Heroin is an addictive drug that is processed from morphine and usually appears as a white or brown powder or as a black, sticky substance that can be injected, snorted, or smoked. Heroin may also be known by street names such as smack, junk, horse, skag, H, or china white. Heroin Addiction is more wide spread than any other opiate addiction out there. Typically, with a Heroin Addiction, a user may inject up to 4 times a day. Intravenous Injection is the most popular form of use because it provides the greatest intensity and the most rapid onset of euphoria. Its effects can start within 7-8 seconds after injection while musculature injection can be anywhere from 5-8 minutes producing a slower onset of euphoria. When Heroin is sniffed or smoked, the peak effects are usually felt within 10-15 minutes. Although the effects of sniffing or smoking are not felt as quickly, the addiction level is still the same. All methods are equally addictive. Not long after injection or inhalation, Heroin crosses the blood brain barrier. In the brain, heroin is converted to morphine and binds rapidly to opioid receptors. People with a Heroin Addiction have reported feeling a surge of pleasurable sensation or a “rush”. Heroin is particularly addictive because it enters the brain so rapidly. With heroin, the rush is usually accompanied by a warm flushing of the skin, dry mouth, and a heavy feeling in the extremities, which may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and severe itching. After its initial effects, an abuser usually will be drowsy for several hours. Mental function is clouded by the effects of heroin on the central nervous system causing cardiac functions to slow, breathing may be severely slowed, sometimes to the point of death.

On the street, Heroin overdose is a particularly high risk because purity and amounts of the drug cannot be accurately known. Heroin Addiction is a serious illness that can be deadly if not treated. One of the most detrimental long-term effects of Heroin Addiction is the addiction itself. Heroin produces profound degrees of tolerance and physical dependence, which are also motivating factor for compulsive use and abuse. Just like the abuser of any addictive drug, Heroin addicts gradually spend more and more time and energy obtaining and using the drug. In fact, once they’re addicted, it becomes their primary purpose in life to obtain & use the drug. The drugs literally change their brains.

With higher doses, comes the physical dependence. The body adapts to the drugs presence and withdrawal symptoms occur of the drugs use is reduced abruptly. Withdrawal can occur just a few hours after the drug has been taken. Some of these symptoms include Restlessness, Muscle and bone pain, Insomnia, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Cold flashes with goose bumps (cold turkey), and leg movements. Major withdrawal symptoms occur 24-48 hours after the last dose of Heroin and subside after about a week although some abusers have shown symptoms for many months afterward. Craving and relapse can occur weeks and months after the withdrawal symptoms are long gone.

Along with all of the other problems that Heroin can leave behind there are also the medical problems including but not limited to, scarred or collapsed veins, bacterial infections of the blood vessels and heart valves, abscesses (boils) and other soft tissue infections, liver or kidney disease, and lung complications. Because most addicts share needles or other injection equipment, they’re also at a high risk for other diseases like HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis B or C. Heroin Addiction is a painful and sometimes deadly illness. If you or someone you know suffers from Heroin Addiction, seek help immediately. We are here to help. Remember this sickness not only affects the addict, but also everyone around them. Please call us with questions and to seek the help that you need for yourself or your loved one.