Is Heroin the Strongest Opiate

Is Heroin the Strongest Opiate?
So many people are addicted to opiates these days, and heroin is always the most popular one.
The question people often ask relates to the strength of heroin when compared to other opiatebased drugs. Heroin, also known as smack, China white or dope, is available as a white or brown
powder or as a sticky, black substance (known as black tar). This highly addictive substance can
be smoked, injected or snorted. Heroin is most commonly injected intravenously, giving the user
an instant high.
Once you‟ve graduated to “shooting” (injecting) heroin, it‟s very difficult to stop the habit on
your own. The major psychoactive ingredient in heroin is diacetylmorphine (also known as
diamorphine). This is a very potent painkiller that gives heroin it‟s addictive attributes and
causes a physical dependence with painful withdrawal symptoms. The effects of heroin abuse
show that the substance is more dangerous than other opiates. Completing a partial
hospitalization drug rehab or intensive outpatient drug program is the best way to recover from
heroin abuse.
Heroin Can Kill You
The risk of contracting blood-borne diseases (such as hepatitis and HIV) is increased through the
use of heroin, especially when it‟s injected. Long-term opioid use increases the risk of dangerous
health problems, including kidney or liver disease, collapsed veins as well as heart infections.
The risks can be worsened if heroin is taken with other substances like alcohol, which is called
polysubstance abuse. In this case, your internal organs can decline in function, and there is
always the risk of a fatal overdose.
Heroin is by far one of the most addicting drugs known to mankind. Results from many studies
confirm the fact that a single dose of heroin can push an individual into addiction. About 25% of
those that try heroin at a particular point in their life will become addicted to the substance.
When the brain is continuously introduced to this opiate, the dopamine receptors within the
nerve cells of the brain become exhausted as a result of overstimulation. Heroin is also 100 times
stronger than morphine; this makes it one of the strongest opiates. Being a street drug, it is more
prone to impurities than pharmaceutical opiates, adding another layer of danger and uncertainty
for those addicted.
Facts About Heroin Addiction
The route through which heroin is administered also makes it more dangerous than other opiates.
Addiction rates vary based on how heroin is consumed by the addict. Those that inject heroin are
found to have higher dependence rates than those that smoke the substance (known as “chasing
the dragon”).
Heroin is a potent street drug that is derived from morphine obtained from the seed resin of the
opium poppy. According to Live Science, heroin yields the fastest-acting high out of all opiates.
The fact that it is less expensive than prescription opiates makes it very popular on the street. In
recent years, fentanyl is being added to street heroin to make it even more powerful. Dealers
usually „cut‟ heroin with other drugs to make it stronger and increase the price. The introduction
of different substances „cut‟ with heroin into the body makes it difficult for doctors treating a
typical heroin overdose to pinpoint the specific substances involved. This can lead to lifethreatening complications, including death. A report obtained from the National Institute on
Drug Abuse revealed that deaths caused by heroin overdose increased by six times between 2001
to 2014, and the numbers keep increasing.
Get Help Today
If you or a loved one are addicted to heroin, reach out for help right now. We are fully aware of
the pain you are going through and our compassionate specialists are here to guide you to
recovery. Get in touch with Recreate Life Counseling and achieve freedom from heroin addiction
forever.