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Editorial Policy | Research Policy
Heroin is a Schedule I opioid that’s contributing to the drug epidemic affecting people in Colorado and across the U.S. For people who haven’t struggled with heroin, it can be challenging to understand the weight of a heroin addiction.
As with many substance use disorders, the addiction becomes stronger than the person using it. Heroin addiction is a chronic disease of the brain with complex symptoms and side effects. These effects need to be managed accordingly to prevent complications during recovery, like relapse and overdose.
The side effects of heroin stem from the nature of the drug. When someone uses heroin, it is converted to morphine and binds to the mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Opioids slow brain stem activity and block pain messages that are transmitted through the body.
Heroin creates a euphoric rush or a high due to the release of dopamine in the brain. There are many short-term side effects of heroin use that accompany this high:
It’s vital for people to identify and understand the signs of heroin use if they believe a loved one has a heroin use disorder. Along with the drug’s short-term side effects, there are some other signs to look out for:
Someone who is a long-term user of heroin will have developed a tolerance. This means that they may not even experience the pleasurable rush of the drug anymore, but they continue to take it because they are physically and psychologically addicted. The person may take higher and higher doses of heroin to maintain a sense of normalcy. They may not feel good when using the drug anymore, but they must continue because of their addiction and dependence.
Someone who is addicted to heroin will likely have difficulty maintaining a job or being successful at school. They may have failed relationships, and they may turn to criminal or risky behavior.
Another long-term side effect of heroin is physical dependence. When a long-term user of heroin suddenly stops the drug, they will experience withdrawal symptoms that can range from uncomfortable to severe.
The longer someone uses heroin, the more pronounced certain side effects can be. The impact on overall health can also be severe:
We can help answer your questions and talk through any concerns.
Heroin overdose is relatively common and can be deadly. In 2019 alone, there were more than 14,000 heroin-related overdose deaths in the United States.
When a person overdoses on heroin, their breathing slows to the point that they slip into a coma. This can happen even if the drug is used frequently with mild side effects, because it’s not easy to know the potency. Heroin could also be laced with even stronger narcotics like fentanyl, which can cause an overdose. Someone who quits heroin and later relapses is at an increased overdose risk since their body is no longer used to the drug and could be shocked by a high dose.
Be aware of these heroin overdose symptoms:
Heroin overdoses can be fatal. If you suspect someone is having a heroin overdose, give them naloxone (Narcan) if you have it available and call 911 immediately. Do NOT be afraid to seek help. You can also contact the Colorado Poison Center for online assistance.
Many signs of a heroin relapse are similar to the initial signs of a heroin use disorder. These can include isolation from friends and family, or visiting places where heroin use is prevalent. Someone who has relapsed may show signs of deteriorating health and wellness, they may become more secretive and guarded, or they may show physical signs of heroin addiction, like dilated pupils.
When someone relapses, they are at a higher risk of a heroin overdose since their body has likely reduced its tolerance to the drug. Relapses can be triggered by many factors:
Heroin relapse is among people who do not complete a full rehab program following detox. For people who only complete a heroin detox, one study showed that the relapse rate is 91%, with 59% of relapses occurring within one week of detox. For this reason, it’s important for people in Colorado struggling with heroin to seek proper treatment.
Addiction is a lifelong condition, and for this reason heroin addiction treatment is a continuum. Treatment starts with detox and continues through rehab and aftercare options:
It isn’t too late to begin your journey to recovery. Our skilled and compassionate staff at The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake are dedicated to finding the right treatment plan for your unique case.
One of the cornerstones of addiction treatment in recent years is medication-assisted treatment. With MAT, we can help people with opioid addiction begin and maintain a long-term recovery.
Because heroin is an addictive, deadly and illegal substance, it’s common for people to wonder about what heroin looks like and how to recognize it – especially those who suspect a friend or loved one may be using.
Inpatient rehabilitation offers constant live-in care for people with substance use disorders. At an inpatient care facility, all evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation is supervised by medical professionals.
Women who are pregnant may find themselves wondering if it is safe to use hydrocodone during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Ultimately, using any kind of opioid while pregnant or breastfeeding should generally be avoided.
Medical detoxification, more commonly known as medical detox, this process is crucial to successful recovery. When you’re dependent on a substance, your body has to compensate for the constant presence of that substance.
U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “Drugs of Abuse.” April 2020. Accessed December 24, 2021.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Overdose Death Rates.” January 29, 2021. Accessed December 24, 2021.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. “Heroin Research Report.” June 2021. Accessed December 24, 2021.
Foundation for a Drug-Free World. “The Truth About Heroin.” 2015. Accessed December 24, 2021.
Smyth, BP; Barry, J; Keenan, E; Ducray, K. “Lapse and relapse following inpatient tr[…]of opiate dependence.” Irish Medical Journal, June 2010. Accessed December 24, 2021.
The Recovery Village at Palmer Lake aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.