What Does a Heroin High Feel Like?

A heroin high produces intense feelings of pleasure and relaxation, along with warm sensations and profound feelings of relaxation. 

This phenomenon occurs when heroin binds to opioid receptors in the brain, leading to a release of dopamine and endorphins. These chemical messengers are responsible for triggering the pleasure pathway and providing intense feelings of pleasure and pain relief. These pleasurable feelings are why users repeatedly seek out the heroin high.

Heroin: What It Is & What It Looks Like

Heroin is an opioid drug, originating from the morphine extracted from opium poppy plants. It is a substance that is highly addictive and illegal for any use in the United States. 

Heroin may be sold in the form of a white or off-white powder or as a sticky, tar-like substance. No matter what form it comes in, it is a highly addictive narcotic substance, and its use comes with serious health risks and legal ramifications. 

Black Tar Heroin

Black tar heroin is usually made in Mexico and sold in the western United States and other parts of the world.[1] Its processing is less sophisticated, and this usually means that many impurities are left in the substance. 

Though it is considered less pure than its powdered version, it is still deadly even in small amounts. 

Powdered Heroin

The powdered version of heroin is usually produced in the Middle East, usually Afghanistan, and sold in the eastern United States and around the world. This is often considered to be a purer form of heroin. However, due to its coloring and consistency, it is often cut with fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid that is extremely dangerous. 

What Does It Feel Like to Be on Heroin?

Heroin provides an intense rush of euphoria and relaxation to most users, though it can also cause some negative physical and mental side effects as well.[2] Users often report feeling warm and pleasant sensations spread throughout their bodies as well as a feeling of detachment from emotional or physical pain or stress.

Though not everyone experiences the same effects when using heroin, people who try the drug and those who continue to use the drug report some of the following experiences while under the influence:[1,2]  

Physical Effects

• Euphoria
• Drowsiness
• Pain relief
• Stress relief
• Muscle relaxation
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Dry mouth 
• Reduced heart rate and breathing

Mental Effects

• Confusion
• Impaired judgment 
• Altered consciousness
• Emotional numbness
• Lowered anxiety
• Detachment from physical pain

What Happens in Your Brain When You Are on Heroin? 

When heroin enters the brain, it binds to mu opioid receptors and initiates a release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) that helps us learn about things that are rewarding. At the same time, heroin also stimulates release of endorphins that work as natural pain relievers, providing additional analgesic benefits and contributing to feelings of well-being.[3]

Additionally, heroin activates the mu opioid receptors and decreases GABA release in some parts of the brain. This further enhances the relaxation effect, reducing anxiety and producing a sense of sedation and calm. 

As the brain becomes used to the intense pleasure and relief brought on by heroin, its effects may become less intense with repeated use.[4] Many people find that they crave this high and “chase it” by taking higher and higher doses of the drug. Most people report that they never experience a high quite like they did in the beginning, however. Though they may be able to stave off withdrawal symptoms by staying high, they do not get to that same level of euphoria again. 

Heroin Symptoms 

If you are concerned that your loved one is using heroin, you may be able to tell that they are acting out of the ordinary but are unsure of the cause. Some of the signs that someone is using heroin include the following: 

Physical Signs of Heroin Use

• Vomiting but not sick
• Scratching their arms and legs
• Shallow or slowed breathing
• Appearing drowsy or nodding off, even in the middle of a conversation
• Slurred speech
• Reduced pain sensitivity

They may begin to eat less as well, spend more time in the bathroom due to constipation or stop taking care of themselves and their physical appearance. 

Behavioral Signs of Heroin Use

• Inexplicably content, detached and unmoved by the things that previously caused them stress or pain
• In an altered state of consciousness
• Having a hard time making decisions
• Making choices that are out of character or seem to lack clarity or common sense
• Making risky choices

Side Effects of Heroin 

There are a number of side effects that may come with heroin use, especially long-term use of the drug. 

Physical Changes

Some of the physical changes may include the following:[2,4,5]

• Hypothermia
• Reduced immune function
• Abscesses and infections
• Recurrent respiratory issues
• Menstrual irregularities 
• Muscle weakness
• Endocarditis
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Liver and kidney damage
• Respiratory depression
• Collapsed veins

Behavioral & Mental Changes

Heroin users may also begin to exhibit an altered mental state and odd behavioral shifts that are out of character. These may include the following:[6] 

• Depression and lethargy
• Mental fog, an inability to think clearly, take part in conversations or remember conversations
• Suppressed emotional responses to stimuli that would usually trigger feelings 
• Disorientation or difficulty maintaining a coherent train of thought
• Increase in accidents or injury to self or those they care for
• Withdrawal from social interactions in favor of being alone, especially when under the influence 
• Cravings for heroin 
• Compulsive drug-seeking behavior and use of heroin despite negative consequences
• Mood fluctuations, especially as the drug wears off or anxiety around finding the next dose begins to build

Getting Started With Bicycle Health 

Even short-term heroin use can lead to physical dependence and psychological cravings for the drug. When both occur together, opioid use disorder (OUD) is in effect. If your loved one stops using the drug for any amount of time, they will usually experience significant withdrawal symptoms that may include sweating, muscle and bone pain, headaches, vomiting, diarrhea and other flu-like symptoms.

Most people living with an OUD related to heroin use will work hard to avoid this state and shun the idea of treatment because they don’t want to go through detox. The good news is that Medication for Addiction Treatment can help them avoid the discomfort of detox and transition into recovery. With heroin withdrawal symptoms and cravings under control, recovery can be the focus.

At Bicycle Health, we specialize in this kind of treatment, using Suboxone to help patients achieve and maintain long-term recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how our program can help your loved one.