Heroin is one of the most easily addictive drugs out there, and it is both psychologically and physically addicting. Even those with no intention of becoming hooked are unable to prevent progression into addiction without treatment once they succumb to its euphoric effects, once described as “being in the womb” or in a “dream state.”
There are several phases the individual goes through when progressing through heroin addiction, starting with experimentation and ending with serious side-effects or treatment.
Heroin’s Initiate Phase
The first phase of addiction is the initiate phase—a first-time user begins taking the drug with the thought that he or she will only experiment and see what heroin is like. Unfortunately, for most people, the quick high and the pleasure associated with it leaves the person with a desire to do more. Maybe they simply sniffed this first time; but, gradually, as tolerance increases, the individual will move on to needles and another set of problems. Their financial stake is low—maybe $5 a hit.
Heroin’s Use Phase
Here the individual has developed a tolerance of the drug, choosing to try other methods, moving on to injections. Perhaps he or she will be careful at first, using only sterilized needles they don’t share. But as addiction progresses and the cost of heroin exponentially increases, the focus on the next high will blur the addict’s concern for her own health and eventually she becomes willing to risk blood-borne infection by shared needles. Missing a vein and getting an artery will present other issues. Changes in lifestyle are becoming more and more evident. The $5 a day habit is now four or more times that.
Lifestyle Shift Phase
Heroin has now become the individual’s sole focus. He or she cannot make it through the day without several hits or experiencing withdrawal. Their lifestyle is now based on behavior that gets them their next bag. Lying, cheating, stealing, and other behaviors once taboo are now regular activities as former moral codes are dropped. Old friends are no longer around; new ones are only interested in getting high, selling drugs or sharing them. If they had a job, they lost it. If they had a family, they may be on the brink of being abandoned. Overdosing becomes a real possibility, as some individuals, intent on getting their next fix quickly, may re-inject themselves, unable to wait the few seconds it takes to get the drug into the bloodstream. This is the downward spiral associated with drug abuse. In this phase, Heroin takes no prisoners. Death or treatment is the only way out.
Treatment and Recovery Phase
Heroin has reduced the individual to a shell of their former self. Physical, psychological and emotional addiction is rampant; but, the desire to get back to life as the individual once knew it compels them forward into seeking treatment from this uncontrollable lifestyle to detox and recovery. While relapse is possible in this phase, the individual is provided the tools to get better if he or she is committed to following their treatment program, participating in 12-Step meetings, finding a job and working on their issues.
Do You Know Someone with Heroin Addiction?
Heroin addiction treatment requires medical supervision and experienced drug counselors to help the individual move from detox to recovery. Are you struggling with an addiction to heroin? Our helpline is operated 24 hours a day and our phone number is toll-free. Call today to get back on track.
