Research consistently shows that using heroin can take a toll on the mind and body in a number of ways. But many people still don’t understand important details about the drug. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about heroin addiction.
Heroin is an illegal opioid drug derived from morphine, a natural substance found in the seed pod of the opium poppy plant. It typically appears as a white or brown powder or a black sticky substance known as “black tar heroin.” Heroin can be injected, smoked, or snorted, and it produces an intense feeling of euphoria and relaxation by binding to opioid receptors in the brain.
Heroin rapidly enters the brain and binds to opioid receptors, especially those involved in feelings of pain and pleasure, as well as in controlling heart rate, sleeping, and breathing. This intense binding creates a rush of pleasurable sensations, but it also slows down vital functions, leading to drowsiness, respiratory depression, and impaired cognition over time.
Yes, heroin is highly addictive. It creates both physical and psychological dependence, meaning the body becomes reliant on the drug to function normally, and the person feels an intense craving to use it despite negative consequences. Addiction can develop quickly, sometimes after just a few uses.
A large portion of heroin’s addictiveness has to do with the drug’s effect on the brain. Heroin floods the brain with dopamine. Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to heroin being the source of dopamine and stops producing the brain chemical on its own. When this happens, heroin becomes the brain’s primary way to experience feelings of pleasure, so individuals keep consuming heroin to experience the intense feelings of pleasure the drug provides. Unfortunately, that leads to increased tolerance, dependence, and eventually addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse suggests that approximately 23 percent of people who use heroin become addicted to the drug. That’s almost equivalent to 1 in every 4 people.
Signs of heroin addiction include frequent drowsiness, pinpoint pupils, sudden weight loss, neglect of responsibilities, withdrawal from social activities, financial issues, and visible needle marks. Behavioral changes such as secrecy, mood swings, and erratic behavior are also common indicators.
Short-term effects of heroin use include an intense rush of euphoria, dry mouth, warm flushing of the skin, heavy limbs, nausea, vomiting, and slowed breathing. These effects can last for a few hours, followed by a period of drowsiness or "nodding off."
Long-term heroin use can lead to collapsed veins, heart infections, liver and kidney disease, lung complications, mental health disorders, and hormonal imbalances. Chronic use can also significantly impair decision-making, memory, and emotional regulation.
Withdrawal symptoms include intense cravings, muscle and bone pain, cold flashes, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, and involuntary leg movements. Though not typically life-threatening, heroin withdrawal is extremely uncomfortable and often requires medical supervision.
Heroin addiction is diagnosed through a combination of clinical interviews, self-reported behaviors, physical exams, and drug screenings. Medical professionals assess the severity of substance use and its impact on daily life using standardized criteria such as those outlined in the DSM-5.
Yes, heroin addiction is treatable with a comprehensive approach that includes detoxification, behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), counseling, and long-term support. Recovery is a continuous process, and many people achieve lasting sobriety with the right help.
MAT involves using FDA-approved medications like methadone, buprenorphine (Suboxone), or naltrexone to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and block the euphoric effects of heroin. These medications are most effective when combined with counseling and behavioral therapy.
Heroin detox is the process of safely eliminating the drug from the body, typically under medical supervision. It is the first step in recovery and helps manage withdrawal symptoms. Medical detox may involve medications to ease discomfort and monitor for complications.
Quitting heroin abruptly, or “cold turkey,” can be dangerous due to severe withdrawal symptoms, including dehydration, depression, and potential relapse. Medically supervised detox is recommended to ensure safety and increase the likelihood of successful recovery.
Heroin itself has a very short half-life, but its metabolites can remain in the body for hours to days depending on the method of use and individual metabolism. It’s typically detectable in urine for 1–3 days, in blood for up to 6 hours, and in hair for up to 90 days.
Addiction can result from a combination of factors including genetic predisposition, trauma, mental health disorders, social environment, and early exposure to opioids. Many people start using heroin after becoming dependent on prescription painkillers.
Yes, heroin addiction can be fatal, primarily due to overdose. Heroin slows breathing and heart rate, and a high dose can cause respiratory arrest. Contaminants or mixing heroin with other substances like fentanyl significantly increases the risk of death.
