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Heroin

Heroin is a very addictive drug of the opiate class. The body produces its own natural opiates, called endogenous opiates, which control pain and mediate pleasure. Heroin acts on the central nervous system in a similar way but with additional side effects. Heroin is processed from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the poppy plant. It is fast acting and poses many potentially serious health risks. Because its action is so fast, heroin is particularly addictive.

Heroin usually appears as a white or brown powder. Street names for heroin include junk, bomb, skag, Harry, and H. Street names may reflect the specific geographical area of origin (for example, Mexican black tar).

Methods of Use

Heroin can be injected, snorted, or smoked. Historically, most heroin users have injected the drug, but evidence suggests a recent trend towards smoking and snorting.

Effects on the Central Nervous System

Heroin is metabolized and converted to morphine in the brain, where it binds to opioid receptors and produces a euphoric rush of pleasure called a rush. The drug has a depressant effect on the central nervous system, slowing breathing and suppressing pain. After the initial rush, the user often experiences a drowsy state (called being "on the nod") in which thought becomes clouded. The drug also affects other organ systems, such as the digestive system.

Intoxication

In addition to the powerful rush of pleasure, heroin use induces:

Drowsiness
Difficulty concentrating
Vision problems
Slowed breathing
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Reduced sex drive
Increased urination
Low body temperature
Sweating

Life Risks

Needle sharing when using street drugs is one of the leading ways to transmit HIV and other diseases. Because street heroin may include impurities that do not readily dissolve, it can obstruct blood vessels that lead to the brain, lungs, liver, or kidneys. Such obstructions can cause infection and cell death in vital organs.

Heroin use is often associated with other serious health conditions, including:

Fatal overdose
Spontaneous abortion
Collapsed veins
Infection of heart valves and lining
Infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, from sharing needles
Liver disease

Warning Signs

Paraphernalia, including syringes, bent spoons, eye droppers, rubber tubes, and eye droppers
Lethargy or drowsiness
Constricted pupils that don't respond to light
Redness around nostrils from sniffing
Needle tracks or scars on inner arms or elsewhere
Personality changes (especially with increased recklessness, fearlessness), poor judgment, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
Scabs or lesions at injection sites
Evasive behavior and lying about activities

Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms can include:

Drug craving
Restlessness
Generalized pain
Insomnia
Diarrhea and vomiting
Cold flashes
Erratic movements

Withdrawal can occur within hours of the last use, but symptoms may be at their worst between 48 and 72 hours after the last use and then taper off over several days. Severe withdrawal among heavy users is occasionally fatal, but heroin withdrawal is less dangerous than withdrawal from other drugs such as alcohol or barbiturates.

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