There is an ongoing opioid epidemic in America, with alarming statistics showing that 128 people overdose on the drug every day, according to data reported by the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Heroin, an opioid derived from the opium poppy plant found in various regions such as Colombia and Asia, is one of the main contributors to this epidemic, along with other drugs like fentanyl and oxycodone. The NIDA reports that this epidemic started with the over-prescription of painkillers in the 1990s and has since reached its peak.
Once consumed through smoking, injecting, or snorting, heroin rapidly converts into morphine and attaches to opioid receptors in the brain. This process affects various bodily functions such as pleasure, pain perception, breathing, and sleep. The initial euphoric rush experienced by users is short-lived, leaving behind a range of adverse effects that can last for hours. These effects include a lowered heart rate and potentially life-threatening risks such as lowered breathing function, brain damage, or even coma.
In addition to the immediate risks associated with heroin use, individuals may also experience severe nausea, vomiting, intense itching, and clouded thinking. According to Frontier Psychiatry, there is hope for treating substance abuse disorders caused by repeated heroin use. One potential treatment option that has gained attention is cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Research suggests that CBD has the potential to reduce cravings and relapse in abstinent substance users by impairing the reconsolidation of drug-reward memory and inhibiting the reward-facilitating effect of drugs.
Heroin addiction typically develops through repeated use over time. As tolerance builds up, users become more susceptible to overdose as they need higher doses to achieve the desired effects. Withdrawal from heroin is an extremely uncomfortable process and is characterized by symptoms such as insomnia, diarrhea, cold flashes, uncontrollable leg kicking, and intense cravings. Alongside the immediate dangers of heroin addiction, long-term use can lead to significant brain deterioration and affect decision-making abilities and responses to stressful situations.
Fortunately, heroin addiction can be managed through a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications to assist with the withdrawal process, including lofexidine, methadone, and buprenorphine. These medications help break the physical craving for opioids by targeting the same pathways that opioids use. However, they may not address the anxiety triggered by environmental cues, leaving a potential pathway for relapse.
In 2019, Scientific American reported on a study showing that medical cannabis can alleviate anxiety and cravings associated with heroin addiction. Participants who consumed controlled doses of CBD (up to 800 milligrams per day) experienced reduced anxiety and cravings, particularly when exposed to drug-related cues. This finding is crucial for long-term recovery as it suggests that medical cannabis could potentially address the anxiety triggered by environmental cues and reduce the risk of relapse.
Given the alarming statistics surrounding opioid overdoses during the epidemic, further studies on the potential benefits of medical cannabis in managing heroin addiction are warranted. It is important to explore alternative treatment options that can effectively address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction. With ongoing research, medical cannabis may emerge as a valuable tool in combating this devastating epidemic.
In conclusion, heroin addiction continues to pose a significant public health concern in America. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options is crucial for combating this epidemic effectively. While medications like methadone and buprenorphine have shown promise in addressing physical cravings for opioids, they may not fully address the psychological aspects of addiction triggered by environmental cues. Research suggests that cannabidiol (CBD), found in medical cannabis, could potentially alleviate anxiety and cravings associated with heroin addiction, offering hope for long-term recovery. Further studies are needed to explore the full potential of medical cannabis in treating this devastating condition and reducing the impact of the opioid epidemic on communities across the country.
