and diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Chills and goosebumps
  • Runny nose and watery eyes
  • Sweating and fever
  • Tearing up or crying

Psychological symptoms are also common during heroin withdrawal. They may include:

  • Intense cravings
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Difficulty concentrating

How Long Does Heroin Withdrawal Last?

Individual experiences of heroin drug withdrawal can differ, and the duration and severity of symptoms can vary. Seeking professional medical assistance and support during withdrawal is crucial to ensure safety and effectively manage symptoms.

Here’s a rough overview:

  • Early withdrawal symptoms: Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 6-12 hours after the last dose of heroin. During this initial stage, individuals may experience anxiety, restlessness, muscle aches, sweating, insomnia, and drug cravings. These symptoms usually peak within 1-3 days.
  • Acute withdrawal phase: The acute withdrawal phase typically lasts about 5-7 days, although some symptoms may persist for longer. This phase is characterized by more intense symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, and changes in blood pressure. Psychological symptoms such as depression, irritability, and mood swings are also common during this phase.
  • Post-acute withdrawal symptoms: Some individuals may experience post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) following the acute withdrawal phase. These symptoms can persist for weeks or months and vary in intensity. PAWS symptoms may include mood swings, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and drug cravings.

Addiction is the compulsive use of substances, causing psychological and physical components. While it may take some time to become physically dependent on heroin, the user could experience psychological cravings after their first time using heroin. Regular and frequent users of heroin drug will experience symptoms of withdrawal when they attempt to cut down or quit their heroin use. While heroin withdrawal is typically not fatal, the symptoms may become so unbearable that the users will do anything to avoid it.

How Long Do Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Early withdrawal symptoms usually start 6-24 hours after the last dose of heroin. During this stage, a person may feel anxious, restless, and have strong cravings for the drug. These symptoms tend to peak within 2-3 days. 

The acute withdrawal phase lasts about 5-7 days. This phase comes with severe symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, a rapid heartbeat, dilated pupils, and psychological symptoms (as discussed above).  

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) may follow the acute phase and can last for weeks or even months. These lingering symptoms can include fatigue, trouble sleeping, mood swings, difficulty focusing, and cravings for heroin.

If you’re struggling with heroin abuse disorder, receiving treatment for withdrawal symptoms is the first step toward recovery.

Risks of Heroin Overdose

Overdose is one of the scariest risks of heroin abuse. Overdose is possible each and every time it is abused. The risk of overdose is particularly high when heroin is combined with other substances like alcohol, fentanyl, or benzodiazepines. 

Overdosing slows or stops breathing, which can lead to unconsciousness, coma, permanent brain damage, or death. While rates of heroin overdose have been decreasing in the past few years in the US, it is still a major cause of drug overdose deaths.

Slow breathing, blue lips or fingertips, extreme drowsiness, and loss of consciousness are signs of an overdose that requires immediate medical attention. People who overdose on heroin may appear to be sleeping and might even snore. 

What to do if you suspect an overdose? If you suspect someone is overdosing, act quickly, as they need immediate treatment. The drug naloxone (Narcan) can reverse the effects of heroin or other opioids if administered within minutes. Sometimes, more than one dose of Narcan is required to reverse the effects of heroin. After giving naloxone, call 911 immediately for further care. 

Health experts advise that anyone, especially those around opioid users, should carry naloxone at home. 

Group therapy session for individuals recovering from heroin addiction

Is Heroin Addictive?

Addiction is the most severe form of substance use disorder, ranging from mild to severe. If a heroin drug addict quickly stops using the substance, they could experience acute withdrawal. The following are examples of withdrawal symptoms, which can start as soon as a few hours after the last dose of the drug:

  • Restlessness.
  • Severe skeletal and muscular discomfort.
  • Sleep issues.
  • Constipation and vomiting.
  • Shivering and goosebumps (“cold turkey”).
  • Involuntary leg movements (“kicking the habit”).
  • Severe opiate withdrawals.

The long-term effects of opioid addiction on the brain are a research topic. According to studies, heroin use is related to some white matter loss in the brain, which may impact one’s ability to make decisions, manage their behavior, and respond to stressful situations.

Before And After Heroin

Many people who experience heroin drug addiction will go to great lengths to hide their condition. Recognizing these warning signs and symptoms of heroin addiction can be the difference between continued addiction, recovery, and life and death.

The seven most common characteristics of someone with a Heroin addict personality are:

  • Changes in physical health and appearance that are sudden or slow.
  • Continual impulsivity.
  • Constant tiredness.
  • Dishonesty and manipulation patterns.
  • Unreliable relationships.
  • Chronic financial issues.
  • Problems managing stress.

“I’m quitting heroin.” The good news, there are a lot of ways how to help someone addicted to heroin drugs. Although caring for someone who is addicted to heroin is difficult, there are many things that families may do to assist. People can:

  • Find out everything you can about how heroin works.
  • Hold an intervention to discuss drug use.
  • Choose an inpatient heroin treatment program.
  • Obtain pre-authorization from insurance providers before receiving therapy.
  • Speak with providers of heroin addiction therapy.
  • Assist the patient to the medical facility.
  • Attend therapeutic sessions as necessary.
  • Find out when and where local support groups for heroin addiction meet.
  • Watch out for indications of heroin relapse.

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Heroin Addiction Treatment

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who Invented Heroin?

