Heroin Research Papers

Heroin, or C21H23NO5, is regarded as one of the most dangerous drugs in the world. It is a “white and sometimes brownish, odorless compound,” that is “a highly addictive narcotic when abused” (Sfetcu). Derived from morphine, this drug has the power to destroy the lives of addicts and their families. The use of this substance should be rejected entirely not only due to the consequences it has on the user, but also because of the effects it has on society as a whole. To best understand the fatal risks that come with this narcotic, it is important to know how it works. Natasha Tracy, who writes for healthyplace.com states that ‘the rush,’ which usually lasts one or two minutes and is what attracts users of heroin, causes an “initial sensation of euphoria and transcendent relaxation, confusion, and a cloudy mental state.” According to aforeverrecovery.com, heroin is transmitted to the brain whenever it is injected, snorted, or smoked. Once absorbed, heroin is converted back to morphine. “It connects with molecules in the central nervous system called opioid receptors” which are dispersed throughout the brain and body and manage the perceptions of pain and pleasure, breathing, and blood pressure (aforeverrecovery.com). Heroin’s chemical structure allows it to act like extremely powerful endorphins, giving the user an analgesic effect, says aforverrecovery.com. However, addicts easily build up a tolerance to the drug’s effects and will need a higher dosage to receive similar wanted effects. This built-up tolerance often leads to “respiratory …show more content…
It is a fact that a world without heroin would be a better place. The problem is not only the fault of the people using addictive drugs, but also of the people making them and benefitting from the destruction of others’ lives. By making people more aware of the problem before they become a part of it, we can hopefully get rid of its