Heroin Addiction

How Bad is Heroin Addiction?

Drug abuse is becoming an increasing problem in today’s society. In fact, it gets worse every year. According to CNN, illegal drug use has increased by 19% over the past year, proving that more people are getting hooked on these dangerous substances. This is also the reason why the number of drug rehab patients around the world is increasing annually.

Getting to Know the Harmful Drug Called Heroin

Heroin is an illegal opioid drug, modified from the medical substance called morphine. It’s very addictive and can pose numerous health risks. It has different varieties, among the most popular are the ones in white powder form.

Heroin is commonly mixed with starch, powdered milk, sugar, and quinine, a compound that features pain-relieving and fever-inducing properties. Black tar heroin is another variant of the drug. This appears as a black and sticky substance that can be snorted, smoked, or injected.

Why People Resort to Heroin Abuse

It’s perplexing to know why people keep on taking illegal drugs like heroin even if they know that it can damage their body and life as a whole. Well, the answer to that has to do with the physical and mental effects of the substance.

Heroin is one of the fastest-acting drugs — the reason why most people prefer it over others. Teenagers use heroin mainly to cope with school and family problems, as well as self-image issues. There are also instances when teens are forced to take heroin due to peer pressure. Meanwhile, the number one reason why adults use it is to alleviate their physical or mental pain.

Short-term Effects

Heroin is best known for its rewarding sensations. Once you take it, you’ll instantly feel intense satisfaction, both physically and mentally. This happens because your nerve cells are forced to release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good.

The effect will last from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the dose, purity, and method of intake. Injected heroin has stronger effects than those that are smoked and snorted. The user will also experience nodding, a semi-conscious feeling where you’re half awake and half asleep.

Long-term Effects

  • Weakened Immune System

Heroin increases your body’s susceptibility to different diseases because it weakens your immune system. Your body won’t have any defense against germs and viruses because the chemical composition of your immune system has been altered by the drug.

  • Lack of Energy
  • Skin Irritation

Skin irritation is a common effect of heroin intake because your body secretes too much dopamine and other chemicals. This disrupts the chemical balance in your body, resulting in excoriated skin.

  • Brain Damage

In extreme cases, too much heroin intake results in brain damage because of the “overloaded” neurotransmitters.

What do you think of heroin? Do you know someone who uses it? If so, feel free to share this article with them. Not only will you save a life, but you’ll also make the world a better place.