If you or someone you know is suffering from heroin addiction, you probably understand that this can lead to serious issues. Heroin itself is an addictive substance that can completely rewire the brain. That is why heroin rehab is so important. Furthermore, many people who suffer from heroin addiction end up developing other mental health issues as well. When it comes to heroin and the brain, people need to understand how heroin can damage the central nervous system. Here at Oceanfront Recovery, we can guide you through a few important points that everyone should note and provide you with the right support necessary to heal.
How Does Heroin Work?
Sadly, a lot of people end up hooked on heroin after taking prescription medications. One of the most common stories involves someone who suffers a serious injury. Then, they end up with a prescription for an opioid medication, such as hydrocodone, that helps them manage the pain. This type of medication is only meant to be used on a short-term basis. Unfortunately, that person may end up taking opioid medication for a prolonged enough time.
Then, that individual ends up developing a tolerance to opioid medications. Therefore, hydrocodone no longer cuts it. As a result, they end up looking for something stronger. This place has them right in the lap of heroin addiction. The longer people take heroin, the worse the impacts are going to be.
Heroin Targets Receptors in the Brain
The brain has specific receptors that are used to interpret pain. For example, if you stub your toe, the pain receptors in the brain are going to be triggered, letting you know that you have stubbed your toe. On the other hand, if you touch a hot surface, more of these pain receptors will be triggered, leading to a more serious reaction. These are the same receptors that heroin binds to, blocking pain signals.
In essence, heroin can damage your brain by targeting these receptors. Just as people develop a tolerance to opioid medications, people can develop a tolerance to heroin as well. Therefore, when it comes to heroin and the brain, heroin can change the number of these receptors and how they operate. This may impact the ability of your brain to interpret pain in the future.
Heroin Can Lead to Mental Health Issues
Furthermore, heroin addiction can also impact the brain because it may lead to mental health issues down the road. This is usually referred to as a dual diagnosis. People with a dual diagnosis have both a substance abuse issue and a separate mental health issue. Some of the mental health problems that may accompany heroin addiction include:
- Some people with heroin addiction may end up with depression.
- Other individuals with heroin addiction could develop anxiety issues.
- This type of addiction can also lead to severe emotional lability, including anger issues.
For all of these reasons, everyone should seek the attention of heroin rehab if they suffer from heroin addiction. Heroin and the brain go hand-in-hand. The sooner heroin rehab can start, the better the prognosis is going to be.
Contact Oceanfront Recovery Today for Help with Heroin Addiction
Heroin and the brain are intertwined. Unfortunately, prolonged heroin use can lead to severe brain damage. That is why we are here to put a stop to it. Everyone needs to see if the help of heroin we have as quickly as possible. At Oceanfront Recovery, we have numerous resources that we can use to customize treatment plans to meet our patients’ individual needs. We would be happy to do the same for you as well. If you are interested in learning more about our mental health treatment options and heroin rehab, please contact us today at 877.296.7477.
