Heroin Abuse

Heroin is a very powerful addictive drug. When a person reaches the point in their life when they start abusing heroin they are in serious trouble. Many other drugs are seen as gateway drugs. Heroin is beyond a gateway drug it is typically used by drug addicts, people who are in an out of control spiral. There are those who function and live normal lives while abusing heroin but they would be the exceptions. Heroin can be made from morphine, and is derived from the opium poppy plant. Heroin can come in white or brown powder or in a black sticky substance called black tar heroin.

Heroin Use

There are several ways that Heroin is abused. It can be used intravenously with a needle. This is one of the more common ways Heroin is introduced into the system the effects re felt almost immediately. Heroin is some time snorted, or inhaled into the nose. Heroin can also be smoked by inhaling it directly into person's lungs. All three methods are dangerous and equally as addicting. If you or a loved one are struggling with Heroin Abuse or Heroin Addiction please get help as soon as possible.

Dangers of Heroin Abuse

People who consume too much heroin may suffer from breathing troubles difficulty with respiration and dangerously high blood pressure. People who are high on heroin will fade in and out of reality. This semi conscious state can be very dangerous for the person who is high. Given the fact that many people use heroin in crack houses or equally as dangerous of locations they become susceptible to harm from others. Heroin users will develop a tolerance to the drug requiring more to get high each time. Estimates show that approximately of 25% of all people who use Heroin will become a Heroin addict. Another looming danger is Heroin addicts who share needles opening up the possibility of contracting HIV/AIDS.

Help for Heroin Abuse

There is help for those addicted to heroin. The road back to recovery is long and very difficult. A person who is truly addicted to heroin will need to undergo a drying out period during which time they will suffer from withdrawal symptoms. In some cases a person who is in poor health may even die undergo the withdrawal process. There are several types of medication available to the person who is trying to give up their heroin addiction. They are Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone. All 3 of these medications should only be administered by a licensed physician. If a person has a desire to give up Heroin the best and safest place to do so is in a clinic of some type. There are many different drug rehabilitation facilities across the country.