Alcohol And Heroin

Alcohol And Heroin: A Dangerous Mix

Heroin is a highly addictive substance that derives from morphine, originating from poppy seeds. Abuse has increased in recent years due to the ongoing opioid crisis in America. Pharmaceutical medication prescribed for chronic pain had led to some patients finding stronger opioid alternatives, often in the form of illicit street drugs. Heroin has been popularly sought out as an alternative to pharmaceutical opioids. For one, it is potent in providing intense feelings of euphoria and relief for intense chronic pain. Secondly, some prefer it to prescription medications as it may be cheaper. Patients who run out of insurance for prescription meds may decide to abuse heroin as a cheaper, but powerful variant.

Alcohol is a dangerous substance that can change the composition of the brain. Once someone abuses it, it is extremely challenging for them to quit, let alone stop without withdrawal symptoms. Despite alcohol being a depressant, combining it with the stimulating effects of heroin can create unique side effects and symptoms. Furthermore, it can increase the likelihood of fatal overdoses.

Signs Of Heroin Abuse

Heroin abuse is characterized by visible signs of use and can be taken in a variety of ways. Those taking heroin can smoke it, adding it to cigarettes or marijuana. In other cases, individuals can inject it, and they feel the impact of the drug instantly. Heroin is popular for its ability to create euphoria in those who take it and can also produce changes in mood. Despite this, the effects of heroin shift from apathy and euphoria to depression, moodiness, and weight loss when abused. Other symptoms will vary greatly based on the frequency of use, the body composition of the person using heroin, and the dosage. Typically, signs of heroin abuse may include:

• Increased heart rate
• Confusion
• Euphoria
• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• Slow breathing
• Apathy
• Weight loss
• Paranoia or hallucinations
• Cravings
• Developing a tolerance
• Secretiveness or lying about drug abuse

Signs Of Heroin And Alcohol Abuse

Combined with these traditional symptoms of heroin use, alcohol can further agitate pre-existing symptoms. Alcohol depresses the nervous system, and if a current heroin abuse disorder includes slow breathing, alcohol can worsen the effect. Such signs of heroin combined with alcohol use include, but are not limited to:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Extremely slowed breathing
• Respiratory depression
• Coma
• Increased risk of overdose
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Decreased libido
• Heroin withdrawal
• Hallucinations

In this case, it is imperative someone get medically assisted help. If he or she attempts to go cold turkey and has battled drinking large amounts of alcohol or drinking alcohol for long amounts of time, the brain can become compromised by alcohol. Alcohol abuse changes the chemistry of the brain, and the individual typically experiences withdrawal symptoms that vary based off the stage of withdrawal and the amount of time that has elapsed. Combining these effects with heroin withdrawal that range from depression, to cravings, to anxiety, it can be extremely overwhelming to find the willpower to stop use. Hospitalization may be required if someone has suffered heroin or alcohol withdrawal and non-fatal overdoses due to heroin and alcohol abuse.

How Treatment Can Help

Getting treatment puts the individual’s health in the hands of qualified and knowledgeable medical staff. Additionally, he or she has more tools to ensure they are able to cope and gain access to cutting-edge medication to fight cravings and withdrawals. Lastly, the individual has helpful strategies to continue practicing what they’ve learned in rehab through 12-step programs, nutritional meal plans, and other tools for growth. Treatment can help as individuals have peer support while going through challenging emotions and symptoms. Someone being away from troublesome friends who encourage addiction and being way from areas or memories that have contributed to addiction can be helpful as someone gets treatment.

Medication For Treatment

Getting treatment mediations for heroin and alcohol abuse can benefit the individual experiencing withdrawals and cravings. When someone endures withdrawal from alcohol, he or she endures depressive episodes, anxiety, moodiness, irritability, and sweating. When someone is not getting medication for such effects, he or she could seek other drugs to help battle withdrawal symptoms, making matters worse. Common medications for treatment of heroin include:

• Methadone
• Naltrexone
• Buprenorphine

Those drugs assist with cravings for heroin and block opioid receptors in the brain to reduce effects of withdrawal. Drugs for alcohol withdrawal function to inhibit cravings and help with withdrawals. Some of these include Valium, Diazepem, and Chlordiazepoxide. Methadone and Valium can be addictive, so getting treated while being monitored may be helpful.

Treatment For Alcohol And Heroin Abuse

Those seeking help for heroin and alcohol abuse have several options depending on if they prefer inpatient or outpatient rehab. Inpatient rehab is ideal for those wanting to commit to their healing process wholeheartedly, and do not have to balance other commitments while doing so. Time lengths can vary from 30 days to 90 days depending on necessary treatment. Patients receive medication, meal plans, and in some cases, exercise plans to assist in recovery. Peer groups like 12 steps or others are available for community. Counseling may be available to help patients uncover trauma or motives behind substance abuse.

In contrast, outpatient treatment provides medications and 12 step groups, but is for those who prefer to balance recovery with everyday commitments. Patients are at facilities for a few hours a few times a week, but still have the chance to change. Additionally, the time allotted for healing would depend on the level of care necessary for treatment.

Ready To Overcome Addiction?

You don’t have to fight the battle of overcoming addiction alone. Take control of your life. If you or a loved one needs help fighting addiction, the options for recovery are endless. Contact a qualified treatment provider today and receive the information you need to change your life.