Last updated : December 23, 2024
Heroin is an illegal drug that is a member of the opiate family. It is made from morphine, which is a dangerous substance that is taken from an Asian opium poppy seed. The drug is commonly a white or brown powder, but it can also come in the form of a black gummy substance referred to as black tar heroin.
The use of heroin in the United States is alarming. As of 2011, an estimated 4.2 million individuals in the United States have used the drug at some point in their lives, and an average 23 percent of these individuals become addicted to the drug.
How Is Heroin Consumed?
There are numerous ways to consume heroin. The drug can be smoked in a pipe, snorted through nasal passages, or injected into the bloodstream with a needle. These methods of consumption allow the drug to rapidly impact brain function. This is the primary cause from abuse and addiction, and heroin abuse is categorized as a chronic relapsing disease. Addicts that experience chronic relapsing disease will go to extreme and dangerous measures to obtain the drug.
How Does Heroin Impact Brain Function?
Heroin is derived from morphine, so when it enters the bloodstream it converts back to morphine. The morphine will bind to molecules on cells, which are known as opioid receptors. The opioid receptors are found throughout in the body and throughout the brain. Opioid receptors have a major impact on how pain is perceived, which is another reason heroin is extremely addictive. The brain stem also houses opioid receptors, which control respiration and blood pressure. There have been many cases of heroin overdoses, which have led to death, due to the suppression of breathing.
If users administer the drug through injection with a needle, then there is a common feeling of a euphoric rush that is followed by dry mouth and impaired mental function. Users can also experience flushed skin and heavy limbs. The euphoric rush that accompanies taking the drug intravenously is not present in users who snort or smoke the drug; however, the other symptoms are still present when the heroin is snorted or smoked. After the drug is in the bloodstream, users can experience wakeful and drowsy states that can change rapidly. If users abuse the drug on a regular basis, then a tolerance is established resulting in higher doses of the drug to create the desired high that users crave. There are many individuals who continue to abuse the drug, which will prevent withdraw symptoms.
The Increased Risk for HIV and HCV Infection in Users
If users intravenously consume the drug with a needle, then the risk for contracting HIV and HCV increase greatly. These diseases are contracted through blood, and there are many users who share needles. If users share needles that are contaminated with HIV or HCV, then it is probable these diseases will be contracted by uninfected users. Heroin user also enables judgment, so there is a chance of contracting HIV through unprotected sexual intercourse when users are intoxicated with heroin.
There is valid evidence that points to drug abuse and contracting diseases such as HIV and HCV. It is important for addicts to seek treatment, which will reduce unsafe sexual intercourse and dangerous injections that could lead to diseases.
Other Negative Effects of Heroin on the Body
There are numerous negative effects of heroin on the body including contracting diseases and accidental miscarriages. If chronic users abuse heroin, then they may experience abscesses, constipation, cramps, and nausea. Chronic users can also experience the collapsing of veins at the injection sites and infections in the heart. Due to the impact heroin has on breathing, there is a dangerously high chance that users can die from breathing complications.
Treatment Options for Heroin Addicts
It is important for heroin users to seek supportive treatment, which will ensure they have the proper motivation and support to quit. There are behavioral therapies that are offered, and there are also medications that can aid in the ease of withdraw symptoms. Heroin cessation can be dangerous and deadly, so it is vital for individuals to have the right support on the road to recovery.
