Heroin is a narcotic drug that comes from opium poppy and developed from morphine. It is highly addictive and was proven to be very dangerous to the mind and body. This drug is available in liquid and powder form.
Street names of Heroin: Smack, skag, big H, brown sugar, blacktar, dope, junk, horse, mud. Other attention-grabbing street names are witch hazel, Bart Simpson, Aunt Hazel, Mexican mud, pangonadalot, birdie powder, Dr. Feelgood, old Steve, dog food, hong-yen, Mexican mud and lemonade.
How is Heroin administered?
This brown/white powder or black and sticky liquid can be taken either by injection, snorting or smoking.
Effects of Heroin consumption
When heroin enters the body, the user feels a surge of “rush” or euphoria, hot flushes, clouded imagination, dryness of the mouth and heavy feeling on the extremities when euphoria subsides, the user feels drowsy or feels “on the nod”.
Impact on the mind/body and health risks
The following are the side-effects of heroin:
Severe side effects: Death, respiratory arrest, coma, delirium, drowsiness, disorientation, and respiratory depression. Other dangerous reactions include shallow breathing, hypoventilation, hypotension, weak pulse and decreased heart rate
Common side effects: pinpoint pupils, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, constipation, dry mouth, confusion and euphoria. Other symptoms include rashes, itching, confusion, urinary retention and psychological dependence to heroin. Isolation, loss of libido and decreased interest to leisure activities are also noted.
Allergic reactions to heroin that require immediate medical treatment:
- Hives
- Difficulty of breathing
- Rashes
- Itching
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the face and tongue
Signs of Heroin abuse
Persistent use of this drug leads to tolerance. The user becomes psychologically and physically dependent on the drug and requires higher dosage just to feel the same effects. In spite of adverse reactions in the user’s body, constant cravings are apparent.
Common Heroin treatment options
Enrollment in a drug treatment facility is the most effective form of heroin addiction management. Programs inside the rehab help a person break away from the cycle of heroin addiction and at the same time strengthen the inner self. The three- core comprehensive program includes detoxification, counseling and aftercare. These cores integrate the 12-step program, psychological rehabilitation through cognitive behavioral therapy and activities designed to help the reformed user to cope up with the challenges of life after drug rehabilitation. Medications to minimize the withdrawal symptoms are also administered. Examples of these drugs are buprenorphine and clonidine.
Heroin withdrawal detox symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms shall begin within 6 to 12 hours after the last dose of heroin. The symptoms subside gradually for a week. Nonetheless some addicts experience the Post Withdrawal Syndrome which may last up to several months.
The most common withdrawal symptoms are the following:
- Back and leg pains
- Overproduction of body fluids, like runny nose, sweat and tears
- Stomach ache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Anxiety