Heroin is one of the most addictive and dangerous drugs in the world, with an estimated 6.25 million Americans using it at least once in their life. The illicit substance can be consumed in various methods, with injecting, snorting, and smoking through a heroin pipe being the three primary ways to ingest the drug.
In this blog, we take a closer look into what a heroin pipe is, what one looks like, the dangers involved, and the steps you can take to help you or a loved one fight heroin addiction.
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What Is A Heroin Pipe?
A heroin pipe is a tool specifically designed for smoking the drug. They are typically small, discreet, and easy to conceal and can be made from glass or metal. Heroin pipes usually include a bowl at one end and a hollow shaft through to the other end, where users will inhale the smoke produced from burning the drug. Heroin pipes can be rudimentary and assembled from everyday items, such as metal straws, pens, and plumbing pipes.
Why Do People Use Heroin Pipes?
Although no consumption of heroin is safe, smoking is considered a less harmful method compared to injecting a needle into the skin. Smoking also does not leave any visible marks on the skin, allowing individuals to hide their consumption from others and continue their day-to-day lives without drawing attention to their addiction.
Smoking heroin still provides the same intense euphoric rush but at a slightly more delayed rate compared to injecting. It also has a far lower risk of contracting bloodborne diseases that are associated with sharing needles. However, smoking heroin is still dangerous, and chronic use can lead to serious medical issues and addiction.
Read more: Everything Involved In Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
What Are The Dangers Of Smoking Heroin?
Consuming heroin in any format is incredibly dangerous and poses serious risks to your health. Smoking can harm your respiratory system, which can lead to chronic bronchitis, infections, and serious lung damage. Continual smoking of a heroin pipe has also been shown to lead to rapid onset of emphysema, a debilitating and painful lung disease.
Heroin is a highly addictive substance, so smoking the drug can lead to the rapid development of dependence. Regularly smoking heroin can lead to an increased tolerance to the drug, requiring users to ingest more to feel the same effect strength. This increases the chance of overdosing as users can’t register how much heroin their body is consuming.
Of course, smoking a heroin pipe is not just harmful to your health. As dependency increases, individuals begin stepping away from their usual lives, have relationships with their friends and loved ones break down, lose interest in their work, and spiral into debt. It is also an illegal act, which means being caught consuming the substance can result in an arrest and criminal charge.
Read more: What Does Meth Smell Like When Smoked?
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How To Treat Heroin Addiction
If you or a loved one are looking to put down the heroin pipe and overcome your addiction to the substance, then seeking professional treatment is essential. Here at Oasis River Recovery, our specialist and caring team is on hand to support you every step, creating a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique challenges and goals.
Our comprehensive addiction treatment services incorporate a broad range of evidence-based and holistic therapy methods to help identify what triggers your addiction and provide you with steps to overcome them. With our support, you can find long-lasting recovery and true wellness.
Oasis River Recovery Center was founded by individuals who deeply understand the challenges and outcomes of substance abuse. Our team is committed to helping every client’s physical and mental well-being throughout addiction treatment and beyond.
Once detoxed, we offer an extensive range of therapy sessions, allowing clients to find the right support style and care. We offer,
- Partial hospitalization addiction treatment with on-site sober living facilities
- One-on-one therapy
- Group sessions
- Adventure therapy
- Trauma-informed yoga
- Psychotherapy
- and more!
Our comprehensive approach creates a warm, inviting, and comfortable environment for you to thrive in.
Your First Step Toward Recovery Starts With Oasis River
If you or a loved one is struggling with heroin use or addiction, contact Oasis River Recovery. Our experienced team can help you explore the underlying beliefs, experiences, and potential mental health challenges that led to substance use. Call today, and one of our admissions agents can help you get started.
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Oasis River Recovery partners with numerous private insurance providers. Our team is committed to assisting you in quickly and effortlessly verifying your insurance coverage for treatment.
Reviewed By A Specialist In The Field
Dr. Brady J. Schroer is a psychiatrist in Asheville, North Carolina and is affiliated with Pardee UNC Health Care-Hendersonville. He received his medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years.