The opioid epidemic shows no sign of slowing. More Americans than ever are struggling with addiction to prescription painkillers and illicit drugs like heroin. But why is heroin so addictive? What makes painkillers so attractive to someone living with opioid use disorder (OUD)?
Heroin addiction treatment is available, and recovery is possible. Red Oak Recovery® is a leading provider of addiction treatment in North Carolina. We specialize in helping young men 18–30 find a better way forward. Get help now by calling 828.382.9699.
Heroin Affects the Brain
Opioid drugs interact with opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for regulating pain, pleasure, and other emotions. When an opioid like heroin binds to these receptors, it floods the brain with dopamine, a neurotransmitter that produces feelings of euphoria and relaxation.
This intense rush of pleasure is what makes heroin so addictive. As the body builds tolerance to the drug, higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect. This pattern can quickly lead to dependence and addiction.
Dopamine Is Powerful
Neurotransmitters are getting a lot of attention these days. In addition to dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin also play important roles in regulating mood and behavior. But dopamine is especially powerful because it reinforces behaviors that lead to pleasure.
When someone experiences the intense rush of euphoria from using heroin, their brain is flooded with dopamine, creating a positive association between drug use and pleasure. This can create a cycle of cravings and compulsive drug use that is hard to break without professional help.
The Addiction Cycle Isn’t Easily Broken
The cycle of addiction can be broken down into three parts:
- Craving – This is the intense desire to use drugs, often triggered by environmental cues or stressful situations.
- Compulsion – The individual feels a strong urge to use drugs, even when they know it’s harmful to their health and well-being.
- Use – The individual succumbs to their cravings and uses drugs, resulting in temporary relief from negative emotions or physical symptoms of withdrawal.
This cycle repeats over and over again, making recovery challenging without proper support and treatment. As someone remains stuck in the addiction cycle, their tolerance for their substance of choice gets stronger. Tolerance is when more of a substance is needed to cause the same effects. Powerful drugs like heroin cause tolerance levels to quickly spike.
Tolerance Leads to Stronger Cravings
A high tolerance for opioids is dangerous. It increases the risk of overdose, and it also means that larger doses are required to feel the same effects. Higher doses can lead to stronger cravings, making it difficult for someone struggling with addiction to resist using heroin.
At Red Oak Recovery®, we understand the complexities of opioid addiction and work with our clients to break the cycle of addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Our compassionate team offers evidence-based treatments tailored to each individual’s needs, providing a better chance at long-term recovery.
Evidence-Based Treatment Works
Starting an evidence-based treatment program offers help for heroin addiction. Evidence-based treatments are scientifically proven to be effective in treating substance use disorders. At Red Oak Recovery®, we combine traditional therapies with holistic approaches to provide a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for each client.
Our team utilizes a variety of evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing, to help our clients understand their addiction and develop healthier coping skills. We also incorporate alternative therapies like yoga, adventure therapy, and mindfulness practices to provide a well-rounded approach to recovery.
Call Red Oak to Get Started
Addiction is a complex disease, and recovering from heroin addiction requires professional help. Red Oak Recovery® offers a safe and supportive environment for young men to begin their journey toward lasting recovery. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping our clients overcome the challenges of addiction and build a fulfilling life in sobriety.
Don’t let addiction control your life any longer. Call Red Oak Recovery® at 828.382.9699 or contact us online to speak with an admissions specialist today and take the first step toward a better future. We are here for you every step of the way on your path to recovery.
