Heroin: Highly Addictive Opiate

Heroin is a highly addictive opiate and is processed from the Asian poppy plant. Heroin is usually in the form of a white or brown powder that is often snorted or smoked or black tar heroin which is cooked and injected.

Some street names for heroin include “h,” “smack,” “dope,” “junk” or “Mexican black tar.”

The high from heroin usually starts a few seconds after a single dose and can last for a few hours. Some of the short term effects include a feeling a rush of euphoria, itching, a dry mouth, and heavy extremities. Following this initial high, the user goes in and out of periods of consciousness; often called “nodding out.”

Those who use heroin can very quickly develop a tolerance and physical dependency to the drug. This means the abuser must use more and more heroin to achieve the same intensity of effect. But as the individual uses more heroin, physical dependence and addiction develop. This is usually apparent when the user stops taking heroin and experience moderate to severe physical withdrawal symptoms. Some heroin withdrawal symptoms include fever, chills, sweating, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, insomnia and muscle aches. Withdrawal symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to several days.

Mentally the heroin user will feel depressed, have anxiety and experience cravings for the drug, often leading them to use again and again.

Heroin abuse is associated with serious health conditions, including fatal overdose, spontaneous abortion, collapsed veins, and, particularly in users who inject the drug, as well as infectious diseases like HIV, AIDS and hepatitis.

If you or someone you know is struggling with heroin addiction call Narconon Arrowhead drug rehab now at 800-468-6933.

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