Are you concerned about your heroin use? Get help
Heroin addiction is a substance use disorder that can have a devastating impact on your life and your family. If you use heroin, it can be difficult to understand or accept that you have become addicted and are no longer in control of your life. This may make it harder for you to reach out for help and support, and you may not know where to turn for advice.
You are not alone. At Smarmore Castle, we understand that you may feel anxious or concerned about heroin addiction, but we also know that learning about what heroin addiction is and how it affects your brain and body can empower you to take action and get help. With knowledge and support, recovery is possible.
What is Heroin Addiction?
Heroin addiction is a chronic, relapsing condition where a person becomes physically and psychologically dependent on heroin. This means that they rely on the drug to function and continue to use it despite the negative consequences. Drug addiction can make it extremely difficult to stop using substances like heroin without medical support. If someone is physically dependent, attempting to withdraw on their own may be unsafe, and they are unlikely to be successful without professional intervention.1,2
What is Heroin?
Heroin is a powerful opioid semi-synthetic drug which comes from morphine, taken from the opium poppy. It is highly addictive and is classified as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This means it is illegal to have, manufacture or sell heroin. As an opioid, this drug works by binding to opioid receptors in the nerve cells in the body and brain. This brings about effects like pain relief and feelings of intense happiness (euphoria), and relaxation.
Heroin shares many similarities with other opioids, including synthetic opioids prescribed for pain relief such as oxycodone and morphine. In some cases, people can become dependent on prescription opioids and then progress to misusing illicit opioids, like heroin.
Heroin’s Effect on the Brain
Heroin powerfully alters the brain’s reward system by overstimulating dopamine pathways – the circuits responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. With repeated use, it disrupts normal neurotransmitter function. It can lead to structural changes in nerve cells, creating a powerful physical dependence that makes recovery challenging without medical support and treatment.1,2
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Causes and Risk Factors of Heroin Addiction
Heroin carries a high risk of addiction, though individual vulnerability varies based on several well-established risk factors.
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Genetic and Family History
One of the most significant risk factors is a family history of substance use disorder. If close relatives have struggled with drug addiction, the likelihood of developing heroin dependence increases.
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Environmental Factors
Environmental factors also play a crucial role. Exposure to settings where drug use is prevalent or where substances are readily accessible increases the likelihood of heroin use. Socioeconomic factors such as unemployment and inadequate social support systems can further elevate addiction risk by creating additional stressors and reducing access to healthy coping mechanisms.
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Mental Health Factors
What are the Consequences of Heroin Use?
There are many risks associated with using heroin, including:
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Physical health problems
Pain or infection can occur in the body, particularly around injection sites.
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Blood-borne viruses
Hepatitis B, C or HIV can happen when a person shares a needle that may have already been used by another
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Heroin Overdose
Heroin overdose represents a serious risk that can occur in several scenarios. Taking large amounts of heroin or combining it with other depressant substances, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, dramatically increases the likelihood of overdose. These combinations significantly heighten the risk of respiratory failure, coma, and death.
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Long-term health problems
Using heroin can have a serious impact on your health long-term, including dental problems, malnutrition, chronic constipation, untreated infections, liver disease and other medical conditions.
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Mental health issues
Problems with mental health during heroin use can stem from the heroin itself, or heroin can make existing mental health issues worse. The rate of mental illness is higher in people who use heroin.
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Social problems
A person who uses heroin regularly may struggle with financial difficulties as a result of unemployment, which may even lead to homelessness.2
Common Symptoms of Heroin Addiction
Heroin is a highly addictive substance. If you suspect your loved one is using heroin, there are signs to look out for that may help you identify that they are struggling or that they may need intervention to help them see they have a problem.
Physical Symptoms of Heroin Addiction
Heroin withdrawal symptoms can begin within a few hours after the last use. Physical health problems from heroin dependence can occur as withdrawal symptoms. These include 4:
- Nausea
- Excessive tiredness
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea/ abdominal cramps
- Drug cravings
- Raised blood pressure
- Sneezing
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Muscle pain
Psychological and Behavioural Signs of Heroin Addiction
The psychological signs of heroin dependence include 4:
- Erratic behaviour
- Mental health problems
- Aggressive
- Depression
- Feelings of shame or guilt
- Poor judgement
- Inability to make good decisions
- Confusion
- Feeling hopeless and alone
Heroin Overdose: Know the Risks
Heroin is a highly addictive drug, and a heroin overdose can be life-threatening. Consuming heroin in large quantities or mixing heroin with other substances, even ones that are considered recreational drugs, such as cannabis, increases the risk of a fatal overdose.
How to Recognise Signs of Heroin Addiction
Heroin addiction often develops gradually, and users may go to great lengths to hide their substance use from family and friends. While physical signs can sometimes be concealed, behavioural and personality changes are often more noticeable to those closest to the individual.
