What is Heroin?
Heroin is an opioid drug made from certain poppy plants that are grown mainly in Southeast and Southwest Asia, as well as Colombia and Mexico. Heroin is extracted from morphine that is taken from the plant and then made into a powder form that can be smoked, snorted, or injected when mixed with water. Heroin can also be in the form of a sticky substance known as black tar. Street names for heroin include smack, H, horse, and hell dust. Heroin acts rapidly once it is ingested, causing the user to experience an intense rush. Heroin also leads to slowed respiration, a warm flushing of the skin, and drowsiness. Nausea, vomiting, and severe itching often also occur.
Heroin is highly addictive and comes with a high risk of overdose, which can be fatal, and other potentially serious effects.
Why Do Veterans Abuse Heroin?
There are a variety of reasons why veterans might abuse heroin, but PTSD may play a significant role in any type of substance use. When some people suffer from PTSD, they will oftentimes turn to substance use to deal with their symptoms. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) notes that 1 in 3 veterans seeking treatment for substance use disorder has PTSD.
Impacts of Heroin Use on Veterans
The impacts of heroin use in veterans have not been studied extensively. However, veterans with any type of substance use disorder are twice as likely to commit suicide as non-veterans. This outcome was even more pronounced in female veterans, who were 5 times more likely to complete suicide than non-veteran females.
Homelessness is another growing problem amongst veterans with a substance abuse disorder. According to a 2014 study, nearly 70% of homeless veterans were actively struggling with a substance use disorder.
Signs of Heroin Addiction
Those who use heroin may quickly become physically dependent upon the drug. Heroin users may experience intense withdrawal symptoms after they stop taking the drug. The unpleasant feelings caused by withdrawal often lead people to keep using heroin to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms. Some of the common signs of heroin addiction include:
Strong cravings to use heroin.
Taking more heroin than you originally intended.
Developing tolerance, which means you have to take more heroin to feel the same effects from using it.
Being unable to manage your family and/or work responsibilities as a result of heroin use.
Attempting to stop using or cut back on heroin use but unable to do so.
Experiencing interpersonal conflict with people over your use of heroin.
No longer engaging in hobbies you once enjoyed in order to use heroin.
Spending a lot of time and resources looking for, using, and getting over the effects of heroin.
Taking heroin in high-risk situations, such as when driving.
Continuing to take heroin even though it makes a medical condition worse.
Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal
When you become dependent on heroin, you may experience withdrawal after you cease taking the drug. Symptoms of heroin withdrawal typically begin about 8 to 12 hours after the last dose and can include:
Vomiting and diarrhea.
Gooseflesh.
Severe cravings for heroin.
Uncontrollable muscle movements.
Agitation and restlessness.
Insomnia.
Muscle and bone pain.
The severity of physical withdrawal can make it difficult for a person to stop using heroin on their own. Most people who try to quit on their own start using again to alleviate the symptoms of physical withdrawal. Therefore, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration suggests that medically supervised withdrawal management for those detoxing.
Honorably discharged Veterans, who qualify, will receive substance abuse treatment services at NO COST. Call Thornton and Associates Veteran Services to speak with one of our Addiction Specialists at (626) 482-3478 for a free, confidential consultation to verify if you qualify.
Comentários