Last updated : December 16, 2024
For many users, heroin is a powerfully addictive substance. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain, which makes it an attractive recreational drug to a large segment of the population. Unfortunately, recreational use can quickly turn into addiction, a process that has far reaching consequences for the user and their friends and family.
Heroin is an opiate. In its medically controlled form it is known as diamorphine and it is prescribed as a pain medication. Under a doctor’s supervision, diamorphine is a helpful drug for patients suffering from debilitating physical injuries. However, the street form of the drug is unregulated and potentially deadly.
As an opiate, heroin is a “downer.” Users quickly descend into a relaxed, euphoric state where the sensation of pain is pleasantly dulled. Immediate side effects may include dryness of the mouth and flushing of the skin. The muscles of the extremities are relaxed and feel heavy. Respiration becomes slow and shallow under the influence of the drug, and short periods of alertness are typically punctuated by longer periods of drowsiness.
It can be excessively difficult for users to appropriately determine their dosage, especially since heroin is a particularly powerful drug. As a result, users often experience other initial side effects like vomiting. Frequently, users experience an unbearable itching sensation that drives them to pick or scratch at their skin.
As unpleasant as these short term side effects are, many users quickly become physically dependent on the drug. Even worse, routine users build up a tolerance to the substance, meaning that they must take increasing doses in order to receive the same level of high.
Perhaps the greatest risk of using heroin is the addiction itself. It takes over the life of the individual, causing them to withdraw from family and from participating in favorite hobbies. Many people lose their jobs and relationships through their addiction.
The physical costs of heroin addiction are intense. Heart disease is a common problem for heroin users. Those who inject the drug often do so with dirty needles, leading to the spread of diseases like HIV and hepatitis C. Many users suffer from collapsed veins and resulting blood clots. Still others may suffer from liver disease or seizures. In the grip of addiction, users neglect personal hygiene, forget to eat for days at a time and suffer from severe dehydration.
With such enormous physical and emotional tolls, it’s hard to believe that so many people expose themselves to heroin addiction. In states like Ohio, deaths involving heroin have shown an alarming rise in the past decade. Cuyahoga County officials estimate that there were twice as many heroin related deaths in a six month period when compared to the rate of homicide for the same time frame.
Heroin addiction can affect people in all walks of life and at nearly any age. Statistics show that children younger than 14 have admitted to trying heroin. It is numbers like these that are leading many officials to label heroin use as an epidemic.
Heroin addiction is a disease that needs to be conquered. It’s not always easy to tell when someone is addicted to this opiate. Some external signs like withdrawing from family and normal activities may provide useful indications. However, the best way to determine whether or not someone is suffering from heroin usage is through a drug test.
For only a nominal cost, it’s possible to test for heroin or other illicit drugs in the bloodstream. Knowing that an employee or loved one is dealing with this type of addiction is an important first step to getting them the help they need.
If you’re interested in implementing a drug testing program to reduce the dangers of employee drug use, contact us online or call us at 440-653-5003 today.
