Heroin addiction: treatment that saves lives
हेरोइन की लत
Heroin is a powerful opioid made from morphine. It may be smoked, snorted or injected; injection brings additional risks of HIV, hepatitis B and C, and abscesses.
Opioid substitution therapy is one of the most effective treatments in medicine for reducing deaths, crime and infections in heroin dependence.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Kuldeep Budania, MBBS, MD Psychiatry
Common symptoms
- Needle marks, long sleeves in hot weather
- Cycles of drowsiness followed by withdrawal and craving
- Weight loss, poor hygiene, missing work
Causes
- Progression from smack, prescription opioids or other drugs
- Strong effect on the brain's reward system
Risk factors
- Trauma, depression, untreated ADHD
- Peers who use and easy access
Signs of dependence
- Strong craving and difficulty controlling the amount
- Needing more for the same effect (tolerance)
- Continuing despite harm to health, money or family
- Injecting or sharing equipment
Withdrawal symptoms
- Body aches, yawning, runny nose, watering eyes, goosebumps
- Loose motions, vomiting, abdominal cramps, sleeplessness, restlessness
- Usually starts within hours to a day of the last use; very distressing though rarely life-threatening in healthy adults
- Dehydration from vomiting and diarrhoea, pregnancy, heart disease or older age need medical supervision
- Overdose risk is HIGH after detox or jail because tolerance falls — using the old amount can stop breathing
Health consequences
- Fatal overdose, especially with alcohol, sleeping pills or after a break
- HIV, hepatitis B and C, abscesses and blood infections from injecting
- Kidney, lung and heart complications
Relapse prevention
- Identify triggers — people, places, stress, celebrations, payday — and plan for them
- Continue medicines and follow-up even after feeling better
- Replace old routines: exercise, work, religious or social activities
- A slip is not failure — contact the doctor early rather than hiding it
Recognise an opioid overdose
- Not waking up, very slow or no breathing, blue lips, pinpoint pupils
- Call 112 immediately and keep the person on their side. An antidote medicine can reverse opioid overdose and is given by trained medical staff.
How it is diagnosed
- Detailed substance and injecting history
- Tests for HIV, hepatitis B and C, liver function
Classification: ICD-10 F11 · ICD-11 6C43
Treatment options
- 1Medically supervised withdrawal with medicines that ease symptoms
- 2Opioid substitution therapy (OST) with long-acting prescribed medicines — an evidence-based long-term option, also available at government OST centres
- 3Anti-craving (relapse-prevention) medicines after detox, as prescribed
- 4Treatment of depression, anxiety, pain and sleep problems
Psychotherapy and counselling
- Motivational interviewing and relapse-prevention counselling
- Family counselling and support groups
Guidance for family
- Talk when the person is sober; express concern without insults or threats
- Do not give money that may be used for drugs; avoid covering up consequences
- Do not try home detox or lock the person in a room — seek medical help
- Look after your own health; family counselling helps everyone
When to see a psychiatrist
- Any injecting drug use — get tested and treated
- Signs of overdose — emergency
- Fever, swelling or pain at injection sites
Thoughts of self-harm or a medical emergency? Call Tele-MANAS 14416 (24×7, free) or 112.
Free self-assessment
A short screening in Hindi or English. Private — nothing is saved. Screening does not establish a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Is substitution therapy just replacing one drug with another?
No. It is a prescribed, monitored medicine that stabilises the brain, stops withdrawal and allows people to work and live safely.
Can de-addiction treatment be done online?
Assessment, medicines, counselling and follow-up can often be done by video. People with severe withdrawal, other serious illness or no support at home may need admission at a local hospital — you will be guided.
Will my treatment be kept confidential?
Yes. Your consultation and records are confidential. Seeking treatment for addiction is a health decision.
Help is available — confidential, in Hindi or English.
Private video consultation from anywhere in India with an Ajmer-based psychiatrist. Psychiatry consultation ₹500.
This page is for education and does not replace a personal consultation. Do not start or stop any medicine without a doctor's advice.