Is Heroin a Narcotic?

Some people ask themselves, “Is heroin a narcotic?” They have good reason to ask when they think a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction. For some, this question may arise when their friends offer them the drug, and they don’t know what it is. Heroin is a very potent drug that can cause an addiction to arise with just a single use. Thus, it’s important to understand what makes a drug a narcotic. Narcotics are illegal in the United States unless prescribed by a doctor, and heroin has been classed as an illicit drug with no medical benefit. However, its rates of use are still high. At Beaches Recovery, our team of medical professionals, counselors, and therapists are experienced with treating heroin addiction and helping individuals heal and recover.

Is Heroin a Narcotic by Definition?

A narcotic is a drug that in moderate doses dulls the senses, relieves pain, or induces deep sleep. But narcotics, when misused, can cause a stupor, coma, or convulsions. Another aspect of narcotics is that they are physiologically addictive. This means that upon use, an individual’s brain chemistry is altered. In many cases where narcotics are abused, this change in brain chemistry leads to dependency. Addiction means the body requires the substance to function normally. Thus, when someone becomes addicted to a narcotic like heroin, they must keep using or experience extremely painful withdrawal symptoms.

Heroin comes from the opium plant, which grows in many places outside of the United States. The plant is native to places like Southeast Europe as well as Western Asia. Since heroin comes from the opium plant, many other countries which a conducive climate have started to grow the plant. Some of the countries that grow this plant include Mexico, Columbia, Tasmania, and Afghanistan.

How Addictive Is Heroin?

Heroin is one of the most potent, addictive substances that a person can use. When a person uses heroin, the drug attaches to different opiate receptors in the brain. These receptors can help to block pain, which is why painkillers are made from opiates as well. Along with the blocking of pain, the drug also gives a person a calm, euphoric feeling.

When used regularly, the body and mind become accustomed to the drug being in the system. This creates a dependency in which the person needs to have the drug regularly to feel well. When the drug is absent or begins to leave the system, the person experiences withdrawal. Many people who become dependent must continue using to feel well. These are signs of heroin use.

What to Do When You Notice Signs of Heroin Use?

If you’ve been asking, “Is heroin a narcotic?” and are worried about your loved one, there is still hope. Your loved one can enter a heroin rehab for women or men in which they can recover from their addiction. The first step is to intervene and see if the person is tired of living the way they’re living and want help. Sometimes, you may need to do a formal intervention to get him or her help.

Discover How Beaches Recovery Can Help

Beaches Recovery is a drug and alcohol rehab that can help your loved one begin a new life. We’re passionate about helping those who struggle with addiction, as well as their families. Through our family therapy program, we’ll help everyone involved begin to heal. Our heroin addiction treatment program is just one of many substance abuse treatment programs we offer. We also offer:

• Alcohol addiction rehab
• Cocaine addiction rehab
• Benzodiazepine addiction rehab
• Opiate addiction rehab
• Opioid addiction rehab
• Meth addiction rehab
• Marijuana addiction rehab
• Adderall addiction rehab

You can reach us at 866.605.0532, or contact us online. Make the call, save a life, make a new beginning for yourself or a loved one.