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Behavioural and Social Changes
People struggling with heroin addiction may exhibit several concerning behaviours:
- Lying about their activities, finances, or whereabouts
- Stealing money or valuable items to fund their drug use
- Neglecting work responsibilities, frequently missing days, or losing employment
- Withdrawing from family, friends, and previously enjoyed activities
- Ignoring personal hygiene and self-care
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Physical Signs
Physical indicators of heroin use may include:
- Concealing injection sites with long sleeves or baggy clothing
- Unusual odours if smoking heroin
- Dramatic weight loss or changes in appearance
- Frequent drowsiness or appearing “nodding off”
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Drug Paraphernalia
You may discover items associated with heroin use, such as:
- Spoons with burn marks
- Used needles or syringes
- Aluminium foil with residue
- Small pipes or other smoking devices
Recognising these warning signs early can be crucial for getting help and preventing serious health consequences.4
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Heroin Use and Overdose Statistics in Ireland
Recent data from the Health Research Board reveals the scope of Ireland’s opioid crisis. Over 10,000 cases received treatment for opioid use in recent years, with heroin accounting for nearly half of these cases.5
Overdose Deaths and Trends Between 2013 and 2021, opioids like heroin were responsible for the highest number of recorded overdoses in Ireland. However, 2021 marked a positive turning point, with heroin-related deaths dropping to their lowest level since 2017, potentially reflecting increased treatment uptake.5,6
In 2021, Ireland reported 7 drug-related deaths per 100,000 population overall. Heroin accounted for one in five of all drug-related deaths that year, with males representing 83.4% of heroin-related fatalities.6
International Context For comparison, the UK’s Office for National Statistics reported 1,213 heroin and morphine-related deaths in 2021, equivalent to 21.2 deaths per million people, a significantly higher rate than Ireland’s figures.7
In cities like Dublin, heroin use is especially prevalent. The term “heroin addicts Dublin” is often searched by concerned families seeking help. Heroin addiction statistics have even been widely reported on public news sources, where the problematic use of opioids like heroin is three times higher in Dublin city, causing a strain on local health services.8
The Impact of Heroin Addiction: Societal Problems Around Consumption
The impact of heroin addiction can be severe on both the user and the people around them. It can also have wide-reaching implications in society.
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The Effects of Heroin Addiction on Families
The effects of heroin addiction on the heroin user’s family members can be serious and long-lasting. The family may suffer financially as a result of how much heroin the user consumes, and the user borrowing money to maintain their habit. They may be at the receiving end of unwarranted aggression, exposure to criminal activity, and struggle to help their loved one control their addiction. They may also suffer bereavement as a result of a heroin overdose.
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The Effects of Heroin on New-Born Babies
Heroin addicted babies may be born to mothers who have continued to take heroin during their pregnancy. Studies have reported an increased chance of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and other pregnancy-related problems, such as poor foetal growth, stillbirth, and preterm delivery.9
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Economic and Social Costs of Heroin Addiction
Heroin addiction places significant strain on healthcare systems, social services, law enforcement and criminal justice resources. Communities affected by heroin use often experience increased crime rates, unemployment, reduced property values, antisocial behaviour, and decreased public safety.
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The Cultural Reach of Heroin Addiction
Popular cultural films about heroin addiction often depict the struggles of individuals coming to terms with their addiction, such as Ray and Trainspotting.
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Overcoming Heroin Addiction in Ireland
Overcoming your addiction is possible, and attending a heroin addiction treatment programme, where patients must stay drug-free during treatment (as well as having the right support in place), you can take the first step on the road to recovery.
At Smarmore Castle, patients can expect treatment and support in a safe, medically supervised environment, with a wide range of evidence-based therapy options and complementary therapies available. Contact a member of our team on +353 41 986 5080 to find out more about our treatment programmes today.
Treatment for Heroin Addiction: What To Expect
With proper support, commitment and a comprehensive treatment plan, overcoming heroin addiction is achievable. The heroin rehab process typically begins with medically supervised heroin detox to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, often supported by medication-assisted treatment such as naltrexone to reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
A personalised treatment plan and psychotherapy form the core of rehab, aims to help individuals address any underlying causes and develop healthy coping strategies. Support groups, relapse prevention strategies and family involvement provide essential ongoing encouragement and accountability throughout the journey.
When to Seek Help
By searching for information on heroin addiction, you have already taken a positive first step. If you recognise any of the issues raised here, or are concerned that heroin use or other substances are starting to control your life, it may be time to reach out for help and treatment for heroin dependence. It is never too late to start looking for support.
Contact a member of our team today on +353 41 986 5080 to find out more about your heroin treatment options.
