Heroin Addiction

Heroin is classified as an opioid drug that was originally derived from the opium poppy. Once touted for medicinal purposes, heroin has become a common recreational drug that is often abused and known to be highly addictive. Synthetic forms of the drug have made using heroin even more dangerous and increase the chances of a fatal overdose.

There are many episodes in life that can lead a person to begin using heroin. Peer pressure is one of the main catalysts that can quickly lead to a full-blown addiction to heroin. Some people start using the drug to try to mask the memories of traumatic events in their lives. Gateway drugs such as marijuana sometimes cause people to start using heroin to achieve a greater drug high. Another common problem that leads to heroin dependency is when medications that are prescribed to relieve pain or other physical ails become addictive, which may cause someone to turn to heroin to achieve a similar high.

Although heroin is usually thought of as an injectable substance, it is possible to get the drug into the body through other means. Many people start by swallowing, inhaling or smoking the drug and later turn to inject it so that it gets into the bloodstream faster and produces a more intense high.

Many users of heroin report feeling euphoric with physical warmth when taking the drug, but the short- and long-term effects of use can pose many health dangers. In the short-term, heroin can cause nausea with vomiting and uncontrollably itchy skin. Once the initial effects of the drug have worn off, breathing and brain functioning slow, which could result in asphyxiation and brain damage. Long-term effects of heroin abuse include brain chemistry and hormone imbalances, psychological problems, and death.

Symptoms of heroin abuse can range from mild to severe. Since heroin effects people in different ways, not everyone will show the same signs of having a heroin problem with short- or long-term use. It is important to note, however, that even though symptoms of heroin use are not always present, the drug could still be doing major damage to the body that might result in irreversible health problems.

In addition to nausea and itching, heroin users are known to experience chronic dry mouth. The skin may also feel flush and warm. People who abuse heroin often have trouble making decisions because of the drug’s effects on the brain. The pupils of a heroin user sometimes look constricted, and the person may additionally look as though their body is heavy with droopy arms when they stand.

If you are concerned that someone you love may be a heroin user, there are other things that you should look for that could indicate he or she has a problem. You may notice needles or syringes lying around a person’s home or bedroom that have not been prescribed by a doctor. Burnt spoons and aluminum foil can be other indicators. The person may also have needle marks visible on one or both arms.

If you or someone you love enters treatment or has been unable to obtain more heroin for a prolonged period, withdrawal symptoms can start to show as the body tries to physically adjust to not having the drug. Along with intense heroin cravings, heroin addicts are known to experience:

• Heavy sweating
• Chills
• Intense bone and muscle aches
• Anxiety
• Nausea

These physiological symptoms sometimes lead a person to cry incessantly or display anger. Many heroin users who go through withdrawal also report feeling feverish and nauseous and have trouble sleeping.