Heroin is an illegal and highly addictive opioid made from morphine. Morphine comes from opium poppy plants grown in Southeast and Southwest Asia, Columbia, and Mexico. Heroin can be a brown or white powder or a sticky black substance called black tar heroin.

Street names for heroin include:

• Dope
• Smack
• Junk
• Snow
• China white
• Brown sugar
• Beast
• White horse

People abuse heroin in a few different ways. It is typically injected, smoked, or snorted. The most pure form of heroin is usually smoked or snorted. Snorting heroin is also the easiest way to abuse heroin, as other methods require paraphernalia, such as needles or spoons.

Once you’ve chosen the right program, call to set up a consultation or assessment for your loved one. Remember, it is your loved one’s decision to go to rehab, so he or she must get on the phone and go through the initial intake process.

Heroin has distinct, life-threatening risks. Heroin is an extremely addictive illicit drug, no matter how it is consumed. Injecting and smoking heroin allows the drug to reach the brain the fastest.

Every time a person uses heroin,  they risk potential fatal consequences. Adding to the dangers of heroin, dealers often lace heroin with cheaper substances such as fentanyl. Fentanyl is the deadliest opioid, with a lethal dose of 3 milligrams compared to 30 milligrams of heroin.

The more a person abuses heroin, the more changes happen to the physical structure and physiology of the brain. The long-term imbalances and changes are often hard to reverse.

Overdose isn’t the only risk that comes with heroin. People who use needles increase the risk of contracting HIV/ AIDS, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C due to sharing needles.

Other dangers of heroin addiction include

• Physical health issues – Chronic heroin abuse can cause a range of health issues, including liver and kidney damage, collapsed veins, infections, and cardiovascular issues.
• Mental health problems – Heroin abuse can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other disorders. Heroin can also impair cognitive function and decision-making.

Heroin addiction can also put a strain on relationships, employment, and finances. Due to the activities associated with obtaining and using heroin often leads to legal troubles as well. If this sounds like you, we at Moving Mountains Recovery can help you regain your life.

According to the State of New Jersey 2022 Substance Use Treatment Admission report, there were 30,933 admissions to a heroin rehab center. That is 36 percent of all substance use disorder treatment admissions!

To emphasize the power that heroin has over people, of those admissions to treatment centers, 1814 people were first-time admissions in a New Jersey heroin rehab center. Furthermore, in 2023, in the state of New Jersey, 13,575 doses of Naloxone were administered, saving people from a fatal overdose.

This shows how hard-lasting recovery from heroin can be.But, with the right treatment and support from a heroin rehab center, you can find lifelong recovery.

Recovery from heroin addiction is a multifaceted process that often requires a combination of therapeutic interventions, support systems, and lifestyle changes. Here are several recovery options for individuals struggling with heroin addiction.

Heroin is highly addictive, which is a significant factor contributing to the challenges associated with its use. The drug belongs to the opioid class, and opioids have the potential to create a strong physical and psychological dependence. Some of the reasons heroin is extremely addictive  include:

• Rapid onset – its rapid onset produces intense euphoria and sense of well-being, the pleasurable experience makes people use again
• Brain chemistry – affects neurotransmitters like dopamine that play a role in reward and pleasure pathways
• Tolerance – regular use leads to tolerance which requires higher doses to achieve the same effect
• Physical dependence – prolonged use leads to dependence, without the drug withdrawal symptoms begin
• Cravings – addiction is characterized by strong cravings that are triggered by various cues, contribute to relapse
• Cycle of use – using heroin to avoid withdrawal creates a pattern of compulsive drug-seeking behaviors
• Risk of relapse – the risk of relapse is extremely high even after treatment due to cravings and outside influences
• Impacts decision-making – people chose heroin over their health and well-being

Due to the severe consequences associated with heroin addiction, including the risk of overdose and other health complications, seeking professional help through rehab programs and counseling, is crucial for individuals looking to overcome their addiction

Heroin addiction often develops through a combination of genetic, environmental, and social factors. Common ways people typically become addicted to heroin include:

• Prescription opioid abuse
• Recreational use
• Peer pressure and social environments
• Trauma and stress
• Genetic predisposition
• Mental health issues
• Accessibility and availability
• Sensation-seeking behavior

Addiction is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. People may become addicted to heroin through various combinations of these factors. Prevention efforts often focus on addressing risk factors, promoting mental health, and providing education about the potential consequences of substance abuse.

Recognizing signs that a loved one may need help from a heroin rehab center is crucial for early intervention and support. If you observe the following signs or behaviors in someone close to you, it may indicate a need for professional assistance:

• Track marks – visible puncture wounds or track marks on arms or other areas heroin is typically injected
• Changes in appearance – dramatic weight loss, poor hygiene, a general decline in physical health
• Isolation – withdrawing from family, friends, and social activities
• Neglecting responsibilities – declining performance at work or school, neglecting responsibilities at home
• Changes in sleep patterns – insomnia or sleeping excessively
• Mood swings – rapid and unpredictable changes in mood, increase in irritability
• Depression and anxiety – persistant feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or heightened anxiety
• Lack of motivation – loss of interest in hobbies and once enjoyed activities
• Money problems – unexplained money issues, borrowing money without a clear reason
• Selling belongings – seeling personal items to buy heroin
• Legal troubles – legal issues due to drug use
• Strained relationships – frequent conflicts with family and friends
• Chronic health issues – infections, respiratory issues, gastrointestinal problems
• Neglect of health – no care for personal health and wellbeing
• Presence of drug paraphenalia – finding needles, syringes, burnt, spoons, or small baggies
• Failed attempts to quit – having a desire to quit but being unsuccessful on their own
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms – nausea, sweating, anxiety, and restlessness
• Loss of control – inability to control or reduce heroin use despite the consequences

If you notice multiple signs or a combination of these behaviors in your loved one, it’s important to approach the situation with empathy and encourage them to seek professional help.

A heroin rehab center can provide the necessary support, including detoxification, counseling, and rehabilitation programs, to help individuals overcome addiction. Encouraging open communication and offering emotional support are crucial steps in assisting a loved one on the path to recovery.

The specific details of what to expect in a New Jersey heroin rehab center can vary depending on the facility, the type of program, and the individual’s needs. However, here are some common elements and services that you might encounter in a heroin rehab center in New Jersey.