Heroin is an opiate drug that is synthesized from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the opium poppy plant. Heroin can be injected, snorted/sniffed or smoked all to rapidly deliver the drug to the brain. Heroin enters the brain and is converted to morphine before binding to opioid receptors. These receptors influence perception of pain, adjust the reward system and alter automatic processes critical for life such as breathing and blood pressure. Heroin users are at high risk for addiction, as an estimated 23 percent of individuals who use heroin become dependent on it.
Understanding the Heroin Addiction Healing Process
When you look at the various stages of healing from heroin addiction, it may help you understand that healing is a process and not a singular event. You may think and feel differently in each of the following stages:
- Denial. The definition of, “the act of asserting that something alleged is not true” reveals the weeks and even months of heroin abuse where a person does not acknowledge themselves as being addicted. The second definition, “a defense mechanism that denies painful thoughts,” is a typical reaction a person has when they suspect that their drug use is no longer in their control and that they have a significant problem.
- Anger. Once users admit their addiction, many experience fear and uncertainty along with anger. At this point, many users display anger towards friends, family and circumstances. During this phase, the user is often difficult to care for and deal with.
- Bargaining. Most heroin users not only struggle with identifying their addiction but also struggle with the concept of receiving treatment, so often they attempt to bargain with themselves in an attempt to wean themselves off the drug. However, if withdrawal symptoms present themselves during this bargaining phase, the user typically fails to wean.
- Depression. With the failure of weaning added to the burden of addiction, heroin users often become depressed, which is defined as, “a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity.” Associated with this depression is disconnection from others and secrecy.
- Acceptance. After struggling with depression, users may come to accept the fact that they have an addiction. Acceptance, defined as, “the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true” forces the heroin user to acknowledge his or her addiction. It is at this stage that most addicts seek help.
Recovery Support during the Heroin Addiction Healing Process
For a person healing from heroin addiction, the following support resources are available at each stage:
- Denial. If a person goes to his or her physician with side effects of heroin use, the doctor may be the first resource to identify a potential problem and guide the person to seek assistance.
- Anger. Extreme mood changes affect family members and loved ones and may cause them to find help for the addicted individual.
- Bargaining. During this phase, interventions can be successful because the heroin user is in a negotiation state of mind.
- Depression. When heroin users can no longer tolerate how miserable they feel, they may contact a helpline to provide information and support.
- Acceptance. When the decision to get treatment is made, the entire staff at the facility provides a network of support to help the heroin user heal and recover.
Get Help for Heroin Addiction
Start your journey of healing by making one phone call. We can help answer any questions you have about heroin addiction and the healing process. We can also explore your options, verify your insurance coverage and provide insights into programs and services. Please call our toll-free helpline today. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about heroin addiction treatment. We are here to help.
