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Is Heroin Addiction a Mental Disease?

Heroin addiction is a debilitating disease that affects a person physically and mentally. It is important to understand that heroin addiction is a physical problem, not a mental disease.

  1. Heroin

    • Heroin is an opium based pain reliever that surfaced during the 19th century. Today heroin is illegal because it is highly addictive when smoked, injected into the blood stream or taken in pill form.

    Effects

    • Heroin causes the nervous system to shut down. Over time the drug will cause respiratory problems and blood diseases.

    Withdrawal

    • When an addict comes off of heroin he will go through withdrawal from the drug. This will cause him to become physically ill and to suffer insomnia, depression and anxiety.

    Depression

    • Although it is often confused with a mental disease, heroin addiction only coexists with other mental disorders. It is not uncommon for a patient to have depression and anxiety prior to or after using drugs.

    Manic Episodes

    • During manic episodes that bipolar disorder patients experience, heroin use and abuse may occur. Manic behavior causes a person to make poor decision and act impulsively.

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