Heroin
Heroin
Heroin is a commonly abused opioid. An opioid is an analgesic drug (painkiller) that works by binding to opioid receptors, which are found principally in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract.
The pain-relieving effects of opioids are due to decreased perception of pain, decreased reaction to pain, and increased pain tolerance. The side effects of opioids include sedation, respiratory depression, and constipation. Physical dependence can develop with ongoing administration of opioids, with abrupt discontinuation leading to withdrawal syndrome. Opioids can produce a symptom of euphoria, and this effect, coupled with physical dependence, can lead to the abuse of opioids by some individuals and addicts.
Heroin is a synthetic opiate derived from morphine (which is a naturally occuring opiate derived from the opium poppy) and is illegal to manufacture, distribute or possess. Heroin is nearly five times more addictive than morphine. Heroin is a powerful narcotic and thus habit-forming. It can be swallowed or snorted in powder form, injected intravenously or heated and inhaled/smoked. Some common heroin street names are:
- Dragon
- Brown
- Dope
- Hero
- Heron
- Big H
- Boy
- He
- Black tar
- Brown sugar
- Chiba
- Chiva
- Junk
- Snow
- Snowball
- Smack
- Scag
- Skunk
- Brown crystal
- White boy
How Heroin Affects the Body
Heroin produces profound degrees of tolerance and physical dependence, which are intense motivating factors for compulsive use and abuse. As with abusers of any addictive drug, heroin abusers gradually spend more and more time and energy obtaining and using the drug. Once he or she is addicted, the heroin abuser’s primary purpose in life becomes seeking and using drugs. The drugs literally change brain chemistry. Because Heroin is a central nervous system depressant the risk of overdose and death is very high. Many heroin abusers/addicts will substitute opiates for heroin as sometimes they are easier to obtain. Another sign of heroin addiction is “track marks” anywhere on the body, especially arms and legs, which are signs of intravenously using heroin or, in street terms ,“shooting up” or “slamming” heroin. There are many medical methadone clinics through out the country that will supply the addict with daily methadone to take the place of heroin addiction. However many addicts will combine other medications with methadone to produce a similar effect that heroin produces.
Heroin Withdrawal, Detox, Rehabilitation and Recovery
The withdrawal from heroin is very painful and dangerous. A planned medical detox from heroin not only is the safest way to help stop the abuse but also can keep the abuser much more comfortable through this difficult process (hyperlink to 6e what to expect)
