Drug Intervention Information: Heroin
Heroin is made from morphine, a naturally occurring substance collected from the opium poppy plant. In the past, heroin often took the form of a white or brown powder; but more common today is a dark gooey substance with the look of tar, hence the name black tar heroin. Though often injected, heroin can also smoked or snorted. Intravenous users of heroin often contract infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis. Heroin is known for its pain masking euphoria. It provides immediate, intense pleasure and almost immediately creates a chemical dependency for it in the user. Just as quickly, however, the pleasure turns to nightmare, the only answer being, to use heroin again.
Abuse
Abuse of heroin means the “self-inflicted maltreatment, injury or damage to oneself with heroin.” This damage includes the physical as well as social and financial effects on this person. The far-reaching destruction will reach friends, family, co-workers and others in the social sphere of the addict. People in the addict’s life can become victims, but are often enablers of the behavior, by allowing it to continue.
Addiction and Dependency
Heroin dependency is when the body develops both a physical and psychological need for heroin. Other symptoms often present are increased tolerance as well as withdrawal. The addict often times wants to rid him or herself of their addiction, but without professional help, a premature death is more probable.
Intervention
Just by reading this, you are closer to finding help for a loved one. The next step is to call for assistance from a professional interventionist. Calls are confidential and anonymous. Please call Intervention Authority at 1 (877) 627-0384 (toll-free) or 1 (949) 636-1268 (outside the United States). You can also email us at info@interventionauthority.com.
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