Heroin

Heroin is a highly addictive drug that stems from the seeds of a variety of poppy plants. When sold, it looks white or brownish in color. Some first-time users have been known to snort or smoke it, as it may be more appealing than its more common form which is to inject the drug, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). At the end of day, heroin can devastate a person’s life and those around them if left untreated.

Taking heroin has been described as a “rush” sensation—a sudden moment of extreme pleasure. After the rush, people using heroin can feel very drowsy to where the body is too heavy to move. The drug goes to the brain, causing a clouded mental state, slowed heart function and decreased breathing, almost becoming life-threatening, according to NIDA. Long-term use does severe damage to the brain, impacting people’s ability to make decisions, regulate feelings or respond to stressful moments. Additionally, because heroin causes so much impairment when used, people risk getting infected with HIV and hepatitis. Continued heroin use also leads to abscesses, heart and valve infection, collapsed veins, and liver and kidney disease.

Heroin addiction can be very unforgiving to the people who use it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 15,000 people died overdosing on heroin in 2018. Although heroin is an extremely potent drug, there is hope for overcoming it. If you or someone you love is addicted to heroin, New Life is here to help. We offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT), among other treatment programs and modalities, to help you emerge clean and live the life you deserve.