Drug Addiction: How To Overcome Heroin Addiction

Drug addiction or substance use disorder is the inability of a person to stop using a legal or illegal substance or drug despite knowing that it is harming them and their life. It usually starts with casual experimentation. The person takes the drug and the brain releases a feel-good, reward chemical called dopamine.

This gives the person the feeling of being high, which is characterised by feeling euphoria, excess energy, excitement, and confidence. At Cadabam’s Hospitals, we offer comprehensive treatment for drug addiction. We offer inpatient and outpatient care. Our multi-specialty team has extensive experience in helping people with their drug addiction. We have a world-class rehab facility with which we aim to deliver individuals a holistic treatment, lasting outcome, and personalized experience. If you or your loved ones are struggling with drug addiction, do get in touch with us. Give us a call at +91 97414 76476. 

Causes of Addiction

• Biological: Pleasurable activities cause a chemical reaction in the brain and humans are designed to want to repeat something that is pleasurable.
• Psychological: Some people are unable to cope with negative feelings and situations. They use drugs as a release from these stresses.
• Socio-cultural: The family and the culture that they are brought up in defines how acceptable or unacceptable drug use is to them.
• Spiritual: Spirituality gives most people meaning to their lives. When a person lacks meaning and purpose in their lives, they may be more vulnerable to addiction. 

Symptoms of Drug Addiction

• The constant need to use the drug regularly
• The urge for the drug blocking out any other thoughts
• Needing more of the drug to get high
• Ensuring a regular supply of the drug and spending more than is affordable on drugs
• Missing out on family, social, and work commitments due to drug use.
• Using the drug despite knowing the harm it is causing
• Going to extreme lengths to get the drug.
• Spending most of the day obtaining the drug, taking it, and recovering from it. 
• Suffering from withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug and failing in the attempt to stop. 

Short-Term Effects Of Heroin Use

• A rush caused by the morphine that binds to the brain’s opioid receptors. 
• Flushed skin
• Dry mouth
• Heaviness of the limbs
• Sometimes the person may experience nausea, vomiting, and severe itching
• Drowsiness
• Clouded thinking and slowed mental function
• Slowed down heart and breathing which can be life-threatening leading to a coma and permanent brain damage

Long-Term Effects Of Heroin Use

• Increased tolerance to the drug
• Loss of control over their lives
• Coma
• Behavioural changes
• Reduced sexual performance and sometimes long term impotence in men, menstrual issues in women
• Being unable to achieve orgasm
• Respiratory illnesses
• Muscular weakness or partial paralysis
• Weakened immunity
• Obsessive thoughts, loss of memory, and intellectual capacity
• Bad teeth, inflamed gums, and pustules on the face
• Loss of appetite, constipation, cold sweats, itching
• Lack of sleep, introversion, and depression

Why Is Treatment Necessary?

Heroin addiction can develop very rapidly. The longer a person has been addicted the worse the effects on their health. The sooner the treatment is given the better the chances of making a recovery to a healthier life.

Treatment options available for heroin addiction:

• Detoxification: This is the first step when the toxins are removed from the body. The withdrawal symptoms are managed by doctors. 
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): This is a therapy that enables the person to understand their own behaviours and themselves. 
• Group therapy: The purpose of group therapy is for the person to realise that there are many others on the same journey and to share experiences. 
• MET (Motivational Enhancement Therapy): This is to prevent relapse and the other related problems of addiction such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. It enhances the person’s motivation to keep off drugs. 
• Individual counselling: It helps amplify positivity and empowers the person with the skills to avoid triggers and stay on the road to recovery. 
• Relapse Prevention Therapy: This enables the person to anticipate and avoid relapse risk situations. 

Disclaimer: We strive to treat our patients with dignity and utmost sensitivity. We understand that heroin addiction is a disease and that it is not a sign of weakness. Terms like addict, abuser, or more are used here not in a derogatory way but to remain relevant to user search trends and common usage.

It is important to note that people with heroin addiction should be addressed respectfully to better address the effects of this psychological condition. Words like addict, junkie, etc should be avoided. In case you or your loved ones are struggling with drug addiction and share a unique viewpoint on how we can improve this content for our readers, please reach out to us at info@cadabamshospitals.com.

Why Cadambam’s?

Cadambam’s formulates customized evidence-based treatment plans that are structured to each individual’s needs. The multispeciality team comprises highly experienced experts who offer loving and non-judgemental care for the person. Cadambam’s also takes pride in offering support post-treatment through occupational therapy, psychosocial interventions, post-treatment care, community support, and crisis intervention.

We have a state-of-the-art rehab facility that focuses on ensuring a comprehensive solution to individuals struggling with drug addiction. We aim to support the person’s complete reintegration into society and normal life. Please connect with us and seek the needed help for your addiction. Call us at +91 97414 76476. 

FAQs About Heroin Addiction

What defines a drug addict?

Drug addiction usually starts with casual experimentation that becomes more frequent and then a habit that is hard to shake. As the addiction progresses the person would need higher and higher doses of the drug to experience a high. Trying to stop using the drug may trigger withdrawal symptoms that make the person feel unwell. When the person is unable to function without the drug, it is an addiction.

Are drug addictions hereditary?

The family and the culture a person is brought up in defines how acceptable or unacceptable drug use is to them. So, drug addictions could run in families.

Can drug addictions be treated?

Yes, drug addiction is like a disease. It can be treated with a combination of therapy, management of withdrawal symptoms and counselling. 

Is drug addiction a brain disease?

When the person takes the drug the brain releases a feel-good, reward chemical called dopamine. This gives the person the feeling of being high which is characterised by feeling euphoria, excess energy, excitement and confidence. 

Can drug addiction cause bipolar disorder?

Yes, drug addictions can cause bipolar disorder.