A woman is standing near a train and is holding her head in her hands. She is experiencing heroin side effects.

Is Heroin a Depressant?

Most prescription or illicit drugs fall into one of these four categories: depressants, stimulants, inhalants, or hallucinogens. Drugs are classified based on their effects on the mind and body. For example, depressants are named as such because they depress or slow down the functions of the central nervous system (CNS), while stimulants stimulate the system, leading to increased energy and elevated mood. But what about drugs that induce relaxation and euphoria, such as heroin? Is heroin a depressant, a stimulant, or another category altogether?  

Getting to know what type of drug heroin is, as well as heroin side effects you may encounter, can help you understand the dangers of this drug and why you should seek help if you are struggling to quit. if you need support to get heroin out of your life, reach out to My 5 Palms at 1.844.675.1022. We offer heroin rehab that includes medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to ease the severity of withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Through a customized combination of medications and therapies, we can help you find your way to a life free from addiction.  

Is Heroin a Depressant? 

Despite its euphoric effects, heroin falls in the category of depressants. In fact, most categories of drugs produce euphoria, so this particular effect is not an indicator of how a substance is categorized. What makes heroin a depressant is the way the drug affects the central nervous system. When a person uses heroin, their brain activity will begin to slow down, resulting in: 

  • Lower heart rate 
  • Shallow breathing 
  • An overall feeling of relaxation 
  • Drowsiness 
  • Slurred speech 
  • Confusion 
  • Impaired judgment 

Reducing CNS activity helps address conditions like anxiety and panic disorders, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. However, heroin is not an approved medication for these health issues and can put you at significant risk of severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience symptoms of these conditions, you should consult a medical professional about getting a prescription for an FDA-approved medication, Like Xanax, Ativan, or Klonopin.  

Long-Term Heroin Side Effects 

Heroin is a street drug and not intended for medical use, so you are more likely to encounter unpredictable side effects when using this drug. For instance, you cannot always know for certain what the substance contains since it is unregulated. Today, many street drugs are cut with the highly potent opioid fentanyl, which has been responsible for an increasing number of overdose deaths. On that same note, you will not find the same consistency in the strength of the substance as you would in a legally obtained prescription depressant, which also makes you more vulnerable to overdose. 

On top of these risks, chronic heroin use can lead to long-term concerns for your health and well-being, such as: 

Impaired Organ Function 

Repeated use of heroin damages your vital organs, making you more susceptible to liver and kidney disease, both of which can be fatal. 

Infections 

Those who inject heroin and share needles can contract Hepatitis C or HIV. Even if you do not share needles, injecting heroin can make you more vulnerable to tetanus, bacteremia,  endocarditis, and necrotizing fasciitis, better known as flesh-eating disease. These conditions are often the result of what is referred to as a dirty hit, which is when contaminants make their way into the heroin shot. 

Mental Health Disorders 

Long-term use of heroin can have a lasting impact on your mental health, leading to anxiety and depressive disorders.  

Call My 5 Palms Today to Enroll in Heroin Rehab 

If you or a loved one is having trouble quitting heroin, My 5 Palms will offer the support and understanding you need to overcome addiction. Call us today at 1.844.675.1022 or use our online form. Schedule an intake assessment and enroll in our heroin rehab to kick off your path to recovery.

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