Why Is Heroin so Addictive?

Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid that is one of the most addictive substances today. It affects over two million men and women in the U.S. each year and causes over 13,000 deaths related to heroin overdose. Why is heroin so addictive? Many factors contribute to that answer. Heroin addiction treatment gives those who struggle with addiction a safe and effective treatment plan that has a greater chance of helping them reach their goals of long-lasting recovery.

At Arkview Recovery Center, we provide residential and outpatient treatment programs that give patients the tools needed to lead sober and happy lives by changing the thoughts and habits that contribute to their addiction. Reach out to our experienced staff to learn more about why heroin is so addictive and how you can kick the habit by calling 717.744.0756.

Why Is Heroin so Addictive?

Heroin comes from the poppy plant, papaver somniferum, and is a synthetic version of opioids that are popular for their pain-relieving properties. Why is heroin so addictive? It is a fast-acting semi-synthetic opioid that releases a massive amount of dopamine that gives you an intense high that can last for several hours. Your body will begin to crave more of the drug to keep feeling the intense euphoria, and if you continue to take more, it can create an addiction after just a few uses.

The chemicals in heroin attach themselves to the mu-opioid receptors and release a massive amount of dopamine that your body cannot reproduce without more heroin. The more you take, the more your body will become reliant on the drug to continue to release more dopamine. A lack of dopamine can lead to depression, poor coordination, and loss of memory retention.

Other factors that contribute to what makes heroin addictive include:

• Genetics
• Family history
• Mental health disorders
• Peer pressure
• Work or school stress

At Arkview Recovery, part of our addiction recovery process is to educate patients about the question, how addictive is heroin? And how to explain how destructive it is to their bodies. We also help patients understand how their thoughts and emotions control their behaviors that contribute to their abuse through behavioral therapy.

Recognizing the Signs of Heroin Addiction

Addiction changes a person’s brain chemistry and thoughts that contribute to their addiction, even to the detriment of their health. When struggling with addiction, even if the person wants to quit, their withdrawal symptoms and cravings make it nearly impossible to stop without round-the-clock care.

Common signs of severe heroin addiction include:

• Collapsed veins
• Insomnia
• Skin infections
• Reduced immunity to illness
• Higher risk of HIV and AIDS and hepatitis B and C
• Liver and kidney damage
• Mental disorders
• Sexual disfunction

If you are worried a friend is struggling with heroin addiction, look for these signs:

• Behavioral changes
• Sudden financial problems
• A change in their social circles
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Needle marks between fingers and toes
• Severe mood swings

Arkview Recovery: Heroin Addiction Treatment to Start Your Recovery

Why is heroin so addictive? At Arkview Recovery Center, we help men and women get the answers they need to understand how addictive heroin can be and what it will take to recover. We will work with your unique symptoms and causes of addiction to form an effective treatment plan that can lead to long-lasting recovery. We employ a full range of addiction treatment programs, including:

• Drug and alcohol detox program
• Residential treatment program
• Medication-assisted treatment program
• Dual-diagnosis treatment program

Learn more about how heroin addiction treatment can help you or a loved one start your life in sobriety by calling 717.744.0756 or using our online form.