Heroin
Made from the white, milky liquid exuded from the opium poppy, heroin is a powerful and dangerous drug which is often injected directly into the bloodstream with a needle. When injected, heroin reaches the brain in just 7 or 8 seconds. Using heroin for even a short time can create physical and psychological dependence. In large doses, heroin can cause breathing to become shallow or to stop all together.
Physical and Psychological Effects
The addiction to heroin is a difficult one to break, even when it is destroying the users health and life. The intense craving for heroin can be both physical and mental. For the user, it becomes a way of life. Every day centers around getting and using heroin. After continued use, more heroin is needed to achieve the same effects. This results in a very costly habit. Once addicted, a user must have heroin every 8 to 12 hours. Withdrawal symptoms include fevers, chills, nausea, aching, diarrhea and muscle spasms. Most symptoms last 3 to 5 days.
Physical Risks
- Sleepiness
- Skin sores / abscesses
- Slow breathing
- Collapsed veins
- Loss of appetite
- Heart damage
- Constipation
- Pregnant users may risk still birth, miscarriage
- Loss of sexual desire
- Malnutrition
- Severe bleeding
- AIDS (through shared needles)
- Anemia
- Death by overdose
Social Risks
- Family life suffers
- School performance and work performance declines
- Dependency may cause neglect of other important needs
Mental Health and Behavior Risks
- Extreme mood swings
- Poor concentration
- Depression
- Secretive behavior
Legal Risks
Unlike some similar drugs, heroin is considered too dangerous even for medical use. Using or selling heroin is against the law. Offenders usually go to jail.
