what happens to the body when using heroin

Heroin

What Is Heroin?

Heroin is a drug that comes from a blossom, the opium poppy, which usually grows in Mexico, Asia, and South America. It's very addictive and has been illegal in the United states since 1924. Information technology can expect like a white or dark-brown powder, or a sticky black "tar." It's also called horse, smack, junk, and brown sugar, among other names.

How Heroin Is Used

Many people fume or snort heroin. Most users inject it into their veins. That'due south the most dangerous way to take it, because it's easier to overdose and you lot tin can catch a disease from a dirty needle.

No matter how you have it, heroin gets to your brain quickly. It'south likewise piece of cake to become addicted. Fifty-fifty later on yous use it just i or two times, it can be hard to terminate yourself from using again. Learn more about why heroin is so addictive.

Right later on you lot take heroin, you get a rush of good feelings and happiness. Then, for several hours, you feel equally if the earth has slowed downward. You lot think slowly and may walk slowly. Some users say you experience like you're in a dream.

Heroin blocks your body from getting hurting messages and slows your middle rate and breathing. If you overdose, you may stop breathing and die.

Many people first using heroin to deal with anxiety, worries, and other stressors. One study plant that 75% of users had mental health issues such as depression, ADHD, or bipolar disorder.

Why Are More People Using Heroin?

The number of people in the United States who utilize heroin has risen steadily since 2007.

A cistron that played a role in the rise of heroin is the growing abuse of prescription painkillers such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, which are too made from the poppy found and are chemically related to heroin. People who get dependent on or misuse these drugs may start looking for a stronger, cheaper high. Heroin is both. But information technology's as well more dangerous. In that location's no way to know what you're taking or how stiff it is.

The U.S. opioid overdose death rate rose almost 400% betwixt 2010 and 2017. Some of these deaths happen considering heroin is laced with other drugs, such equally the powerful painkiller fentanyl. Fentanyl has go i of the leading contributors to overdose deaths in the U.S.

What Are the Effects of Heroin?

Short-term effects of heroin include:

• Euphoria
• A dry mouth
• Warm, flushed skin
• Arms and legs that feel heavy
• Upset tum and vomiting
• Itching
• A fuzzy encephalon
• Switching in and out of drowsiness (this is often called being "on the nod")

Long-term heroin use can lead to:

• Collapsed veins
• Insomnia
• Infections of your center lining and valves
• Skin infections like abscesses and cellulitis
• A higher chance of getting HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C
• Liver and kidney disease
• Mental disorders
• Lung diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis
• Menstrual problems and miscarriage

Heroin Addiction and Withdrawal

Heroin is very addictive. Many people who take it develop a utilize disorder. This means it causes health issues, disabilities, and trouble at home, work, or school.

If yous use heroin a lot, your trunk builds up a tolerance to it. But that doesn't mean it won't harm you lot. It means you demand to take more and more to become the same high. Your trunk comes to depend on it. So, when yous quit using it, you have withdrawal symptoms that may include:

• Jitters
• Chills
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Bone and musculus hurting
• Trouble sleeping
• Cold flashes
• Leg movements that you can't control

Heroin Addiction Treatment

Your medical team can assist you find the treatment plan that works best for you lot. It volition probably include medication and behavioral therapy. Experts say this medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the "gold standard" of intendance for people who have heroin addiction.

Medications can make it easier to wean your torso off heroin and reduce cravings. Buprenorphine and methadone work in a similar way to heroin, binding to cells in your encephalon chosen opioid receptors. These medicines are safer and longer-lasting than heroin. Naltrexone blocks those receptors so opioids like heroin don't have whatever issue. This makes using them less enjoyable.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps you pay attention to the things yous think and exercise when information technology comes to drug utilise. It gives yous ways to better cope with stress and other triggers. Another type of therapy called contingency direction offers rewards such as vouchers or money if y'all can stay drug-free.

Heroin Overdose

If you lot remember someone is overdosing, have activity right away. They need treatment inside minutes.

A medication called naloxone can block the effects of a heroin overdose if it'south used quickly. Paramedics oft requite it equally a shot. But it also comes in measured doses equally an auto-pen (Evzio) and a nasal spray (Narcan). In some states, you don't need a dr.'s prescription to go Narcan. You can get it through local resources or pharmacy chains.

Someone who's overdosing may demand more than one dose of naloxone or further medical care. Subsequently y'all give them a dose of naloxone, call 911 or get them to the ER right away.

What to Do if Y'all Think Someone Is Using Heroin

A person on heroin may not wait like they're "on drugs." They may merely seem sleepy. People who are addicted almost always deny that they're using.

If you think a friend or family unit member is using heroin, don't wait and hope things will get better. Human activity right away. The sooner a person gets help, the better.

You tin treat heroin addiction. Contact the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence to notice services near y'all. Or call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration hotline at one-800-662-HELP (4357).

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Source: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/heroin-use

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