Heroin is a drug that comes from the opium poppy flower. It is legally classified as a narcotic. It is a depressant (slows down the body processes). It is white, off-white, or brown powder. Heroin is usually cooked into a solution then injected into a vein or the skin although it also can be taken orally or inhaled.

Within a few seconds of an injection the face flushed, the pupils constrict, and there is a tingling in the abdomen leading to the feeling that all is fine. Later, the user experiences a nodding off (a drifting off, then coming back, then again drifting off).

-Heroin is an extremely addictive narcotic. Addictive or dependence producing properties are exhibited by :

Persistent regular use of the drug

Attempts to stop such use which leads significant and painful withdrawal symptoms

Continued use despite damaging physical and psychological problems

Compulsive drug-seeking behavior

Need for increasing doses of the drug

-The drug exerts its primary addictive effect by activating both the region of the brain that is responsible for producing the pleasurable sensation and the region which produces the classic physical dependence syndrome. Together, these actions account for the user's loss of control and the drug's habit-forming action.

-Many health problems related to heroin use are caused by uncertain dosage levels (due to fluctuations in purity), use of unsterile equipment, contamination of heroin by cutting agents, or use of heroin in combination with other drugs such as alcohol or cocaine. Typical problems include skin abscesses, inflammation of the veins, serum hepatitis, and addiction with withdrawal symptoms.

-Utilization of unsterile needles by multiple individuals (needle sharing) increases the risk of exposure to HIV, the causative agent for the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Heroin itself, as well as a drug-abusing lifestyle, may depress the body's ability to withstand infection.

-While intravenous drug users account for many of the reported AIDS cases, their proportion of the AIDS population is increasing.

-The reported symptoms and signs of heroin use include euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils and nausea. Withdrawal symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose, loss of appetite, tremors, panic, chills, sweating, nausea, muscle cramps and insomnia. Elevations in blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate and temperature occur as withdrawal progresses.

-Symptoms of heroin overdose include shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, and coma. Death may result.

-By modifying the molecular structure of certain controlled substances, underground chemists have been able to create new forms of drugs grouped under the term "designer drugs". Some of these, the fentanyl analogs, are capable of producing effects many times greater than those achieved with heroin. Others, the meperidine analogs such reactions which mimic Parkinsonism and which may result in death.

-Heroin use during pregnancy is associated with stillbirths, placental abruptions, and sudden infant death. Unless the mother is receiving treatment, her baby is likely to show symptoms of withdrawal and to be below normal birthweight.

-The relative price of heroin in terms of purity and availability is believed to influence drug preference for many users. Dilaudid, amphetamines, and cocaine are frequently abused by heroin users in preference to poor quality heroin.

This information has been generously provided by the Alcove, West Jersey Health System's Addiction Treatment Program. For further information, or for assistance, treatment and referral call Alcove (609) 342-4505.