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How The Misunderstanding That Heroin Addiction Is A Choice And The Stigma Surrounding Medication-Assisted Treatment Leads To More Overdose Deaths, Margaret M. Drew

Student Publications

Heroin is an opioid that commonly appears as white or brown powder. Eventually a person can become physically dependent on heroin, meaning the body begins to expect the drug. A sudden withdrawal from the drug can cause intense symptoms such as vomiting, muscle pain, and cravings, often leading to relapse (Shannon, p. 172). Although the initial decision to try heroin may be up to the addict, due to the dependence one develops when using heroin, addiction eventually morphs into an involuntary compulsion. There are many factors out of an individual’s control that influence their likelihood of trying heroin and becoming …