Overdose happens when people consume more of the drug than their bodies can handle. This generally occurs when people have already developed a tolerance for the drug. Their body, which has become accustomed to a certain amount of heroin, no longer responds to the drug like it used to. As a result, they consume more heroin to achieve their desired effects. In doing so, they can accidentally ingest more heroin than their body can process, causing an overdose.
A heroin overdose is a shocking, scary, and potentially deadly experience. Often individuals experience slow, shallow breathing, slurred speech, a weak pulse, and may shift in and out of consciousness. Their tongue may become discolored and their lips and nails may turn blue. They might vomit and may become unresponsive at some point. Sometimes, individuals experiencing heroin overdose have seizures, heart attack, stroke, or fall into a coma.
Overdosing on heroin is a medical emergency that can result in death if not treated immediately. If you suspect someone has overdosed on heroin, call 911 immediately or the national, toll-free Poison Help Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses the effects of a heroin overdose by binding to opioid receptors and displacing the drug. It can restore normal breathing within minutes and is available in injectable or nasal spray forms. It is safe and widely used by first responders and families of those at risk.
Yes, heroin use can lead to numerous health issues including infections like HIV and hepatitis (especially from needle sharing), lung problems, mental health disorders, and chronic constipation. Long-term use weakens the immune system and damages organs.
Supporting a loved one with heroin addiction involves compassion, education, and encouraging professional help. Avoid enabling behaviors and set boundaries. Help them explore treatment options and be there for emotional support, but recognize that recovery is ultimately their choice.
Heroin is a powerful drug that can cause dependence and addiction. Even though it’s unlikely that you will develop a full-blown addiction to heroin the first time you use the drug, that introductory experience can be the start of a pattern of use that leads to addiction. Generally, the more often you use heroin, the more rapidly your brain and nervous system adjust to the chemical changes the substance causes. If you don’t want to get addicted to heroin, you shouldn’t experiment with the drug.
Using heroin can lead to many unpleasant side effects. One of those side effects is severe itching. There are a few reasons why heroin makes the body itch. When the body detects foreign chemicals, infectious microbes, or allergens, the immune system produces histamines, which cause inflammation and itching. Scientists believe the body can react to the chemicals within heroin like allergens or other foreign invaders. Heroin’s interaction with certain receptors in your skin can also trigger neurons to send signals to your brain, provoking feelings of itchiness. Lastly, injecting heroin into your skin can lead to injuries, abscesses, and skin infections that will likely itch as they try to heal. But heroin isn’t the only drug that makes people itch — all opioids can make you feel itchy.
Many people assume that prescription pain relievers are safer than illicit drugs because they’re medically prescribed, but when users take prescription drugs in ways not intended by a doctor, these drugs can cause severe adverse health effects, addiction, overdose, and death. In fact, almost 50 percent of opioid deaths in the United States involve a prescription opioid. Since federal and local governments have started to crack down on prescription drug abuse, many people are starting to use heroin because the drug is cheaper and easier to obtain. So yes, prescription misuse doesn’t always lead to heroin addiction, but it certainly can.
Using heroin can negatively affect your mental health. Researchers aren’t completely sure if using the drug can trigger mental health disorders, but there are several types of mental health disorders that are known to co-occur with heroin abuse and addiction, such as:
Individuals should also know that heroin can cause psychosis, hallucinations, and delirium which can make drug users more prone to developing mental health disorders.
If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health challenges, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
If you or a loved one needs help with a heroin addiction, call us today at 844-909-2560, or email us at info@metaaddictiontreatment.com. You can also visit any one of our three locations, which are open 24/7:
Our flexible outpatient programs can help individuals live the sober life they want and deserve. Best of all, our programs allow individuals to progress in their recovery while still going to work, attending school, or taking care of their family. We understand that recovery must be effective both inside and outside treatment programs and we work hard to help our clients apply the lessons learned in treatment to their everyday lives. For individuals who need sustained support while fulfilling life responsibilities, outpatient treatment with Meta can be an ideal fit.
If you’re not sure whether outpatient treatment is appropriate for you or your loved one, consider taking our assessments.
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