As the Opioid Crisis continues to wreak havoc on our country, we have borne witness to a public health epidemic that is on part with the AIDS outbreak of the 1970s and 1980s. Over the course of several decades, millions of people have become attached to these dangerous substances, while hundreds of thousands more have suffered from deadly opioid-related overdoses. However, as we have seen, one string of addictive behavior can quickly cascade into another. After experimenting with prescription opioids, users can sometimes turn to heroin, an infamously dangerous synthetic opioid that is responsible for countless accidents and deaths. Still, have you ever wondered what the long-term effects of heroin addiction entail? How do people’s brains and bodies endure? Let’s take a closer look and find out some more information.
Severe Case of Tolerance
Needless to say, long-term heroin use can inflict some serious damage on the brain. After people consume this drug, it latches onto the opioid receptors in their brains, which gradually start to accommodate the overflow of heroin. As a result, the man or woman must take more of this opioid to get the same desired effect as before. In the same manner as other illegal drugs, heroin can trigger particularly severe cases of drug tolerance.
A Spike in Dopamine
In a more severe case than drug tolerance, heroin can also completely change the process of dopamine production in the brain, particularly after a long-term bout of addiction. After a while, heroin will trigger a dangerous rush of this neurochemical, which will force the brain to hit the involuntary shut-down switch. In other words, the brain stops producing dopamine and completely relies on heroin as a source of physical and emotional pleasure. If the addiction is not alleviated, the user’s brain will no longer be able to control the release of dopamine.
Seeking Treatment for Heroin Addiction
Opioids are extremely potent and dangerous drugs that have a high risk for abuse and addiction and can be particularly dangerous for both adults and teens alike. These substances can trigger severe dependency and a string of unpleasant health problems (including residual pain) as well. So, imagine how dangerous this situation can become when an even deadlier opioid like heroin is introduced into the picture. Regardless of what drug you may be addicted to, though, you can always find a way to recover and get your life back on track. All you need is a little bit of patience, perseverance, and a lot of love for yourself.
If you are suffering from a severe case of heroin addiction or have a friend or a loved one who is coping with this deadly problem, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward fighting your addiction to heroin.
