Heroin is by far one of the most damaging and addicting drugs.  Synthesized from morphine, a substance found in the seed pod of the Asian opium poppy plant that is often used to relieve pain, Heroin is used in either a powder form or black sticky substance (“Black Tar Heroin”).  Users of the drug will either smoke, snort, or inject the heroin into their bodies, although all methods are equally addictive.

Once received into the body it converts into morphine and affixes to the receptors of the brain that control respiration, blood pressure, and arousal, as well as functions that are vital for maintaining life.  Asphyxiation is the leading cause of death in those who overdose on heroin.  While coming down, users experience dry mouth, warm flushing of the skin, heaviness of the extremities, and clouded mental functioning.  As uncomfortable as that sounds, the withdrawal symptoms are even worse:  restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes with goose bump, and kicking movements.  If the user is pregnant, these symptoms can be passed on to the infant requiring addiction treatment and hospitalization after birth.

Recovering from heroin abuse is not easy; in fact nearly impossible without an addiction treatment center or dual diagnosis treatment. There are many medications that are now available to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and prevent a relapse.  However, even after treatment, users must exercise extreme caution.  Cravings can reappear months or even years down the road set off by stress or people and places once associated with drug use.

But there is hope.  Recent surveys have shown that the number of people, particularly those in 8th-12th grades, who have tried heroin, is on the way down.  Currently less than 2% students in that age range have tried it in their lifetime.  We can only hope that through education on the dangerous and risks of heroin use, that number will continue to go down.

Post from: TravelCent

The Dangerous Effects of Heroin Abuse

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