Heroin is an opiate drug that’s been around since 1874 when it was first synthesized by C.R. Alder Wright, a chemist. Until 1910, the substance, first known as diacetylmorphine, was marketed under the name heroin as a morphine substitute and cough suppressant with non-addictive qualities.
When it was later discovered that it is a quicker acting form of morphine, as it is rapidly metabolized, its sale, manufacture, and import were all banned under the US Congress’ 1924 Harrison Narcotics Tax Act. Now, as a Schedule I controlled substance, heroin’s illegal use dominates the lives of many addicts.
In order to use heroin, addicts and recreational users may either snort or smoke the drug. The vapors can also be inhaled as it is heated into a thick liquid. The most widespread method of illegal use is intravenous injection, or “shooting up.” Heroin addicts can be vectors for transmitting diseases like HIV/AIDS, and other blood-borne pathogens, as sharing of hypodermic needles used to inject the drug is relatively common. To avoid this risk, heroin addicts can use needle exchange programs, which are now present in some cities and well populated areas.
Heroin addicts experience the negative effects of the drug throughout their entire bodies. When overuse of the drug occurs, the results to the nervous, circulatory, and respiratory systems can be fatal. This is because the long-term effects of heroin are known to include collapsed veins, infection of the heart and respiratory depression, among a long list of other symptoms. Additionally, behavioral effects are often present, including delirium, drowsiness, and disorientation. Why do heroin addicts continue such harmful behaviors? Many medical professionals and analysts believe that the severity of the withdrawals symptoms associated with quitting heroin use are responsible for addicts preclusion from giving up the drug.
Heroin addicts experience physical dependence on the drugs as well as psychological dependence. When they cease use, addicts can experience withdrawal symptoms within 6 to 24 hours. These symptoms are varied but can include sweating, anxiety, depression, cramps and pains in the limbs, tears, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, digestive cramps, nausea and fevers. These are fairly severe symptoms, but may be par for the course for heroin addicts going through a withdrawal.
Most heroin detox treatments include some sort of semi-synthesized morphine replacement drug, or the use of some other drug to lessen symptomatic withdrawal problems. Depending on the addict’s tolerance and their level of drug use, the symptoms of withdrawal can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
There is help for heroin addicts and if you are an addict you should seek help now so you can get off of the drug and begin your recovery to save your life.