It can be challenging to separate myths and facts about heroin, a powerful semi-synthetic opioid.
Rates of heroin addiction in the United States have doubled since 2018, according to data from NSDUH (National Survey on Drug Use and Health). While heroin is one of the least abused drugs, it’s also among the most dangerous. Heroin addiction can be debilitating, and overdose can be life-threatening. Heroin is also now frequently adulterated with fentanyl, a deadly synthetic opioid.
Fortunately, even severe heroin addiction responds favorably to the right treatment. Read on to discover how you can connect with compassionate care if heroin abuse is complicating your life.
Common Myths About Heroin
Let’s debunk five myths about heroin to present a more balanced picture of this misunderstood but potentially deadly drug.
1) Heroin is a Young Person’s Drug
Some people may perceive heroin use as more prevalent in young people, perhaps due to media portrayal of the drug. People of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life use heroin, though. None of the reasons underpinning heroin use are limited to a specific age group. Indeed, more older adults use heroin, according to data from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Among the 900,000 U.S. over-12s with diagnosable heroin addictions in 2022, just 35,000 were aged 18 to 25, while 864,000 were aged 26+. Older adults are also more likely to die of heroin overdoses than younger people.
2) Heroin Addiction Happens Instantly
One of the most enduring myths about heroin addiction is that it occurs after the first use. Heroin, like all opioids, is highly addictive. Nevertheless, the rate at which addiction develops is contingent on the method of delivery, the frequency of use, and personal susceptibility. Heroin addiction – opioid use disorder – is a chronic brain disorder that typically occurs with sustained use of the drug. Tolerance forms so higher doses are needed to deliver the initial euphoria. Increasing dosage leads to physical dependence, often but not always followed by addiction. This is a process that takes time.
3) Injecting Heroin is More Dangerous Than Smoking Heroin
All forms of heroin use are dangerous, and associated with health complications, addiction, and overdose. It’s true that injecting heroin carries specific risks – infections, vein damage, and transmission of diseases like HIV, AIDS, and hepatitis C, for instance. The same applies to smoking heroin, though – this can affect the lungs and trigger respiratory issues similar to those experienced by individuals smoking crack cocaine. The danger of heroin, then, occurs due to the drug’s potent effects and regardless of the route of administration.
4) It is Impossible to Quit Heroin
Giving up heroin is challenging, but it’s not impossible. Opioid use disorder is recognized as a chronic and relapsing condition that’s characterized by the compulsive use of opioids like heroin in the face of obviously adverse outcomes. Successful and sustained recovery involves first addressing the issue of physical dependence on heroin and then unpacking the psychological aspect of addiction to opioids. Evidence-based treatment options for managing heroin addiction usually include supervised detoxification, MAT (medication-assisted treatment), and psychotherapies like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy).
5) You Can Quit Heroin on Your Own
While some people may manage to quit heroin without external assistance, seeking professional help makes the whole process safer and more comfortable, while at the same time improving the likelihood of long-term abstinence. Heroin withdrawal can be streamlined with medical supervision. Medications can reduce the intensity of cravings and withdrawal symptoms, while clinical care mitigates complications and relapse during early recovery. The structured support delivered during ongoing treatment for heroin addiction enables people to develop healthy coping mechanisms and support networks to help them maintain ongoing abstinence from heroin.
Get Help for Heroin Addiction at Gratitude Lodge
If you or someone you love needs help addressing heroin addiction, reach out to Gratitude Lodge in Southern California.
All opioid use disorders benefit from supervised detoxification. When you withdraw from heroin at one of our rehabs in Newport Beach or Long Beach, you can access FDA-approved medications to minimize the intensity of cravings and withdrawal symptoms. After tackling the issue of physical dependence, you’ll move into ongoing inpatient treatment at one of our luxury facilities.
Heroin addiction responds positively to MAT (medication-assisted treatment). At Gratitude Lodge, MAT is blended with talk therapies like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), as well as individual and group counseling. You will also take advantage of a variety of holistic treatments, and you’ll leave our rehab center with a comprehensive aftercare plan in place.
Call 800-994-2184 today and begin your recovery from heroin addiction right away.
