Can you Get Addicted to Heroin on the First Try?
Yes! Heroin is a chemical that works indirectly on dopamine (the feel-good chemical) in the brain.
This feeling of artificial pleasure and happiness is imprinted on the brain.
Our Bodies Recreate Things That Feel Good
Our bodies are designed to recreate things that feel good, leading the body to want this intense euphoria more.
Addiction describes a process of thinking and acting in order to obtain more of something repeatedly regardless of consequences.
The desire to consistently use heroin and work to obtain it for regular use can begin with a single exposure.
Understanding Heroin Use
Can you get addicted to drugs on your first try? Yes, dependence on heroin can build quickly. After the first use, the brain almost immediately wants more.
The second and third uses may not create the same level of happiness as the first time, however.
As a result, you may be tempted to use more heroin.
This process is called tolerance, and it increases the desire to use more heroin in order to reach that high. The hard truth is that your first high may never successfully be reached again.
Fatal Overdoses are the End Result of This Chase
Many fatal overdoses are the end result of this chase.
What can North Jersey Recovery do to help someone who is addicted to heroin?
Addiction is formally defined by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) as “a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences.
People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences.
Addiction has been described as a process of losing hope.
It can be very challenging to determine when abuse moves to addiction.
If drug use creates problems, then professional treatment may be necessary.
Addiction to heroin requires both medical and addiction specialists to obtain recovery and restore hope.
North Jersey Recovery has a collective experience of over 50 years treating various drug addictions in people from all walks of life.
A healthy life is possible.
Effects of Heroin on Behavior
Drug abuse can alter behaviors – making it difficult to “find” the person that existed before heroin use started. So, can you get addicted to drugs on your first try? Yes, you can, and the effects can be detrimental.
Some examples of behavior change from drug abuse are:
- Hallucinations
- Aggression
- Impulsiveness
- Rambling or rapid speech
- Inability to make decisions
- Paranoia
- Loss of self-control
- Secretive or unexplained activity
Behaviors can be the most significant indicator of whether or not addiction is present. The consequences of addictive behaviors can be far-reaching and damaging.
There is evidence that drug abuse can be contagious within families. Behavior from heroin abuse can be dangerous not only for the user but for young family members.
From 2014-2017, the United States experienced a decrease in life expectancy partially due to drug abuse. The increase in mortality was seen in young and middle-aged adults with illicit drug abuse as the suspected cause. Heroin use is dangerous, unpredictable, and can easily result in an unexpected death.
The effects of heroin use can be seen in every area of a loved one’s life. Treatment is essential to stop the damaging impacts of addiction and to move towards health and stability.
Reaching out for help when you or a loved one’s heroin use has gotten out of hand is the first step towards healing.
Learning more about the cycle of addiction and healthy coping mechanisms are necessary for a more stable and joyful life.
Mental Illness and Heroin Use
Are mental illness and heroin use related? Can you get addicted to drugs on your first try?
In over half of all heroin addicts, the answer is yes. Having a mental illness, such as depression or anxiety, can make you more vulnerable to the effects of heroin. At times, heroin use can be used to self-medicate an existing mental health issue.
An undiagnosed mental condition can lead to attempts to feel better by using other external illegal substances. Treating the underlying condition can help relieve the desire to search for relief. Thus, treating both mental health and addiction is vital for long term recovery.
As tolerance develops and addiction grows, the effects of heroin can produce new mental health issues that complicate the addiction.
It is crucial to screen for these in all cases of heroin addiction. Half of the time, a mental health issue will be discovered, and treatment can be initiated.
Treating both at the same time has been proven to be more effective than treating each individually.
At Resurgence, we identify all causes of addiction and underlying mental illnesses to improve coping skills and support recovery.
Treatment of Heroin Addiction
Can you get addicted to drugs on your first try? Yes.
If you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction to heroin, we are here to help.
At North Jersey Recovery, we use an integrated approach to heal and recover. We have over 50 years of experience breaking the cycle of addiction and shame.
Heroin rehab is not a short process, but it is possible. Simply stopping drug use is not recovery.
Learning about addiction, treating underlying issues, and building healthy coping mechanisms are all a part of our approach to lasting recovery.
Heroin Addiction Treatment at North Jersey Recovery
We will work with you to determine your individual goals for treatment and customize treatment to your needs.
Heroin rehab requires a team approach, including safe medical detox, counseling, therapy, and inpatient treatment, followed by outpatient treatment. We are here to walk through this process with you.
Even if the situation appears hopeless or there is resistance to change, treatment can still be effective. Once the fog of addiction and medical detox clear many are happy to receive treatment.
We can help. Give us a call today to discuss your specific needs and requirements.
