History of Heroin

Although poppy plants have existed as far back as 3400 B.C., the use of these plants did not begin to spread across the world until the 19th century. C.R. Alder Wright, a chemist, created heroin in 1874 by creating a concentrated form of morphine. Twenty-three years later, heroin became more well-known when a chemist working for the Bayer Company, Hoffman, attempted to synthesize the compound in hopes of creating a drug that was effective in relieving pain without the addictive qualities that morphine possesses. However, they ended up creating a drug that was twice as potent as the standard morphine and just as addictive.

Expansion and Restriction of Heroin Use

Although heroin was addictive, it was originally marketed it as a non-addictive morphine substitute. It was also used on children as a cough suppressant. They discontinued this practice once they found out that heroin turns back into morphine when it enters the body. In the 1914 Narcotics Act, the government restricted the selling of heroin to only medical purposes. With this act, recreational use was still easily taking place. However, there were several more laws that eventually led to heroin becoming illegal altogether in the United States.

Heroin Overview

Heroin is a synthetic opiate drug that is highly addictive. It only takes a few hits to become addicted to heroin. An addict has to take heroin multiple times a day because the effects of withdrawal occur very quickly. It is made from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seedpod of the Asian opium poppy plant. Heroin enters the brain, where it is converted to morphine and binds to receptors known as opioid receptors.

The opioid receptors are located in many areas of the brain. Since they are found in the area that deals with perception of pain, heroin is sometimes used under the name of diamorphine in some hospitals to reduce fever and pain. Opioid receptors are also located in the brain stem, which is important for breathing, blood pressure and arousal. After an injection of heroin, users feel a surge of euphoria, which is known as a “rush.” Following the initial “rush,” the user goes “on the nod,” an alternately wakeful and drowsy state. Mental functioning becomes clouded. If heroin is not injected, the user may not feel the intense “rush,” but the other effects will be there.

Heroin Treatment Options

Because of the nature of heroin abuse, it is difficult to quit using without professional help. The effects of withdrawal that an addict will go through when quitting are very intense and unpleasant. Some of the effects include:

• Vomiting
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Loss of appetite
• Hot and cold flashes
• Aches
• Fever
• Rapid breathing
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration

However, there are drugs that can help reduce these symptoms during detox. Methadone and buprenorphine are usually administered by physicians during a detox period.

After a user goes through detox, they also should seek help from a rehab facility in order to get the continued watch and counseling necessary to beat the addiction. A patient who only goes through heroin detox is more likely to relapse.

Get Help for Heroin Addiction

If you or a loved one is addicted to heroin, it is important to seek help. Once addicted, the effects are devastating. But, there is hope. If you are interested in receiving information on heroin detox or rehab, please call our toll free number at (866) 872-6491. All calls are private and confidential.