What is a characteristic of heroin use in terms of dependency?

Heroin is known for its highly addictive nature and the rapid onset of its effects. When someone uses heroin, it quickly crosses the blood-brain barrier, leading to intense feelings of euphoria and relaxation within minutes. This swift and powerful effect contributes significantly to its potential for addiction. Users often develop a psychological and physical dependence due to the changes in brain chemistry that heroin induces, reinforcing the cycle of use.

The other options do not capture the full scope of heroin's impact. For example, while heroin often leads to physical dependence, it is not an absolute guarantee that every user will experience this immediately, as individual experiences may vary. Additionally, heroin is indeed psychologically addictive, meaning it can create cravings and compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite the potential harms. Lastly, while many individuals benefit from long-term treatment during recovery, not every case requires it, as some individuals may respond to shorter interventions. Thus, the characteristic of being highly addictive and having quick effects accurately reflects the nature of heroin use in terms of dependency.