All About Heroin Abuse

What is heroin?
It is a very dangerous and addictive narcotic drug. It is smoked, sniffed or injected into the body with a syringe. You can get hooked on to it right from the first time you use it, although the addiction gets worse as you continue using it.

It is extracted from the flower of the poppy plant. It is derived from the resin of poppy plant, similar to opium and morphine, but is more refined that those drugs. It is more addictive that these two drugs and extremely difficult to quit.

What are the effects of heroin on the individual?
Heroin is a very strong drug that has very serious ill effects on the individual. Because of this, not only is it highly addictive, it is also very easy for an individual to overdose on this drug. Because it is illegal, even the peddlers may not be aware of how strong the drug is when they sell it as it depends on the processing and the quality of the poppy it is extracted from. This increases the chances of overdose.

The worst part of heroin addiction is that as the individual becomes more and more addicted,he/she does not take the drug for a high but just to feel normal, and need more and more for it to have any effect on them.

There are many immediate as well as long term effects, that generally end with the individual succumbing to the drug.

Immediate effects of heroin

• “Rush” from the drug
• Drowsiness
• Dryness in the mouth
• Itchiness all over the body
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slow breathing
• Impaired mental functioning
• Hypothermia or low body temperature
• Coma or death doe to overdose

Long term effects of heroin

• Collapsed veins due to frequent injections
• Weak immune system
• Arthritis
• Respiratory disorders
• Paralysis
• Impaired memory and brain functioning
• Lack of sex drive
• Depression
• Loss of appetite and excessive loss of weight
• Menstrual disturbances, impotency
• Coma

Other than this, there is also a huge risk of contracting AIDS and other such contagious diseases due to unhealthy use and sharing of syringes. To pay for the addiction, addicts also may start stealing and lying to people for money.

How to quit using heroin?
Quitting heroin is as painful as the effects of using it. The withdrawal symptoms are very severe and can take a huge toll on the addict physically and mentally to bear them. Withdrawal symptoms affect the addict both physically and mentally. There are special rehabilitation centers for heroin addicts where there is medical and psychological aid given.

Some withdrawal symptoms

• Pain in bones
• Discomfort in the body
• Restlessness
• Diarrhea