Heroin can create extreme euphoria but the addictive properties are well known which can lead to abuse. Learn more about how heroin causes euphoric effects.

Psychoactive Ingredients

Derived from morphine, heroin is highly addictive with a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of certain varieties of poppy plants. When consumed, the drug triggers sedation and euphoria through interactions with neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. The main ingredient has two additional components of heroin including morphine and acetic anhydride. Heroin can be used by dissolving in water and injecting it into a vein, muscle or under the skin.

Euphoric Effects

A rush can occur within seconds of use of Heroin and last as long as a few minutes. The rush is followed by a tranquil phase which lasts a few hours where people feel happy, relaxed and free of pain. The euphoric effects go away after a short time followed by flashing on the skin, dry mouth and heavy extremities. An individual may be in a waking and sleeping phase alternatively for several hours. Other short-term effects include nausea, vomiting and itching.

Central Nervous System Effects

Heroin acts as a depressant on the central nervous system since the brain contains numerous opiate receptors. Heroin and morphine are both chemically similar to endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Once in the brain, heroin is converted to morphine by enzymes. This creates pain relief and nervous system depression but can cloud mental functioning and slow breathing to the point of respiratory failure.

Getting High

Drug abusers report by consumption of heroin, a transcendent state of euphoria is made more intense than other opiates or opioids. Getting high on heroin repeatedly is a sign of heroin addiction. Different routes of administration trigger different onset effects for each individual. Many people like to use an IV to administer the drug more quickly as morphine hits the brain in a larger amount, resulting in higher potential risk for psychological addiction.

Why Addiction Happens

Heroin is highly addictive which causes dependence and frequent use. Tolerance develops quickly and increased doses are needed to achieve the same effects. Some risks which accompany use include:

• Abscesses
• Blood diseases
• Failure of internal organs
• Poisoning
• Reduced work of the respiratory system to death

Addiction to heroin can have lethal consequences for individuals who are struggling to seek help. It is important to recognize if a loved one has a problem and seek medical attention when needed or conduct an intervention to offer help if possible.

The Villa offers help to loved ones with heroin or other drug addiction. Call us to find out more on how we can help you get past addiction to the point of recovery.