Heroin is an opiate drug commonly abused in the United States. Most heroin is trafficked into Arizona from Mexico. Heroin, in its pure form, comes as a white powder, although most heroin purchased by heroin abusers is “cut “ with other substances ranging from baking powder to brick dust, that give it a black or brownish appearance. Common street terms for heroin include: H, smack, China White, black-tar, Mexican brown powder, dope and junk.
Heroin is very rarely the first drug users become addicted to. More commonly, heroin users got their start by engaging in prescription drug abuse. As users become unable to afford prescription drugs, or their supply is depleted, they often turn to harder street opiates. This is one of the primary causes of heroin addiction and fentanyl addiction.
Methods of Heroin Abuse
Heroin is generally used by injection, smoking (sometimes called “free-basing”) or snorting. Heroin abuse by injection causes the quickest absorption by the body and is usually associated with a “rush” felt by the heroin user in as little as 10 seconds. Heroin can also be used by inhalation (smoking), Which is the common method used by many teens.
Effects of Heroin Addiction on the Body
Once heroin enters the body, heroin is quickly absorbed into the brain where it bonds with opioid receptor sites, blocking the brain’s ability to receive messages via natural endorphins. These sites are critical for the body as pain receptor sites and are often associated with the brain managing critical body functions such as breathing and maintaining blood pressure. Prolonged heroin abuse can actually reduce the body’s ability to produce natural endorphins. This is what makes heroin incredibly addictive.
Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Use Abuse
Heroin produces a wide variety of signs and symptoms in those who use it. Signs and symptoms of heroin abuse can include:
- Dry mouth
- A droopy appearance (as if the body feels heavy)
- Slurred or jumbled speech
- Disorientation
- Poor mental functioning
- Injection marks (referred to as “track marks”)
- Infections around injection sites
- Shallow breathing
- Rapidly becoming drowsy and then alert (referred to as “nodding out”)
- Constricted pupils
- Poor hygiene
- Euphoria
- A black grease-like substance on the hands (caused by the residue of smoking heroin off of foil)
- Possession of heroin paraphernalia
Many former heroin users also report spending extended and frequent time in the bathroom to use without possible interruption.
Common paraphernalia for the abuse of heroin includes syringes, pipes, straws, rolled-up dollar bills, the broken casing of pens (for inhaling the smoke of “free-based” heroin), tin or aluminum foil, razor blades, small paper squares or balloons (used to store heroin), spoons or metal bottle caps (used to melt heroin down into an injectable liquid), missing shoelaces from shoes (commonly used as a “tie-off” for injecting heroin), and small bits of cotton balls or the tips of cotton swabs (used to filter liquefied heroin as they pull it into a syringe).
Dangerous Effects of Heroin Addiction
If you suspect a loved one of abusing heroin, it is vital to seek help immediately. Heroin abuse is associated with many health risks including HIV and hepatitis B and C (usually contracted from sharing syringes for injection). Not only is heroin use linked to these potentially fatal diseases, but overdoses also can be fatal. A few signs and symptoms of a possible heroin overdose are shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, clammy skin, convulsions, and coma. If not properly treated heroin overdoses can lead to long-term issues and possibly death.
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
Heroin withdrawal is felt by users who suddenly stop using heroin. This is commonly referred to as being “dope-sick” or just “sick.” Some of the possible signs and symptoms of heroin withdrawal include:
- Restlessness
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Runny nose
- Intense cramping in limbs
- Muscle and bone pain
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Cold flashes
- Involuntary leg movements
It is important to seek help for someone experiencing heroin withdrawal because the painful and uncomfortable symptoms can frequently urge the abuser to continue using heroin to avoid further symptoms.