Pathways Real Life Recovery News

Heroin is one of the most extremely addictive drugs on the planet, and its use by Americans is rising.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the number of total heroin overdose deaths rose from 2,089 in 2002 to 13,219 in 2016. That’s an increase of 533 percent — a shocking number.

Naturally, the first question that arises from statistics like these is why heroin is so addictive? It’s obvious that those who try the drug have trouble getting off of it almost right away. What’s going on?

Before delving into the science of why heroin is so addictive, let’s first discuss what exactly heroin is.

When people think of the addiction recovery journey, they usually focus on detox and rehab. However, breaking the chemical hold on the body is just the first step. If someone you care about is going through this process, you can help by motivating them in the next steps to a life free of substance addiction.

New Year’s resolutions are never about perfection, but rather making progress. It is difficult for many people to make New Year resolutions and abide by them for 365 days in a year, especially when their resolution concerns changing a habit they are used to or that is addictive. People need to realize that making a New Year’s resolution is only a tip of the iceberg. The whole iceberg emerges when it comes to the implementation of the resolution.

Resolutions are particularly a dilemma for people looking to enter recovery from certain addictions. Drug addiction, habit addiction, and any other forms of addiction defy the very nature of a person’s willingness, motivation, and determination to quit. Addiction does not listen to you when you make that New Year resolution to stop using drugs, drinking alcohol, or even stopping the habit of watching pornography.  The resolution only holds for a while until the discomfort and urge to get back begins.