Is Heroin a Depressant?

Heroin & Depressants Affect the Central Nervous System

Heroin, and other depressants, slow down the central nervous system. The central nervous system comprises the brian and spinal cord. The central nervous system is responsible for sending messages back and forth between the brain and the body. (12) With signals reaching the brain at a slower pace, automatic actions, such as breathing, are impacted.

Heroin & Pain Relief

Due to the way that heroin targets the brain, it can reduce pain. Using heroin as a pain reliever can increase the chances of experiencing extreme sedation, breathing problems, and overdose.

Common Prescription Opioids & Depressants

Like heroin, prescription opioids can help relieve pain following an injury or surgery.

The most common prescription opioids include: (13)

• Oxycodone
• Oxymorphone
• Hydrocodone
• Morphine
• Fentanyl
• Codeine
• Methadone
• Tapentadol
• Hydromorphone

The most common prescription depressants include: (14)

• Benzodiazepines (Valium, Klonopin, Xanax)
• Non-benzodiazepine sedative hypnotics (Ambien, Lunesta, Sonata)
• Barbiturates (Mebara, Luminal, Nembutal)

Depressants & Mood Disorders

Excessive use of depressants can lead to symptoms that are associated with depression. These symptoms may include difficulties concentrating, reduced ability to experience pleasure, and insomnia. Stopping depressant use, after chronically engaging in them, can lead to extreme agitation and feelings of anxiousness. These symptoms are involved in various mood disorders. (15) Using depressants or heroin regularly can trigger depressive episodes.

Abusing & Overdosing on Heroin & Depressants

Engaging continuously or chronically in any substance can lead to an individual experiencing an overdose. Approximately 13,165 individuals died from an overdose associated with heroin use, in the year of 2020. (16) Approximately 68,630 individuals experienced an overdose related death due to opioid use and other depressants. (17)

Signs and symptoms associated with a heroin overdose include: (18)

• Small pupils
• Difficulties breathing
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Blue skin

Naloxone and suboxone are medications used to help treat opioid use disorder or opioid related overdoses. They work best when given immediately. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that you or a loved one are experiencing a heroin or opioid overdose. (19)

Dangers of Abusing Depressants

Chronically or excessively using depressants can lead to dangerous side effects or overdose. An individual can overdose on a depressant if they take more than they are prescribed, engage in it daily, or take multiple doses at one time. Overdosing on depressants can cause breathing to decrease tremendously or completely stop. This can impact the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, leading to hypoxia. Hypoxia can lead to coma or brain damage. (20)

Signs and symptoms associated with heroin or opioid use disorder include:

• Intense cravings.
• Continued opioid use despite experiencing negative consequences.
• Difficulties controlling how much of the substance is taken.
• Isolating oneself since beginning opioid use.
• No longer being interested in personal obligations, such as occupational or relational responsibilities.
• Increased desire to sleep.
• Loss of appetite.
• Experiencing significant weight loss.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms.