Is Heroin an Upper or Downer?

You’re most likely wondering, “Is Heroin an upper or downer?” Most drugs, including legal, prescription, and illicit, are categorized as being either “uppers” or “downers”. These terms refer to the overall physical and chemical reactions an individual experiences while being under the influence of a specific substance. Uppers are stimulants that produce an increase in energy, feelings of invincibility, and sharpened focus while downers act as depressants, inducing lethargy, feelings of euphoria, and relief from discomfort. 

While uppers and downers produce contrasting highs, each is equally capable of inflicting severe harm to the user.  Adverse reactions associated with uppers include rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and aggression whereas downers contribute to breathing suppression, low blood pressure, and impairment of motor skills. 

When ingested, heroin binds to the brain’s opioid receptors, releasing a surge of dopamine. This rush of dopamine generates an intense euphoria and sense of calm. Prolonged use of this substance disables the brain from producing dopamine on its own and the user begins to depend on heroin to avoid dopamine depletion. Once addicted, the user unknowingly inflicts damage to their body with continued use.

Since 1999, approximately 840,000 individuals have overdosed and died from heroin use. As one of the most dangerous, illicit substances, heroin is also highly addictive. The American Society of Addiction Medicine estimates that nearly a quarter of those who try it become addicted to the drug. In recent years, heroin use has increased significantly, resulting in a third wave of the opioid epidemic at the beginning of 2013. As a downer, heroin acts as a respiratory depressant which is a leading cause of overdose fatality. 

The Heroin High

Heroin can be injected, smoked, or snorted. The use of heroin results in a high in which the user experiences: 

•        Sense of euphoria 
•        Numbness
•        Dry Mouth 
•        Falling in and out of consciousness
•        Warm, flushed skin
•        Extremities feel heavy 
•        Shallow breathing 
•        Nausea
•        Itching 

Long-term Effects of Heroin Use

Prolonged heroin use can cause severe and, occasionally, irreversible damage. This includes:

• Liver disease
• Skin disease at injection sites
• Infections of the heart valves and lining 
• HIV or Hepatitis B and C
• Chronic pneumonia
• Collapsed veins
• Brain damage
• Kidney disease
• Respiratory depression
• Seizures
• Overdose

Asheville Recovery Center Can Help  

Heroin is a dangerous and highly addictive depressant that inflicts long-term damage on the body when abused. It is important to seek help immediately if you or a loved one is struggling with this addiction. At Asheville Recovery Center, treatment specialists have developed a unique, hybrid model of treatment which combines a traditional 12-step program with holistic rehabilitation. A multitude of services, programs, and therapies are offered, including the Partial Hospitalization Program, Residential-style treatment, outpatient rehabilitation, and more. 

The founders of Asheville Recovery Center, as well as many of our addiction therapists, have struggled with addiction and now enjoy life in recovery. They understand the struggles of addiction and how difficult it is to overcome alone. As the best drug rehab center in North Carolina, our addiction experts are ready and eager to help. If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call us today and speak with an addiction expert today so you can take the first step towards a rewarding life of sobriety.