Heroin: What Is It? How Does It Work? How Do I Get My Life Back?

It seems that there is an epidemic that is occurring in the United States, and that epidemic is the abuse of opiates. If used properly, opiates can be extremely helpful when going through different types of painful recovery. Opiates such as morphine and heroin make the pain bearable. However, if an individual abuses these narcotics, he or she can go down a deep, dark road that is hard to recover from. It seems that this problem is coming more into the light and more is understood about the problem. This article is going to outline what heroine is, why it is addictive, and effective ways to beat the addiction.

So What Is Heroin?

Heroin is a a narcotic that has a chemical formula of C₂₁H₂₃NO₅. Heroin is a type of morphine that is created from poppy plants. The narcotic can have devastating side effects if it is abused. Heroine is actually able to attach to and activate specific receptors in the brain. These receptors are called mu-opiod receptors. The body produces neurotransmitters that naturally attach to these receptors. This is the body's natural way to deal with pain and stress. When these receptors in the brain are initiated, it causes a feeling of euphoria because dopamine is released. This is the body's pleasure chemical. With continued abuse of heroin, the receptors become resistant to the substance, and it takes more of the drug to get the same euphoria. It is a very destructive cycle. 

How To Quit

Ultimately, quitting can be one of the most difficult things that a person can ever do. The pains that the body feels can send the body into shock and can be damaging. However, getting off the narcotic is not impossible. There are many different ways to get off the narcotic, but there are some ways that seem to work better than others. One of the best ways to quit using heroin is to join a support group. Many times this involves going to somebody for help, and can include a detox site. Many individuals think that this type of environment might be embarrassing or uncomfortable, but the support that these detox camps provide is second to none. The professionals that work at these detox centers understand the pain and the addiction. There is no better way to gain help. These counselors also will help you with 12-step programs that have been known to significantly aid in the ability to stop using the damaging opiates. Contact a company like Stepping Stones Recovery Center to learn more.