The image of an addict shooting up heroin on the street is not a pretty picture. While not everyone who abuses heroin winds up desperate and homeless, the reality is that the drug is extremely dangerous, and a high percentage of people who uses it will develop a life-threatening dependence on it.

How Heroin Works On The Brain And Hooks The User

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, heroin/opioid receptors are found in portions of the brain that are responsible for both reward and the perception of pain. Because of this, individuals who take heroin do not typically feel pain, and their brains record this sensation. This leads to intense cravings for the drug when it is not taken. Over time, heroin greatly stresses brain cells. More and more heroin is needed to produce the desired pain relief. Unlike most other substances that enter the body gradually, heroin users employ fast delivery systems such as injection and snorting. This creates an intensely powerful feeling that overpowers users and makes it far more addictive than drugs that are taken through oral delivery systems. Those who inject heroin have the highest rates of dependence. There’s no denying the overwhelming impact of heroin’s effects on the mind and body.

The Challenge Of Heroin Withdrawal

Along with the high rate of addiction, heroin abuse is difficult to stop because of the challenge of detoxification. The detox process is often overwhelming with painful, debilitating symptoms that frequently require medical intervention. Ceasing heroin use is not something to try and attempt on your own. The risk of serious complications requires intensive treatment that addresses both the chemical and emotional challenges of addiction.

Don’t Wait To Get Help For Heroin Addiction

Heroin addiction is not something to ignore. It is potentially fatal, but there is hope with effective detoxification and addiction treatment. At Summit Estate, we strongly believe that each individual and their situation is unique. This is why we do not offer a cookie-cutter approach when it comes to our safe and more comfortable medically supervised heroin detox and individualized treatment program. At our drug addiction treatment center in the Bay Area, we give clients the best chance of lifelong recovery from heroin addiction. Want to learn more?

Call Us Now For Help – 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week


summit estate logoSummit Estate Recovery Center offers private and semi-private rooms, as well as other luxurious amenities such as Jacuzzi, sauna, steam showers, fully equipped gym, executive business center, and more. The serene nature of the residential property creates a comfortable substance-free living environment. Stays usually range from 30 to 90 days. You can fuel your recovery in several different ways – from counseling and holistic therapy to gourmet meals and sober adventures. To learn more, visit https://www.summitestate.com/.