Heroin Facts

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The National Institute on Drug Abuse describes the heroin drug as an opiate that is manufactured drug from morphine which is a natural substance derived from the opium poppy seed plant. It is usually in either a white powder form or in a black sticky substance. Heroin is both physically and psychologically addicting and can result in dangerous side effects with prolonged use.

Street Names

Nicknames that heroin is known by includes hero, H, dope, boy, black tar, black pearl, junk, dragon, snow, smack, skunk, big H, brown sugar, chiva, white lady and white horse.

How Heroin Is Abused

Heroin is usually taken in whatever way will bring desired effects quickest. Injecting the substance puts the drug directly into the bloodstream making it the most common way to use heroine. But when it is in its powdered form, heroin can be snorted as a means of quickly absorbing the drug through nasal blood vessels. Smoking the substance is also common.

Immediate Effects Of Heroin

When a person takes heroin, the molecules from the substance attach to areas in the brain that are responsible for feelings of pleasure. This results in feelings of euphoria and a dream-like state of being. Users will often feel heaviness in their arms and legs, with following light headedness. After the sensations of euphoria have passed, the user will go into a drowsy state where they may slip in and out of consciousness.

Short And Long Term Affects Of Heroin Abuse  

The consequences of heroin addiction are different for everyone. The result of this kind of addiction depends on how long the individual has been dependent on the substance as well as the frequency of use. The following is a list of the possible outcomes of a heroin addiction:

• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Psychosis
• Spontaneous abortion
• Respiratory problems
• High blood pressure
• Infectious diseases (contracted by injecting with contaminated needles)
• Collapsed veins
• Abscesses
• Organ failure
• Pulmonary problems
• Blood clots

Heroin Research Studies

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health discovered in 2008 that people using heroin starting at age 12 in the U.S. increased from 153,000 in 2007 to 213,000 in 2008. Government officials are worried that the numbers will continue to rise because of the young demographic. Approximately 114,000 people that were in the 2008 study were first-time heroin users.

Struggling With An Addiction?

Are you struggling with a heroin addiction and ready to admit that you need help? If the answer is yes then you are already on the right track. The next step is to find a quality addiction treatment facility that can help you on the road to recovery. Locating a detox rehab facility can be an overwhelming process so we recommend that you call our 24-hour addiction helpline where you can speak with a specialist about finding the facility that meets all of your needs.

 

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