Is Heroin a Narcotic? Effects, Risks, and Where to Get Help

When it comes to the topics of addiction and substance use, there is often one question you may hear: is heroin a narcotic? If you or a loved one is abusing heroin or other narcotics, you’ll want to have as much information as possible.

This article will guide you through what heroin is, the way it is classified, its source, and the places where you can get help in Spokane Valley, Washington, and beyond.

What Is Heroin?

Heroin is an addictive opioid drug made from morphine. Heroin is an opiate in origin because morphine itself occurs in the opium poppy plants. It belongs to a group of substances called opioids.

So, is heroin a narcotic? Yes, it is a narcotic drug due to its effect on the brain and body, wherein it blocks pain and causes euphoria. The term narcotic has plenty of medical and legal applications, but tends to refer to opioid drugs, such as heroin, morphine, and so on.

What Is Heroin Made Of?

Heroin is made by chemically modifying morphine. In the production there are different kinds of chemicals employed and there are varieties of the drug being produced, such as:

1. White powder
2. Brown powder
3. Black sticky substance (black tar heroin)

Heroin may be injected, snorted or smoked and what makes it so perilous is that it reaches the brain in no time.

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Where Does Heroin Come From?

In the United States, most illegal drug labs produce heroin which belongs to:

1. South America
2. Southeast Asia
3. Mexico

Heroin drugs are sold internationally, making it readily available even though its effects are very harmful.

Morphine vs. Heroin: What’s the Difference?

Heroin and morphine are produced in the same plant; however, there are main differences between them:

1. Morphine: A legal prescription pain reliever used in hospitals.
2. Heroin: A prohibited medicine that has no recognized medical application in the United States.

Heroin is absorbed into the brain, resulting in a faster and more intense high than morphine. This rapid action also increases the risk of addiction.

Is Heroin an Opiate or an Opioid?

Heroin is both an opiate and an opioid. Opiate only means the substances that have a direct opiate poppy plant source, such as morphine and heroin. Opioid refers to both natural opiates and synthetic opioids e.g., fentanyl.

How Heroin Affects the Body and Mind

Heroin attaches itself to opioid receptors in the brain and leads to impairments on the physical and mental levels:

1. Reduces pain
2. Causes intense euphoria
3. Slows breathing and heart rate
4. Can lead to sedation and unconsciousness

Long-Term Effects

Long-term heroin use can cause the following side effects.

1. Physical dependence
2. Severe withdrawal symptoms
3. Collapsed veins from injections
4. Bacterial infections
5. Nausea and vomiting
6. Damage to vital organs and mental health

Signs of Heroin Drug Addiction

Recognizing heroin addiction early can save lives. Common signs among heroin users include the following.

1. Needle marks on arms or other areas
2. Drastic weight loss
3. Mood swings
4. Secretive behavior
5. Financial issues related to drug buying
6. Withdrawal symptoms like sweating, chills, and nausea

Where in Spokane Valley, Washington Can You Find Treatment for Heroin Addiction?

If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin addiction, we offer effective and compassionate treatment in Spokane Valley at We Level Up Washington. We provide detox, residential, and aftercare planning services.

Treatment Options Near Spokane Valley, WA

Along with Spokane Valley, We Level Up Washington serves the surrounding locations such as:

1. Spokane, WA
2. Liberty Lake, WA
3. Coeur d’Alene, ID

Our team assists the damaged parties, including individuals and the families of heroin addicts, who seek comprehensive treatment and embark on the road to recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts: Understanding and Acting Against Heroin Addiction

And in case you have ever typed in the search engine the question: Is heroin a narcotic? The answer is yes. Heroin is a very addictive and illegal narcotic that ruins people and families. But with professional help, recovery is possible.

At We Level Up Washington, we focus on the idea that a person deserves to be taken care of at each stage of the recovery process. When you are having a heroin addiction problem or you know a loved one going through the same trouble, do not hesitate. Call us now and find out how we can help you start the journey to recovery.

Summary

Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.