- Heroin is a modified version of morphine, which is made from the poppy plant. Heroin depresses the central nervous system and also creates a state of euphoria. Heroin can be injected into veins, snorted or smoked.
- Because heroin works on the central nervous system, it has the potential to become addictive. Heroin induces its state of euphoria by releasing dopamine within the brain. The neurons within the brain adjust to these heightened levels of dopamine and adjust to them. When they (the neurons) no longer receive these elevated dopamine levels, they register it as a lack of dopamine, and the symptoms of withdrawal occur.
- Withdrawal symptoms can begin fairly rapidly after the last heroin dose, at times within a few hours. Symptoms include diarrhea, pain in the muscles and bones, restlessness, vomiting and insomnia. Withdrawal symptoms generally hit their peak around 48 to 72 hours and can last up to a week. For heavy users in poor health, the withdrawal process can be deadly.
- In many cases, the withdrawal symptoms can be managed via medications. Methadone is a specially designed opiate that can help block the effects of heroin for up to 24 hours. It does, however, have the chance to be addictive. Buprenorphine is another more recently approved medicine that also can block heroin's effects. Buprenorphine works for much longer and is less addictive.
- Heroin withdrawal can also be managed in treatment centers that offer a more psychological approach. These centers help give support to the patient as he goes through withdrawal, as well as preventing relapses. These treatment centers also give long-term support, helping former addicts stay clean.
