[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]When someone you love struggles with addiction, it’s natural to feel curious about their drug use, motivations, intentions, and more. To gain an understanding of why they can’t stop using, you may begin to wonder what the drug feels like or if it’s really worth all the pain it’s causing.
This line of thought is precisely what drives people to Reddit communities such as r/NoStupidQuestions and r/AskReddit to inquire about what heroin and other drugs feel like.
Heroin is a powerful and addictive opioid that is derived from the seed pods of the opium poppy plant. It is similar to morphine, but more powerful and addictive. Not only that, but heroin is illegal and is not used for medicinal reasons due to its risks.
Even if you’re curious, you should never try heroin. Trying heroin even once can trigger the desire to use it again.
Whether you’re simply curious or have a loved one who is struggling, we have your answers. In this article, we’ll explore what heroin feels like by looking at first-hand accounts reported by Reddit users.
How Heroin Affects the Brain and Body
Heroin quickly enters the brain, binding to opioid receptors and flooding the system with dopamine, which creates intense feelings of euphoria and relaxation. This rush is what makes heroin so addictive, but it comes at a cost. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on heroin to release dopamine, making it harder to feel pleasure without the drug.
Physically, heroin slows down breathing and heart rate, which is why overdoses can be deadly. Repeated use can also lead to severe withdrawal symptoms when not using, including nausea, muscle pain, and intense cravings. Long-term heroin use can damage vital organs, weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of infections.
Common Side Effects of Heroin
Heroin’s effects go beyond just the initial high. Many users experience:
- Drowsiness and a heavy, dreamlike state
- Warmth and tingling throughout the body
- Itchy skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slowed breathing and heart rate
- Clouded thinking and difficulty staying alert
- Constipation and digestive issues
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=””]The short-term high is often followed by uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, trapping users in a cycle of addiction.
With continued use, heroin can cause lasting changes to the brain and body, making it harder to quit without professional help.
What Heroin Feels Like According to Reddit Users
Many former and current drug users openly share their experiences with heroin on Reddit threads where other users, who have not tried heroin, are asking about what heroin feels like.
Colleym says, “It’s a warm blanket. A blanket of comfort that covers your whole body. You’re mind, you’re spirit, you’re body, all covered up with this feeling of “everything is right, no harm can be done.” The virtue of peace is found for a few hours, then slowly fades as the heroin starts to wear off. The whole time you are level-headed with not a care in the world. Like a full body massage from the inside out.”
This isn’t the only user to describe the feeling as being wrapped in a warm blanket. Sirjips agrees, writing, “Feels like being wrapped in a warm blanket with an overwhelming sense of bliss, and all your muscles relax. I also remeber feeling really sharp and energergtic after shooting, which is contrary to what most people think happens.”
One user, therealityofthings, describes what shooting up heroin feels like:
“There’s a chill and then…then you’ll feel slightly nauseous but this will be quickly swept away by a lovely just f****** lovely feeling of peace and serenity.
This feeling will quickly rise to absolute euphoria, your eyes will close blissfully against your will. Breathing shallows…a coursing feeling of warmth will cover your body like submerging into a tub of warm honey or oil.
0-Bliss in about 30 seconds.
You feel comfortable, content and happy. Slightly nauseous though.
This is intravenous use, much different from the other routes of administration.
Inhalation or insulation will just make you feel content and very happy, warm and a little nauseous.”
Users also report “nodding out” on heroin, which is a common side effect. Apprehensive_Mixture writes, “Nodding is a very obvious effect. May times your head will droop down and pop back up as you nod off and on. If you’re standing, you might kinda lean over.”
Many users don’t hesitate to point out that, while heroin feels good, it isn’t worth the risk. Ninetofive hangover explains, “physically: as if your body is being turned into a warm light that exists beyond our understanding. you feel so damn good. watch a scene of a movie where someone enters heaven, just like that. mentally: nothing can hurt you, nothing is wrong, all is okay. the moment is infinite. and then you crash and everything is reversed and your flesh melts and your brain can’t think and sweat and it’s f****** Hell.”
Roseaintsh*t notes that people who haven’t tried heroin shouldn’t start–no matter their circumstances. They respond to a user asking about the effects of heroin by saying, “I hope you’re asking just out of curiosity but if you’re considering trying it please don’t. Not even one time. It is that addictive and that is a path you never want to go down.”
Why Heroin is So Addictive
Heroin is one of the most addictive drugs because of how it affects the brain. When someone uses heroin, it triggers an intense rush of euphoria by flooding the brain with dopamine. This immediate pleasure creates a strong desire to use again, but over time, the brain adapts, making it harder to feel good without the drug. This leads to increased use just to feel normal.
On top of that, heroin causes physical dependence. When someone stops using, they experience painful withdrawal symptoms like nausea, chills, muscle aches, and intense cravings. The fear of withdrawal often pushes people to keep using, trapping them in a cycle of addiction that’s incredibly hard to break without help.
Steps to Take to Get Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, it’s important to know that help is available. Taking the first step can be difficult, but recovery is possible with the right support. Here’s what you can do:
- Reach out for support. Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or professional about what you’re going through. You don’t have to do this alone.
- Seek professional treatment. Rehab programs offer medical detox, therapy, and long-term support to help you quit heroin safely and build a healthier life.
- Consider medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Medications like methadone or buprenorphine can help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings, making it easier to focus on recovery.
- Find a support group. Connecting with others in recovery through groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can provide encouragement and accountability.
- Create a plan for long-term sobriety. Recovery doesn’t end after detox or rehab—ongoing therapy, healthy routines, and avoiding triggers are key to staying clean.
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Find Freedom From Heroin Addiction Today
Breaking free from heroin addiction may feel impossible, but recovery is within reach. With the right support and treatment, you can regain control of your life and leave heroin behind for good.
At Moving Mountains Recovery, we offer comprehensive heroin addiction treatment programs in New Jersey. Our facility provides multiple levels of care, is licensed and accredited, and has staff dedicated to personalized, evidence-based care.
To get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact our admissions team at Moving Mountains Recovery today.[/vc_column_text][vc_tta_accordion section_title_tag=”p” gap=”2″ c_icon=”chevron” active_section=”0″][vc_tta_section title=”References:” tab_id=”1741452640272-b3f6c5f4-d57e”][vc_column_text css=””]
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Heroin
- Science Direct: The subjective experience of heroin effects among individuals with chronic opioid use: Revisiting reinforcement in an exploratory study
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