Changes in Brain Consistent with Heroin Use

Heroin is a stand-in, a stop-gap, a mask, for what we believe is missing. Like the objects
seen by Platos man in a cave, dope is the shadow cast by cultural movements we cant see
directly.
- Ann Marlowe
It was not until 1972 that researchers from the John Hopkins University made a landmark
discovery that changed the understanding and perception of drug addiction. They discovered
that the human brain has specific protein receptor sites for opiates, including codeine, opium,
morphine and heroin. They also discovered that the human body produces its own
endogenous opioids, such as dynorphins, enkephalins and endorphins.
When a person uses heroin,
his or her body gets flooded
with the aforementioned
opioids, which significantly
elevate the level of
dopamine. Moreover, it is
now understood how drugs
like heroin binds to opioid
receptors after being
converted into morphine
form, which reduces the
bodys sensation of pain and
induces a state of euphoria
by increasing the level of
dopamine.
According to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), more than 5 million
individuals in the age group of 12 and above reported using heroin in their lifetime and
828,000 reported using the drug in the past year. Heroin use in the United States has
increased abruptly in the recent times, which is believed to be the primary reason behind the
crackdown by the law enforcement agencies on the misuse of prescription drugs. As a result,
many people with the problem of addiction have been forced to seek illicit drugs on the street.
Due to its potential to cause dependency and increased tolerance from the first use onwards,
the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has listed heroin as a Schedule I drug. Despite
being dangerous, it is widely abused by people.
Persistent use of heroin affects key regions of the brain

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When heroin enters the brain, it is converted into morphine that binds to the opioid receptor
sites in the brain. Heroin use can increase the bodys dopamine levels up to 10 times the
normal levels. The frequent and persistent use of heroin can particularly affect the prefrontal
cortex and medial temporal lobe of the brain, which are brain regions that control long-term
memory, decision-making, complex thoughts and social behavior.
Some of the adverse consequences of heroin use are as follows:

Poor ability to control behavior

Impaired memory and emotional processing
Decreased ability to imagine future events and interactions
Impaired reasoning and problem-solving skills along with poor planning skills
Long-term heroin use can also increase the likelihood of developing mental illnesses. It can
worsen the symptoms of mental disorders, such as suicidal thoughts, anxiety, low energy and
negative mood swings. In addition, heroin use can also change the physical structure of the
brain that can cause long-term imbalances in neuronal and hormonal systems. Studies have
demonstrated that the deterioration of the brains white matter is consistent with the long-
term heroin use.
Heroin use also takes a heavy toll on the body. The long-term effects of heroin use include
the collapse of veins, infection of the heart lining and valves, abscesses and lung problems.
During a heroin overdose, a person can experience hypoxia wherein he or she is likely to
witness suppressed breathing that affects the amount of oxygen transported to the brain.
Additionally, this condition can induce coma and lead to permanent brain damage.
Unfortunately, heroin is a commonly found street drug containing dangerous chemicals that
can lead to complications related to the key organs, such as the lungs, liver, kidneys and the
brain. Heroin users also face the increased risk of contracting infectious diseases, such as
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis, due to the sharing of injection and other
paraphernalia.
Stand above the influence
Heroin is an extremely addictive drug no matter how it is administered. The repeated use can
lead to addiction that increases drug-seeking tendencies. Since the residue of heroin can clog
blood vessels that lead to important organs, it is essential to undergo detoxification to
expunge toxins to prepare the body for appropriate treatment.
If you or your loved one has developed dependence on heroin or any other drug, contact the
Colorado Detox Helpline to access the best detox treatment centers in Colorado that
specialize in delivering evidence-based intervention plans. Call us at our 24/7 helpline number
866-730-5807 for more details about the available treatment options.

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