Heroin wasn’t always an illegal drug. It was first synthesized in 1874 by a chemist trying to create a stronger medicine. Then, in 1898, a company called Bayer marketed heroin as a cough medicine and a treatment for pain. It was initially considered a less addictive alternative to Morphine but was later discovered to be highly addictive and outlawed by many countries.

Is Heroin a Stimulant?

No, heroin is not a stimulant. It is actually the opposite: a depressant that slows down the processes in your body controlled by the central nervous system. Your heartbeat can become irregular, your breathing rate can slow down, and your blood pressure can drop. Heroin produces a sedating and euphoric effect.

Where Does Heroin Come From?

Heroine is made from morphine, a natural substance extracted from the seed pod of opium poppy plants. These plants mainly grow in Mexico, Southeast Asia, and South America.

What Type of Drug Heroin is?

Heroin is an illegal opioid drug with no approved medical use in the US. Classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, heroin is very dangerous and highly addictive. It is five to ten times more potent than Morphine.

How Heroin is Synthesized?

Heroin is synthesized by the direct acetylation of morphine. According to the US Heroin Act of 1924, it is illegal to produce, use, or possess heroin, even for medicinal use. If someone is caught manufacturing heroin, they may have to face serious legal consequences.

What is the Chemistry of Heroin?

The main chemical component of heroin is the psychoactive compound diacetylmorphine, a derivative of morphine. Heroin is often mixed or adulterated with other substances, such as lactose, starch, or other powdery substances, to improve its bulk and street value.

Is Morphine the same as Heroin?

No, morphine and heroin are not the same. Both are derived from the opium poppy plant, but heroin is synthesized from morphine and is more potent and fast-acting. Morphine is used medically for pain relief, while heroin is an illegal drug with no accepted medical use.

Is Heroin a Narcotic?

Yes. Heroin belongs to a class of pain-relieving drugs called narcotics. As a powerful opioid, heroin is known for its strong sedative and pain-relieving effects.

How Does Heroin Work?

Heroin works by binding to opioid receptors present in the brain and body. It suppresses the central nervous system and modifies the neurotransmitters’ release in pain perception, reward, and pleasure. This action produces a strong sense of euphoria, pain relief, and sedation. These effects can be dangerous and even life-threatening, especially with high doses.

How Much Does Heroin Cost?

Heroin cannot be purchased legally. The cost of purchasing it on the street may vary widely, but the most important thing to know is that it cannot be legally purchased.

Addiction Recovery Story of Alcoholism, Crack Cocaine Addiction, & Heroin Addiction To Sobriety & AA

Recovery from heroin drug addiction is possible with the proper support and treatment. It requires a combination of medical interventions, therapy, and a solid support system. Detoxification is often the first step, followed by ongoing treatment to address the underlying causes of addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

While recovery is challenging, many individuals have successfully overcome heroin addiction and built fulfilling, drug-free lives.

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Lorraine’s Addiction Recovery Testimonial Video Transcript.

“If I didn’t change, I would return to jail. I’m Lorraine, and I’ve been sober for six years. I’m a recovering alcoholic, heroin addict, and crack cocaine addict.

I was homeless for several years. I called the one person that never gave up on me, and that was my mom, and within an hour, she was at the motel where I was staying. And I said yes because I didn’t know what I was doing with my life, and it was the best phone call I had ever made.

After getting out of treatment, I did everything they told me to do. I got a sponsor. She’s still my sponsor. She’s taken me through the steps several times. I went back to school, and now I’m one semester away from finishing my Bachelor’s in social work. And then, I will start my Master’s in hopes to be a therapist so I can be there for others.

Being sober is the only reason that I can work towards that.”

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Sources

[1] Chasing the Black Dragon – Heroin Drug – Office of Justice Programs (OJP)

[2] Passaro DJ, Werner SB, McGee J, Mac Kenzie WR, Vugia DJ. Wound botulism associated with black tar heroin among injecting drug users. JAMA. 1998 Mar 18;279(11):859-63. DOI: 10.1001/jama.279.11.859. PMID: 9516001.

[3] Wound Botulism Outbreak Among Persons Who Use Black Tar Heroin — San Diego County, California, 2017–2018 – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

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[5] Mars SG, Bourgois P, Karandinos G, Montero F, Ciccarone D. The Textures of Heroin: User Perspectives on “Black Tar” and Powder Heroin in Two U.S. Cities. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2016 Sep-Oct;48(4):270-8. DOI 10.1080/02791072.2016.1207826. Epub 2016 Jul 20. PMID: 27440088; PMCID: PMC5027195.

[6] Learn More About “What Does Heroin Look Like?” – National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Available from: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/heroin

[7] Heroin Fast Facts – Department of Justice (USDOJ) Available from: https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs3/3843/index.htm

[8] MedlinePlus Heroin Drug Information: https://medlineplus.gov/heroin.html

[9] Davis CS, Carr DH, Samuels EA. Paraphernalia Laws, Criminalizing Possession and Distribution of Items Used to Consume Illicit Drugs and Injection-Related Harm. Am J Public Health. 2019 Nov;109(11):1564-1567. DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2019.305268. Epub 2019 Sep 19. PMID: 31536408; PMCID: PMC6775926.

[10] Oelhaf RC, Azadfard M. Heroin Toxicity. [Updated 2023 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430736/