What is heroin?
Heroin has been around a long time and yet some of us still really do not know very much about this dangerous drug and its effects on the body. For instance, were you aware that heroin is actually a derivative of morphine? And did you know that morphine comes from the opium poppy?
Heroin can come in powder form, ranging in color from white to dark brown. That is not the only form in which someone can obtain heroin, however. Sometimes heroin is also a thick substance that resembles tar. Nicknames for heroin include: Blacktar, Dope, Smack, Junk, Mud, Horse, Brown sugar, Big H and Skag. And these are just a few of the names that people use when referring to heroin.
Since heroin comes in more than one form, there are several ways that a user can get heroin into his or her system. You may be familiar with the idea that heroin users inject heroin into a vein or muscle. However, this drug can also be snorted when it is in a powder form. Some users smoke heroin in pipes–water pipes or regular pipes. They also mix it into cigarettes or smoke it with marijuana and sometimes breathe it in through a straw.
It is important to be able to recognize the paraphernalia associated with the use of illegal drugs such as heroin. Now this does not mean that if someone you know has a pack of straws or a pipe that they are a heroin addict, so no need to jump to conclusions. There are modifications in behavior and health complications associated with heroin use. Come back tomorrow to learn more about the effects that heroin use can have on the human body.
If you already know that someone you love is using heroin, then do not hesitate to get some help. At Transitions we have a 24 hour helpline that you can call at 1-800-626-1980. It is important to get heroin users into a drug treatment center as soon as possible.
We know that sometimes shame and fear can keep addicts and their families from seeking help. That is why we continually work to reduce the stigma associated with addiction recovery and to help each patient take back his or her life with dignity and respect. Education and outreach are key to removing the social stigma often encountered by recovering addicts and alcoholics, and Transitions Recovery Program is actively involved in both throughout the community.
