Heroin is a central nervous system depressant which comes from the Asian opium poppy. As a derivative of morphine, a drug used medically to dull effects of severe physical pain, heroin has very similar effects. Heroin generally comes in powder from, color ranging from white to dark brown, usually mixed and melted with water to be injected. Alternatively, heroin can be heated on foil and the smoke inhaled through a straw. This method tends to be more popular among younger users. Heroin is an extremely dangerous drug and has been proven one of the most addictive, with herion addicts relapsing more than any other drug. It continues to destroy millions of lives not only by means of addiction, but overdose and death. Heroin addiction is also a major contributor in the HIV/AIDS epidemic as many heroin addicts share infected needles.
How Does Heroin Affect the Brain?
Heroin enters the brain, where it is converted to morphine and binds to receptors known as opioid receptors. These receptors are located in many areas of the brain (and in the body), especially those involved in the perception of pain and in reward. Heroin has immediate effects once administered, usually noticeable within a couple of minutes. The user will feel a sudden rush of euphoria and a warming of the body along with heaviness of the extremities. After the rush, heroin users will experience a feeling of drowsiness, struggling to keep their eyes open as they vacillate between wakeful and drowsy states. Breathing is labored and speech is slurred. Unlike cocaine or meth, heroin use does result in extreme physical dependency.
Video: The lives of a Heroin Addicts
"I wish I could videotape myself writing this because I am shaking. It's been two weeks since I last did heroin, but I know if someone were to walk in with works and a bag, I would have that needle in my arm before you could say HIV. I miss it. "
These videos are difficult to watch because it's not a movie, it's real life. Peoples lives destroyed.
Chronic users often develop collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, cellulites, liver disease and Pulmonary complications, including various types of pneumonia.
What Treatment Options Exist?
Heroin addiction is very difficult to overcome since it causes both psychological and physical dependence. Addicts in withdrawal commonly experience severe drug craving, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cold flashes, muscle pains, and overall flu-like symptoms. These symptoms generally take effect a few hours after the last administration, but peak in severity between 48 and 72 hours. Sudden withdrawal by heavily dependent users who are in poor health can be fatal. The first step is always detoxification, when the addict will go through the withdrawal process under the care of medical professionals who can monitor the progress of the detox and try to make it as safe and comfortable as possible for the addict. Many different forms of rehab are available for heroin addiction, but research has shown that long term treatment has an overwhelmingly better outcome than short term treatment.
Featured Video: The life of a Heroin Addict 2
"I'ts the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning... That first high."
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