One of the reasons heroin is so addictive, and one of the most abused drug, is because the "high" or "rush" is brought on very quickly and dramatically, and can last for hours. Heroin may be snorted or smoked but most heroin addicts prefer to inject it with a syringe because the rush is quicker and greater when put directly into the blood stream.
Once heroin is injected the euphoria is felt within about 8 seconds. During this time the user usually feels a warming sensation, hands and feet will feel heavy, and usually experience a dry mouth (referred to as "cotton mouth"). Once the initial "rush" starts to wear off there is a fluctuating feeling of alertness and drowsiness (referred to as "on the nod"). At this point extremities may still feel heavy, judgement is not very clear, and there may be a feeling of surrealism.
Heroin effects the central nervous system by slowing it down, which can cause the heart to slow down, and blood pressure to drop. Breathing may be labored. Using heroin over a period of time often leads to heart and/or lung failure. Continued use of heroin effects the over all condition of the body including the immune system. Once the immune system starts to break down many users will have a harder time fighting off respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and often suffer from liver disease.
The human body will build up a tolerance to heroin, starting with the first use. As a tolerance builds the user will need more and more heroin to provide them with the same "rush", which increases the bodies addiction, or dependency.
Even though there are many social programs trying to educate the drug culture about the dangers of using needles many addicts allow the need for the drug to take precedence over caution or care. Among the dangers of repeated needle use are:
- Collapsed veins. Once this happens heroin users are forced to find another place to inject, often between the toes or genital area.
- Infectious diseases. Users often share needles putting them at risk for Hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.
- Additives to heroin. Dealers "cut" the drug with other substances, which can clog blood vessels and cause heart, lung, and kidney problems.
- Heroin affects unborn children. Heroin causes low birth rates, spontaneous abortion, and developmental problems.
Heroin statistics show about 8% of drug related emergency room visits are a result of heroin use, and another 4% were listed as "unspecified" opiates - which could include heroin. Heroin use/abuse is a real problem. If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction to this terrible drug seek help now. If you are reading this it is not too late, there are many drug rehab programs that specialize in heroin treatment.
