(Newswire.net — May 7, 2018) — One of the most widely abused drugs in America is heroin. It is no secret that heroin eventually claims the lives of all who use it if they do not seek out help and get themselves checked into a clinic that specializes in substance abuse. Here are facts about this deadly drug which you may not have known.
1. Heroin is actually a derivative of the poppy plant. It is synthesized from morphine, which originally comes from the seeds of the Asian poppy plant.
2. Heroin can be consumed in a multitude of ways. While it is portrayed mostly as being an injectable drug which is delivered directly into the vein of the addict, which they term “mainlining”, it can also be snorted or smoked. No matter which way it is used, it is always highly addictive.
3. The myth of the “street junkie” does actual more harm than good. Contrary to popular belief, addicts come from all walks of life and from all age groups. The quickest growing addict population is actually people in their late teens and early twenties who come from a middle-class background. Heroin does not discriminate in who it ensnares in its clutches.
4. The tolerance for heroin increases rather quickly. This results in the addict needing more and more of the drug to achieve the same high they originally encountered. This leads to an addiction which quickly spirals out of control and can leave the addict acting in ways they normally would not.
5. There is a multitude of health risks associated with heroin use. These include liver disease, an increased risk of contracting the HIV virus, infections occurring in the lining of the heart and the valves of the heart, collapsed veins, and fatal overdoses.
6. When a heroin addict stops using the drug, they experience what is known as heroin withdrawls. This state of withdrawal can occur in as little as a few hours after using the drug. Symptoms of heroin withdrawal can include sleeplessness, restlessness, goosebumps, cold flashes, muscle pain, bone pain, diarrhea, and extreme vomiting.
7. The worst of these symptoms typically last from 48 to 72 hours in most users. However, sudden stopping of heroin in heavy users can actually result in death. This is why it is so important to only attempt to quit while under the professional care and guidance of a clinic filled with trained doctors and nurses.
8. Interestingly enough, heroin was first manufactured and marketed by the Bayer Company. They were using it as a treatment for tuberculosis and also for withdrawing from morphine, which was vastly used in some circles in the 1800s.
9. The craving for heroin can actually still be felt even years after quitting use of the drug. The temptation can be triggered by such things as stress, familiar situations associated with the drug, and even visiting certain places where the user once consumed the drug.
10. There are approximately 10 million people around the world who use heroin. This is an undeniable epidemic which calls for far more opioid withdrawl information so that people can rid themselves of the drug.
11. When heroin is in a pure form, it is a fine white powder. However, it is most commonly found being sold on the streets either colored light gray or rose due to the toxic ingredients that are often added to it to maximize profits. The true potency of heroin used by the addict is not usually known.
As you can see, there are a great many reasons why quitting heroin should be done only under the strict supervision of a trained medical staff. The dangers of high impact withdrawal symptoms possibly leading to death are very real and should not be taken lightly. If you or someone you know is seeking help for heroin or other opioid addictions, do your research and find the nearest clinic which most suits your needs. Luckily, most insurance plans cover drug treatment so there is little viable reason why someone should not go and get themselves free of the drug. It is one of the most important decisions that an addict can make for themselves and should be supported.