Heroin Addiction
Heroin is an opiate, a substance that induces relaxation, dullness to pain, or sleep. It is typically injected or snorted, although it can also be smoked or ingested. Users of the substance desire euphoria and relaxation. Some slang terms for heroin are dope, H, smack, big H, Bin Laden, dead on arrival, H, Harry, jive, poppy, and whack.
Signs and Effects of Heroin Addiction
Heroin effects include drowsiness, constricted (“pinpoint”) pupils, loss of appetite, flu-like symptoms such as watery eyes, runny nose, cough, and nausea, nodding, clammy skin, shallow breathing, and convulsions.
Paraphernalia associated with the drug include syringes and bent spoons. Heroin users may have scars (often called “tracks”) caused by injections.
Heroin addiction can lead to serious health complications such as pulmonary disease, collapsed veins, liver disease, infection of the heart, contraction of hepatitis or HIV/AIDS from needle use, kidney disease, skin infection, and possible death.
Individuals afflicted with heroin addiction may withdraw from social interactions, damaging marriages, interpersonal relationships, and employment opportunities. They may also have financial struggles leading to homelessness, malnutrition, or stealing.
If you have any questions about heroin, or if you need help or advice about a drug or alcohol problem, you can call our free Addiction Helpline, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at 1-800-884-1727. You can also reach our Helpline by using Live Chat or through our Contact Us form.
