Heroin is a highly addictive opiate drug that is among the most commonly abused drugs in the United States. Heroin is synthesized from morphine, a substance extracted from the Asian opium poppy plant. Heroin is a white or brown powder that can be injected, smoked or snorted. In addition to the many dangerous side effect associated with heroin abuse, the use of needles brings with it the risk of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. As with other opiates, regular heroin use usually causes tolerance and in turn dependence. Tolerance refers to the brain and body “getting used to” the effects of the drug so that higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect. Over time, the cycle of dangerous increases in dose and regularity of use can lead to overdose and death. Knowing more about heroin and addiction can help prevent or end abuse of this dangerous substance.
Heroin Use and Side Effects
Many people think of injection when they think of heroin, but the drug can also be snorted, sniffed and smoked. All methods of use deliver the drug to the brain quickly. Heroin use results in many negative physical and mental side effects. Some health risks associated with heroin are not directly linked to the drug itself. One of those risks is that of infectious diseases that can be passed through needles. Among these are HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. In addition, the environments in which many people abuse drugs are not sanitary and can lead to infections or sickness. Another risk is that heroin can contain unknown ingredients added during manufacturing or distribution. Heroin would be dangerous enough if one were only considering the effects of the drug itself. Adding indirect sources of harm only makes heroin use more risky.
Get Help for Heroin Addiction
If you are struggling with heroin addiction, information is power. Call our 24 hour toll-free helpline to speak with an addiction counselor who can give you more information about the dangers of heroin and the reasons you shouldn’t wait to get treatment. Waiting to get help only increases the chance that heroin will cause you serious harm if not death. Don’t wait, call now and start recovering today.
