The Impact of Heroin Addiction
Heroin is an opiate that causes psychological, physical, and social implications and results in overdose and early death.
Heroin is very addictive and extremely dangerous. After just one use, an individual can develop an addiction to heroin.
A person builds a tolerance to heroin after each use. This leads to an increase in amount and frequency to achieve the same high as the first time. As a person uses more heroin and more often, the risk of overdose or death becomes imminent.
Heroin addiction can be linked to painkiller abuse. Painkillers such as OxyContin and morphine are opioids that are prescribed to patients for pain relief and should be taken as directed by a physician. According to the CDC, opioid overdoses kill about five people every hour across the U.S. with the victims totaling 5,400 more in 2016 than the number of soldiers who died during the Vietnam War (Reynolds, 2018). The misuse and availability of pain medication has launched into a full-blown opioid epidemic.
Detox for heroin addiction should not be attempted alone. The withdrawal symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and lead to relapse. Medication-assisted detox allows a medical professional to monitor the process and prescribe medication such as Methadone or Suboxone, to lessen withdrawals from heroin. Some withdrawal symptoms include depression, strong cravings, sweats, chills, sleeplessness, nausea and suicidal thoughts.
Heroin addiction affects everything in a person’s life. Relationships with loved ones are destroyed, physical and mental health is compromised, and jobs are at risk. Heroin takes priority over responsibilities, activities, hobbies, interests, and time spent with loved ones. As the addiction progresses, the individual’s physical appearance deteriorates and psychological well-being diminishes.
There is treatment for heroin addiction and recovery is possible. Many people recover from heroin addiction and proceed to live healthy, sober, and fulfilling lives. Do not wait another day to reclaim your life, mend relationships with loved ones, and improve physical and mental health.
If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, get help now. Nexus Recovery Services specializes in addiction treatment and offers treatment options for each client’s unique needs. We encompass holistic therapy for the mind, body, and soul with a focus on staying active and connected to nature. Our mission is to provide tools and support for every client’s seamless transition into a meaningful and fulfilling life of sobriety. We offer a free and confidential consultation. Contact us today to get started
If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction, we’re here to help. Contact us today and speak with one of our trusted recovery advisors.
