Heroin Addiction
Trends indicate that heroin abuse has spiraled downward since its heavy infiltration in the early 90s. That's among older users. Recently, kids (from middle school to college) are the ones flushing heroin through their systems more and more often to maintain that euphoric fix.
Testimonials taken from young drug addicts and their friends and family members reveal what impact heroin use
has had on this fragile age group. Emergency physician Larry Alexander leads the
discussion about the dilemmas facing these at-risk teens.
Heroin, processed from morphine, is a narcotic derivative of the opium poppy
plant. Other names for the drug include "hash," "Columbian white," "smack," "M,"
"H" and "chiva." Depending on its origin (though it's usually processed in Latin
and South America), heroin is sold in its pure white powder state, as a brownish
powder or as a black substance called "black tar." The white color is altered
with additives and other substances like strychnine, starch and quinine.
The opiate's increased availability (especially in a high purity state) and
decreased value have made it popular. Snorting and smoking high purity heroin
are popular alternatives to injecting it with a needle, and may contend for more
young users dabbling with the drug. Black tar is usually dissolved, diluted and
injected. No matter the form or mode of usage, heroin remains the most abused,
most rapidly acting and one of the most addictive opiates in circulation.
Side Effects Addiction
What does heroin addiction
do to a user? Within 8- 30 seconds after injection or
inhalation, the user feels an overall body rush when the heroin collides with
neurons to inhibit pain and increase pleasurable emotions. This euphoric escape
from reality is often closely followed by a wave of depression, nausea,
vomiting, itchy skin and slow breathing. Repeated usage increases the likelihood
that the user will contract HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis or arthritis; cause birth
defects if she is pregnant; and die as the result of an overdose.
But the most common side effect is heroin addiction. The
mental health and
sociological effects of heroin addiction include crime, violence and family conflict. After each use,
the body builds a greater tolerance for the narcotic drug, and heroin users
crave larger dosages in more consistent intervals.
Drug Withdrawal
Because the 3- to 7-day detoxification period from heroin is so dreadful, many heroin addicts return to the drug after the addiction recovery. Common withdrawal symptoms include nausea, insomnia, tremors, cold sweats and muscle cramps. Similar to an alcoholic's relationship with alcohol, heroin addicts will always be addicted to the drug. Though many addicts fight and win over the addiction, others have lost out to immediate death.