How Addictive is Heroin and Why is Your Loved One Addicted?

If your loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, it’s natural to have questions, such as, “How addictive is heroin?” and “Why is heroin addictive?”. You’re trying to understand how your loved one could’ve gotten addicted to the drug in the first place and why they can’t stop.

It certainly isn’t a path you ever wanted them to go down. But now that it’s a reality, you’re looking for answers and ways to help.

You’re hoping that by learning more about heroin addiction, you can spark the embers of change within your loved one. In this post, we’ll help you understand how people like your loved one get addicted to heroin and why it’s so addictive.

How Addictive is Heroin?

The answer to this question is actually easier than you may think. Heroin is classified as an opioid and is a synthetic drug that is derived from morphine. While there are several forms of heroin, they all have a big risk of developing an addiction.

In fact, heroin is one of the most addictive substances a person can use. Unfortunately, it still sees continued use throughout the country. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, roughly 4.2 million Americans have used heroin at some point in their lives. It’s estimated that about 23% of those people went on to develop a dependency, as a result of their heroin use.

Why is Heroin Addictive?

To understand why heroin is addictive, we have to take a look at the brain. Your brain naturally produces dopamine, the same chemical that helps you feel that wave of satisfaction after a workout or eating a favorite food. The brain has opioid receptors that trigger this feeling once the dopamine comes into contact with them.

When heroin is introduced into the same system, the result is an overload of all those reward centers. Imagine the opioid receptors in your brain as a fuse box. With normal activities, it’s like one fuse being flipped. Heroin is like all the fuses being tripped at the same time, flooding your loved one with this overwhelming feeling of euphoria and peace.

The problem comes once the high goes away. The brain struggles to right itself, and over time, it becomes trained to crave those feelings in order to feel normal. Heroin literally rewires the brain, which is why it’s difficult for people like your loved one to quit.

How Long Does It Take to Get Addicted to Heroin?

Now that you have a better idea about why heroin is addictive, there’s only one question left to ask: How long does it take to get addicted to heroin? The truth is that there is no universal answer.

Some may be hooked after the very first time using, while others may not get addicted until after a few times using it. Either way, heroin is a powerful drug that can easily pull someone into a cycle of abuse and addiction.

And if your loved one is already suffering from heroin addiction, it’s too late for them to try to quit on their own. Instead, they will need to seek treatment from a credible rehab center.

Your Loved One Can Heal from Heroin Addiction at Fountain Hills Recovery

At Fountain Hills Recovery, our heroin treatment program is designed to target your loved one’s specific triggers and the underlying causes for addiction. We focus on getting to know your loved one and treating them with respect and dignity, so we can provide the personalized treatment they deserve.

If you’re interested in learning more about Arizona’s top luxury treatment center, contact our friendly admissions staff today or give us a call at 888.549.4037. Together, we can find a path to a healthier life for your loved one.