heroin addiction

Heroin addiction is a chronic condition characterized by compulsive use of heroin despite harmful consequences, driven by the drug's intense effect on the brain's reward system.

Physical dependence develops rapidly, meaning users experience severe withdrawal symptoms—nausea, pain, anxiety—when they stop.

The addiction typically dominates a person's life, overriding relationships, employment, and health.

Treatment often combines medication-assisted therapy with counseling, though relapse rates remain high.