People have a stereotypical view of what a heroin addict looks like. But, in reality, it’s not as simple as that. Anyone can become addicted to drugs, so you need to know as much about it as possible. Here are six of the vital facts.
- When Using Heroin, a Tolerance Develops
Addiction occurs because the body gets used to the level of heroin being taken. This is a tolerance, and it means that a user has to keep taking more and more to get the same feeling. This is when addiction starts to take hold because the user needs to take more. Chasing the intensity that was felt on the first hit is what many addicts keep chasing, even if they’ll never reach it.
- The Heart and Liver Are Damaged By It
Two of the worst effects of heroin are done to your heart and liver. These organs are the ones the drug hits hardest as the addiction takes hold. Heart failure is very common among people who have been taking the drug for a long time. And even addicts who recover sometimes needs to have liver transplants later in life. Taking the drug frequently for a long period of time causes huge damage.
- There Are Many Indirect Health Implications
On top of the health effects on vital organs, there are also indirect health implications of taking heroin. Because most heroin users inject the drug, there is a risk of infections and viruses like HIV if needles are shared. This is something that can be even more dangerous than the drug itself. People don’t tend to worry about needle safety when they are trying to take the drugs they’re addicted to.
- Heroin Addiction is Very Expensive
It’s very expensive to maintain a heroin addiction. People can spend huge amounts of money each and every day just to maintain their habit. This can then lead to things like crime because people need to fund their habit. Some people indulge in petty crime and others go to further lengths to get the money they need to pay for drugs. It’s a vicious circle that can seem never ending.
- Detox Differs from Rehab
Detox is when you are helped to stop taking drugs. But this is only one step in the process of recovering from addiction. A detox on its own is not the same as a full rehab programs, such as the ones offered at https://arcproject.org.uk/heroin-rehab/. A proper rehab facility will offer other forms of support and treatment to get addicts over their problem.
- People Rarely Recover Alone
People need help to get over an addiction problem. Very few addicts manage to recover without support. This is something that has to come from friends and family members, as well as health professionals. It can be hard to support someone when they have a health problem like this. But it can certainly be done. Go to www.discoveryplace.info/ to get more information on supporting a loved one with an addiction.
