Heroin, or diamorphine, its scientific name, is derived from an extract of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). It is not a natural element in poppies but rather is synthesized from morphine, which is a naturally occurring opiate. Of all the opiates, it is the most addictive. Heroin group counseling can contribute to a multi-faceted approach to drug rehabilitation.

Effects

Following an initial feeling of euphoria, the user experiences a feeling of calm relaxation. Then they become drowsy, their speech slurs and their pupils contract. They may feel detached. It can also produce nausea, vomiting, headaches and disturbance in mood. Because it is a Class A drug, which means that it is illegal even to be in possession of it, it is manufactured under less than standard conditions and can be cut with any number of substances from cough medicine to baby powder.

Short Lived

The initial high does not last long. This means that several doses are required to reproduce the initial buzz. Tolerance builds up rapidly, leading to larger and larger doses. Soon, increasing amounts are required just to avoid experiencing the unpleasant and seriously painful withdrawal symptoms. Soon, the body becomes so severely gripped by the drug that bigger and bigger doses are needed not to feel euphoric, but just to feel an approximation of what the user remembers as ‘normal’.

Bodily Damage

It is perhaps ironic that, in spite of the body’s dependence upon the drug, it exerts seriously harmful effects. Among these is damage to blood vessels, such as thrombosis and abscesses. Abscesses may progress to gangrene, necessitating the amputation of a limb or spreading to the bones, heart and brain. A major British medical journal listed heroin as the most damaging of all popular recreational drugs in terms of both addictive potential and its ability to cause physical damage.

Withdrawal

Users who are fortunate enough not do perish from an overdose or from other complications may eventually decide they have had enough of the life of a drug user and stop taking it. Doing this on their own is nearly impossible because of the devastating effects of withdrawal. These include severe muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, headaches, convulsions and profuse sweating.

Medication

Fortunately, there are detox treatment centers where people can go to get help with becoming clear of the drug. Here, they may have controlled access to substitutes such as methadone, as well as other forms of support to help them get through this difficult phase. There are some people who decide to go through what is known as ‘cold turkey’, or the sudden complete cessation of the drug without any form of support.

Life After Detox

Having detoxified, their next step is exploring life without drugs. One of the major benefits of opting for a residential center is the ability to remove themselves from the physical and environmental conditions that promoted their former drug using lifestyle. Here, they can also learn how to function alongside non-users of drugs.

After heroin medical detoxification and the residential aspect of rehab is concluded and the individual is released back into the community, heroin group counseling can ease them back into the drug-free life. Graduates of rehab programs can provide emotional support for each other as well as further practice interacting with people outside the drug culture. With hard work and a lot of help, a former addict can indeed lead a productive, drug-free life.

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