Every time you read or listen to the news, someone has died from a heroin overdose. Many people believe that heroin and its devastating addictive nature were born in the American drug culture of the 60s. However, this opioid has been wreaking havoc worldwide since its discovery in 1874.
The irony is that heroin was touted as a miracle narcotic that wouldn’t have all the side effects of morphine. The German company that manufactured it believed it was safe and wasn’t habit-forming. It’s derived from morphine and the opium poppy, so how could it not be addictive?
Over a Century of Addiction
For over 100 years, the world has reeled in the horrendous aftermath of heroin addiction. This potentially lethal drug lures individuals from all parts of the globe. Its deadly claws can trap anyone, regardless of nationality, gender, race, age, religion, or socio-economic status.
Understanding the Heroin Rush
While most addicts inject this narcotic via a hypodermic needle, it can also be smoked and snorted in a powder form. As soon as it enters your bloodstream, heroin depresses your nervous system and interferes with brain chemicals. The results are temporary euphoria and relief from any pain in your body. The so-called heroine “rush” can hit you as fast as eight seconds, and your entire body becomes warm and relaxed. Depending on the quality, dosage, and how it was administered, you can revel in this intense euphoric “trip” for several hours.
The End of the Trip
Since heroin is a recreational drug with no medical usage, safe dosage and other precautions are unknown. It can affect individuals differently; some reportedly died after their first hit. Sadly, overdoses are also common, as well as fatal accidents related to being under heroin’s influence. On the other hand, countless people have battled heroin addiction for years.
After so long, your body can build tolerance, and you need higher doses to get the same euphoric feelings. These situations can lead addicts to do anything in their power to get their fix, regardless of the consequences. In this stage, you may get desperate and mix heroin with other drugs to boost its potency. The drug of choice is often alcohol, a deadly combination that led to countless deaths. Moreover, those addicted to heroin are even more afraid of its notorious withdrawal symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal?
Have you ever had a nasty headache because you didn’t have morning coffee? If you think going without caffeine is painful, you’ve not experienced heroin withdrawal. It’s like comparing a little sparkler to a hydrogen bomb. Some of the symptoms are so bad that it puts the addict’s anxiety into overdrive. The only way they can calm the angst is to take another dose of heroin. It’s a vicious cycle that you can’t get out of without medical intervention. Here are some common heroin withdrawal symptoms:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive sweating or chills
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Unusual cravings
- Extreme exhaustion
The number of symptoms and intensity depends on how long the person has been addicted and how much heroin they consume. Their physical and mental health issues are also a factor. If you’re addicted to heroin and are in the care of a medical detox facility, you have a much better chance of recovering. However, the symptoms can be so severe that they can be fatal regardless of medical intervention. Again, everyone is different and may have a different outcome, as there are many factors to consider.
The Danger Zone
A surprising number of heroin withdrawal deaths are due to dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, every system in your body is at risk if left untreated. These are some potentially fatal symptoms: •Acute kidney failure •Other vital organ damage •Cardiac arrest •Violent seizures •Hypovolemic Shock: Dehydration that’s so severe that it reduces your blood volume. Thus, your blood pressure is reduced as well as your blood’s oxygen saturation.
There’s Hope and Help
Although it’s possible to die from heroin withdrawal symptoms, it’s rare. Medical treatment in a facility can help reduce the severity of your symptoms. If you are ready to start the journey and get clean, our compassionate support team wants to help you. Call us today at 833-820-2922. You’ll find that breaking the chains of addiction is worth the risks.