Heroin is the most commonly used and abused narcotic in today’s society. It is an illegal opiate that depresses central nervous system function and dangerously lowers respiration rate and blood pressure.
Effects of Heroin Use
The initial effects of heroin are pleasurable, but mild to severe negative side effects develop quickly. The initial feelings may include the following:
- Intense pleasure
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Relief from physical or psychological pain
The pleasurable effects of heroin are immediate and short-lived. Later effects are not pleasurable, are detrimental to health and are usually much longer lasting. These heroin effects may include the following:
- Slow heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Depressed respiration
- Vomiting and nausea
- Weakness
- Confusion
What Drugs Are Typically Mixed with Heroin?
Heroin is often used in conjunction with other drugs. The following is a list of some of the most common heroin combinations and their effects:
- Heroin and alcohol. Alcohol and heroin are both depressants that suppress the functions of the nervous system. Mixing alcohol and heroin can slow function enough to cause the heart to stop beating, blood pressure to drop too low, or respiration to slow or stop. Mixing alcohol and heroin can easily lead to death.
- Heroin and cocaine. The combination of heroin and cocaine is commonly referred to as a “speedball.” Cocaine and heroin each cause the negative effects of the other to increase. Cocaine is a stimulant and causes the heart to beat rapidly, but after it wears off heroin causes the heart to slow down. Mixing cocaine and heroin puts incredible stress on the heart, can disrupt heart rhythms and can ultimately lead to death.
- Heroin and amphetamines. Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that cause users to feel awake and excited. Heroin is a depressant that makes users feel drowsy and relaxed. These drugs counteract each other’s immediate effects and make it easier to overdose on one or both.
Heroin and Addiction Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with a heroin addiction or mixing heroin with alcohol or other drugs, now is the time to find help. Call our toll-free number today to receive information about heroin, addiction and treatment options. Professionals are available 24 hours a day to provide you with the opportunity for change.
