Dangers of Heroin
by Riley Hammond
What is it?
Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive drug. It is both the most abused drug and acts the fastest of all the opiates.
Manmade and Natural
It is made from morphine, a psychoactive substance that occurs naturally in the seed pod of certain poppy plants.
The Buzz
It is very fast acting and when it enters the brain, heroin is converted back into morphine and binds directly to opioid receptors.
Nicknames
Dragon, Dope, H, Big H, White Lady, Black tar, and Smack
Long History
DEA was created
Heroin Overdose
How it's taken
Heroin is usually injected, sniffed/snorted, or smoked. It is mixed with water and injected with a needle. A usual heroin abuser will inject up to 4 times a day. “Intravenous” injection provides the greatest intensity. It moves through your bloodstream and goes right to your brain and other vital organs.
Effects on the Body
Effects on the Brain
Short Term – Heroin gives you a rush, users will become drowsy, organ functions slow down and judgement is clouded
Long Term –
- Changes physical structure and physiology of the brain
- Results in a decrease in brain white matter
- Effects decision making skills and ability to regulate behavior dependencies
Positive Effects – The user will feel a rush of good feelings and not feel pain
Negative Effects - Changes physical structure and physiology of the brain and results in a decrease in brain white matter.
Effects on Organs
- Deterioration of the brain into a spongy state, resulting in overall weakness, spastic attacks and permanent hand tremor
- Kidney failure, hemorrhoids, anal fissures or damage to the rectum
Did you know?
- In 2011, 4.2 million Americans or 1.6% (aged 12 or older) had used heroin at least once in their lives.
- 23% of individuals who use heroin become dependent on it
- In 2014 – more than 10,000 people in the US died from a heroin overdose
- For young people (ages 15-24) – 1,300 died from a heroin overdose
- Signs of a heroin overdose are slow breathing, blue lips and fingernails, cold damp skin, and shaking.