Free Resources for Community Support
At Smarmore Castle, we encourage you to reach out to community support groups to support you and your family members and build connections and learn from one another. You can find local drug addiction services via HSE and via Narcotics Anonymous, which can provide a continuation of support that is based on the 12 steps.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is heroin so addictive?
Heroin is highly addictive because of how it affects the brain’s reward system. As an opioid, heroin triggers intense feelings of euphoria and relaxation by flooding the brain with dopamine and this creates a powerful desire to recreate these pleasurable sensations.
With repeated use, heroin physically changes brain chemistry and neural pathways. The brain adapts to expect the drug and reduces its natural production of feel-good chemicals. Over time, users need heroin just to feel normal, creating physical dependence that makes stopping extremely difficult without medical support.2
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How can you stop heroin addiction?
Heroin addiction can be addressed with a combination of treatments during residential rehab, including round-the-clock care during a medically supervised drug detox, taking part in a range of therapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
However, maintaining abstinence long-term may be more achievable with ongoing aftercare and community support groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), where you can meet and find support from like-minded people who are going through their own journey of recovery.
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What is the relapse rate after heroin rehab?
Relapse rates for heroin addiction vary and depend on many factors, including the length of time an individual has struggled with addiction, personal circumstances, and the support network. Studies have highlighted the tendency to relapse, with reported relapse rates as high as 30% to 70%. In one study of those who only sought detox, the rate of relapse was reported to be as much as 91%.
Addiction treatment and detox programmes have been designed to support those with an opiate use disorder (OUD). Access to a wide range of recovery resources has been identified as the solution to initiate and maintain abstinence from substance misuse. This includes social and community resources, physical resources, personal resources and family support.10,11
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Is heroin addiction a disease or a choice?
Heroin addiction is widely considered to be a disease, not a choice. The disease model of addiction has become widely embraced by the medical profession and challenges the traditional views of addiction as a moral failing or lack of willpower, reframing it as a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
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How can I support a loved one who may be struggling with heroin addiction?
Dealing with a person who is addicted to heroin can be challenging, but understanding and compassion are key. Here are some steps to help:
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Educate Yourself: Learn about heroin addiction, its effects, and the heroin withdrawal symptoms to better understand what your loved one is experiencing.
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Open Communication: Encourage open and honest conversations, letting them know you are there to support them without judgement.
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Encourage Treatment: Gently suggest seeking professional help, such as a heroin rehab centre like Smarmore Castle or a local drug treatment service, and offer to assist in finding resources.
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Set Boundaries: Establish healthy boundaries to protect your mental health while supporting them in their recovery journey.
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Join Support Groups: Consider joining support groups for family members of those struggling with addiction to share experiences and gain insights. If your loved one begins treatment at Smarmore Castle, you can take part in our family therapy involvement options and be part of your loved one’s heroin rehab recovery journey.
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Be Patient: Recovery is a long-term process, and setbacks can occur. Show patience and understanding as your loved one works towards recovery.
Remember, while you can offer support, the decision to seek treatment must come from the person struggling with heroin addiction.
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Is it worth paying for private heroin rehab?
Private heroin recovery treatment can be incredibly beneficial for your future. Investing in your recovery can help support lasting health and stability for many people.
The financial burden of maintaining heroin addiction over time can far exceed the cost of private heroin rehab. Beyond the expenses related to substance use, addiction often leads to long-term personal, professional, and health-related consequences. Private heroin treatment may support a quicker recovery for some people, and provide more support to manage the withdrawal symptoms that many often find they cannot cope with alone.
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References
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. Opioids. [Accessed May 2025].
- Royal College of Psychiatrists. Heroin dependence. [Accessed May 2025].
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. Drug Misuse and Addiction. [Accessed May 2025].
- Hellicar L, Peckham A. Signs of a heroin addiction. [Accessed May 2025].
- CityWide Drugs Crisis Campaign. Drug use and Associated Problems in Ireland. [Accessed May 2025].
- Health Research Board (HRB). Focal Point Ireland: national report for 2024 – Harms and harm reduction (PDF). [Accessed May 2025].
- Office for National Statistics. Deaths related to drug poisoning in England and Wales: 2021 registrations. [Accessed May 2025].
- BreakingNews.ie. Problematic use of opioids like heroin three times higher in Dublin than rest of country. [Accessed May 2025].
- Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS). Mother To Baby: Fact Sheets [Internet]. Heroin. Brentwood (TN): Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS); 2023.
- Drugnet Ireland. Deaths among people who were homeless at time of death in Ireland, 2019. [Accessed May 2025].
- Smyth BP, Barry J, Keenan E, Ducray K. Lapse and relapse following inpatient treatment of opiate dependence. Ir Med J. 2010 Jun;103(6):176-9. PMID: 20669601.