Heroin Addiction

Heroin is an opiate that was introduced in 1898. It was intended to replace morphine as a painkiller. Unfortunately, heroin is proven to be more addictive than morphine. Researchers now know that all opiates are addictive. Opiates are derivatives of the Asian Poppy plant, and have been used as painkillers for over 400 years.

The most common way of administering heroin is through injection. Sniffing through the nose is another means of ingesting heroin. Heroin triggers the brain to release “feel good” chemicals known as endorphins. These endorphins give the user a sense of euphoria and energy. This feeling is short-lived, thus the user must repeat the process over and over to remain high. This intense rush, combined with the euphoria, contributes to addiction. Without heroin, feelings of depression and anxiety may form. These feelings are generally so intense that the user begins abusing the drug again, shortly after quitting. Strict detox and recovery programs are the only way to cure heroin addiction.

The longer one uses drugs the harder it is to stop.