Heroin addiction is one of the most destructive and painful addictions in the world. Produced from the poppy, heroin transfers a semi synthetic form of morphine, usually by way of injection. Administration of heroin gives the user euphoric feelings, which differ depending on the area that the heroin is injected. If the heroin is injected intravenously effects are felt within 7 to 8 seconds. Muscular injections are slower with full effects being felt at 5 to 8 minutes.

Heroin addiction has been regarded as rapidly increasing in the North America, giving rise to alarm amongst the authorities and health professionals. The largest producers of heroin are Afghanistan, Pakistan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Mexico, and Columbia.

The rising epidemic of heroin addiction cuts across class and race lines, making it harder to contain. The joy during the use of the drug and the painful feelings during withdrawal from heroin add to the rate of increase addiction versus successful addiction recovery numbers. Heroin addiction remains one of the most complex and frustrating substance addictions in the world. Despite the upward battle in prevention and recovery, there are some positive gains in terms of awareness made towards thwarting heroin addiction.

Addicts and users can self-administer heroin by snorting, smoking, or injecting it. Regardless of the method, heroin has tremendous potential for abuse and addiction, and addicts who regularly inject it intravenously are at risk for blood-related diseases including HIV and hepatitis. Heroin Symptoms include:

• Lethargy
• Constipation
• Pupil dilation
• Dry-mouth
• Hypoventilation (respiratory depression)
• Shallow breathing

Heroin Withdrawal can be quite painful and stressful, often time resulting in the addict's reuse of heroin. This traumatic period of time, know to addicts as "dope sickness" makes most addicts fearful of Heroin Withdrawal.

Frightfully enough, to long time users "dope sickness"or the beginning of Heroin Withdrawal can begin almost two hours after the last usage, giving the addict a daily reoccurring withdrawal nightmare. It only gets worse for the addict brave enough to quit heroin. From 48 hours to 72 hours after stopping usage of the drug, Heroin Withdrawal enters a more acute phase than simply craving the drug. Intense feelings of restfulness and insomnia over take the addict. Heroin Withdrawal causes the addict cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, shivering and goose bumps.

Heroin Withdrawal also causes what can only be described as intense kicking motions. Many people have nicknamed heroin "kicking dope"after this particular addiction withdrawal symptom. Other Heroin Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Sweating
• Yawning
• Runny nose & eyes
• Irritability & anxiety
• Cravings

Most symptoms associated with Heroin Withdrawal last a few weeks. Despite the relatively short time involved with withdrawal, heroin addiction remains one of the most intense and painful withdrawal processes in addiction.

Of the various medical, psychological, and nutritional Heroin Treatment options that address heroin addiction and recovery, there is no consensus among experts that one is better than any other. However, research is emerging that strongly suggests the most hopeful and effective Heroin Treatment is a carefully structured, personally tailored, and professionally orchestrated synthesis of all three.

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