Heroin

What is Heroin?

Heroin is an illegal opioid that’s used recreationally by countless people suffering from addiction around the world. Heroin is frequently injected directly into the bloodstream so that the user can feel the influence of this highly dangerous drug faster. Heroin can also be smoked or snorted which can be just as addictive. 

How Long Does Heroin Stay in Your System?

There are several factors that determine how long heroin stays in a person’s system.  These include the person’s height, weight, age, genetics, body composition, the amount of the drug taken, hydration, metabolism, and the health of the kidneys and liver.  Heroin can be detected in the blood, urine, saliva, and hair follicles.  Most of the time, heroin can be detected in your system for two days.  However, some tests can detect heroin in your system for up to 7 days.  Heroin can be detected in hair follicles for up to 3 months. 

What Does Heroin Do to You?

Heroin can have severe impacts on practically every part of your body. From the moment that heroin enters your body, it will begin to alter your overall thinking which can change how you react to pain leaving you at a disadvantage if you sustain an injury during the time that you’re under the influence of the substance. Heroin can also have serious negative effects on your heart which can lead this organ to malfunction. 

How Does Heroin Make You Feel?

The way heroin makes you feel has caused many people to fall prey to heroin addiction. Heroin triggers an intense euphoric feeling followed by a period of relaxation and sleepiness. In turn, you seemingly forget about all of your problems and go into a deep state of relaxation which is why heroin is so commonly used as a recreational drug. Once the high is over, heroin makes you feel desperate for more of the drug.

How Long Does Heroin Withdrawal Last?

The length of withdrawal may be different for every person. However, for most people, heroin withdrawal will last anywhere from five to 10 days. You will likely begin to feel the impact of withdrawal within just a few hours of the time that you last consumed heroin which is why you should reach out for detox assistance as soon as possible. 

Why is Heroin So Addictive?

Heroin is so addictive because it is a derivative of opium which is highly addictive. Your brain will instantly react to the feeling of relaxation that you receive from heroin. As a result, your brain will continue to want more to feel that comfort, which is why heroin is so addictive. 

Can You Die from Heroin Withdrawal?

As you begin to feel the impact of heroin withdrawal, your body can feel as though it’s going into a tailspin. Although it’s true that every person has a different reaction to withdrawing from this drug, it’s important not to overlook that it’s always possible that you may experience potentially deadly withdrawal symptoms which is why it’s recommended that you never attempt to go through detox alone. 

What Happens When You Overdose on Heroin?

When you overdose on heroin, your body isn’t able to process the heroin that you’ve consumed.  The relaxing effects of heroin can cause breathing to become extremely shallow or even stop.  Physical symptoms of a heroin overdose can ultimately result in serious medical issues, brain damage, or even death. 

How Long Does it Take to Get Addicted to Heroin?

A person can become addicted to heroin after just a few times using the drug. One of the impacts of heroin is the fact that it alters your brain chemistry. As a result, it will not take long for your brain to continue to want more. 

How Does Heroin Affect the Brain?

There is no question that heroin has a direct negative impact on the brain. Heroin can cause your brain to react in different ways. From changing the way that you react to certain situations to impeding your brain’s ability to send messages to your other organs.  Heroin can ultimately eat away at the normal functioning of your brain.