Heroin Addicts

Heroin addicts most likely inject or snort the drug, or heat it on foil and then smoke it. Heroin comes in a powder form and could range from white to a dark brown in color. Mexican heroin is a black tar-like substance that can be melted in water and then injected. The drug, Heroin, is a narcotic opioid that is synthesized from Morphine. Once a major anesthetic used by medical professionals, heroin use has declined in those areas and is now more popular for illicit uses.

Dangers for Heroin Addicts

The effects heroin addicts seek include a sudden warm feeling to the body and a rush that can be felt within minutes of use. Once the rush is over, a drowsy feeling will come over them along with inability to keep their eyes open. Speech will become slurred and breathing will become labored while on a heroin high. Heroin addicts can keep a high for minutes or even hours depending on the amount administered. Eventually, it will take more and more of the drug to produce the desired effects, and overdose can occur that can be dangerous or deadly.

In many cases heroin addicts will share dirty needles with other addicts causing them to contract HIV/AIDS. Other dangers heroin addicts are subject to include respiratory distress, infections of the heart valves, arthritis, body aches and pains, clogged blood vessels that control the liver, kidneys, and brain that can result in liver disease, hepatitis, stroke, or death. In big metropolitan cities they offer programs where heroin addicts can go and exchange their used needles for new ones just so they are not out on the streets using used ones. They also give the heroin addicts information on how to get help for their addiction to get clean and sober.

Severe withdrawal symptoms occur when a heroin addict attempts to discontinue use. Some of these include: cold flashes, vomiting, muscle cramps and pains, diarrhea, nausea, drug cravings, and flu-like symptoms. These symptoms will last a couple hours once the last dosage is taken and will not peak until 48 to 72 hours. In most cases, the addict will continue using heroin simply to avoid or minimize these symptoms and the cycle continues until devastating consequences occur. However, the consequences of remaining on heroin are far more severe than the temporary symptoms from withdrawal.

Help Is Available for Heroin Addicts

Get back to living life rather than avoiding it. If you are a heroin addict, or are acquainted with heroin addicts, call today to learn how we can help each of you overcome this powerful addiction.