Smack, china white, horse, and black tar are some of the slang terms used for the drug heroin. We are told by our leaders in society, physicians, and enforcement agencies of horrors of this drug, however, less is commonly discussed is how the byproduct of this simple flower is converted into one the of most addictive drugs in our society. Heroin is the illegal opiate drug made from the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum. The plant flourishes in dry warm climates; the vast majority of the opium poppies are grown in Central Asia with Afghanistan being the largest exporter producing up to 82% of the world 's supply. Heroin, also known as Diamorphine, is one of a group of drugs called opiates; a substance derived from opium. Opium is
…show more content…
Upon entering the brain, enzymes convert heroin back into morphine. Once in morphine form, it quickly binds to the opioid receptors in the brain. This binding action triggers sensations of pain relief and even euphoria – which are more intense than the sensations produced by the body’s own endorphins binding to these receptors. The duplication of endorphins slows down the nervous system and stops the production of the neurotransmitter. When the drug wears off, there is no protection against any kind of pain, causing severe symptoms of withdrawal associated with these drugs. An addict who tries to quit using the drug feels such pain that the urge to use again becomes unbearable. People can become psychologically and physically dependent on opioids very quickly. Although, it is most often injected, heroin may also be smoked, sniffed, used as a suppository, or orally ingested. Smoking and sniffing of heroin do not produce a "rush" as quickly or as intensely intravenously; the effect can be felt in as little as eight seconds. Oral ingestion does not usually lead to a "rush", but use of heroin in suppository form may have intense euphoric effects. It really doesn 't matter the how it 's taken, heroin is so powerful it is addictive by any given …show more content…
According to the 2015 Survey on Drug Use and Health by the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, it is estimated that 773,000 persons used heroin in the years 2012-2015, compared to 607,000 during 2009-20011. Similarly, the estimated number of new heroin users increased from 374,000 per year during 2002-2005.3 Indeed, the skyrocketing rates of overdoses and deaths have begun to change the national conversation from criminalizing drug users to treating them. Inpatient and outpatient drug rehabilitation clinicians can provide a safe place to receive treatment of while detoxing. Sometimes because of the dread of withdrawal, quite unpleasant on its own, is often worse than the side effects of using heroin in the mind of an addict. Withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, restlessness, drug cravings, cognitive and physical fatigue, muscle pain and weakness, and bone
Upon entering the brain, enzymes convert heroin back into morphine. Once in morphine form, it quickly binds to the opioid receptors in the brain. This binding action triggers sensations of pain relief and even euphoria – which are more intense than the sensations produced by the body’s own endorphins binding to these receptors. The duplication of endorphins slows down the nervous system and stops the production of the neurotransmitter. When the drug wears off, there is no protection against any kind of pain, causing severe symptoms of withdrawal associated with these drugs. An addict who tries to quit using the drug feels such pain that the urge to use again becomes unbearable. People can become psychologically and physically dependent on opioids very quickly. Although, it is most often injected, heroin may also be smoked, sniffed, used as a suppository, or orally ingested. Smoking and sniffing of heroin do not produce a "rush" as quickly or as intensely intravenously; the effect can be felt in as little as eight seconds. Oral ingestion does not usually lead to a "rush", but use of heroin in suppository form may have intense euphoric effects. It really doesn 't matter the how it 's taken, heroin is so powerful it is addictive by any given …show more content…
According to the 2015 Survey on Drug Use and Health by the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, it is estimated that 773,000 persons used heroin in the years 2012-2015, compared to 607,000 during 2009-20011. Similarly, the estimated number of new heroin users increased from 374,000 per year during 2002-2005.3 Indeed, the skyrocketing rates of overdoses and deaths have begun to change the national conversation from criminalizing drug users to treating them. Inpatient and outpatient drug rehabilitation clinicians can provide a safe place to receive treatment of while detoxing. Sometimes because of the dread of withdrawal, quite unpleasant on its own, is often worse than the side effects of using heroin in the mind of an addict. Withdrawal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, restlessness, drug cravings, cognitive and physical fatigue, muscle pain and weakness, and bone