Heroin compulsion

Cannabis carries some potential for dependence and addiction. Compared to cocaine, heroin, alcohol, and nicotine, cannabis has lesser addictive potential and withdrawal effects, but some users do develop compulsive and maladaptive use patterns that require treatment (Taylor 1998). Individuals with underlying psychopathology or tendencies for substance abuse should be particularly leery of using cannabis in the interests of avoiding compulsive use patterns. 

Without a doubt, the criminality associated with use of drugs such as heroin and cocaine, is an important aspect of these children s vulnerability since it exposes them to violence and to dangerous people. However it is not the whole of it. The heart of the problem for children is that they come second to their parents relationship with drugs, and as a result they miss out on many of the most mundane, yet also the most valued, nurturing experiences. The next and final section comes full circle to the compulsivity at the heart... 

Methadone is used for the treatment of narcotic withdrawal and dependence. It occupies the opioid receptor in the brain and is the stabilizing factor that permits addicts to change their behavior and to discontinue heroin use. Methadone suppresses narcotic withdrawal for between 24 and 36 hours, and because it is effective in eliminating withdrawal symptoms, it is used in detoxifying opiate addicts. Ultimately, the patient remains physically dependent on the opioid, but is freed from the uncontrolled, compulsive, and disruptive behavior seen in heroin addicts.42... 

---