Heroin and Opiates

Heroin and other opiates are derived from the opium poppy plant. The major biologically active opiates found in opium are morphine, codeine and papaverine. Morphine is used to produce heroin and other drugs. Opium is used as a pain reliever and abusers will gain a tolerance for it and need to use larger amounts to obtain the same effects. Addiction to opiates occurs when a person needs the drug to function in their daily life and has trouble functioning without them. Opiate withdrawal symptoms can include loss of appetite, irritability and anxiety, insomnia, vomiting and nausea. These symptoms can last from a few days up to a week and serious problems can arise from the effects of withdrawal.

Heroin addiction is one of the most destructive and physically addictive drugs, making recovery from heroin addiction a very difficult and painful process. Opiates in and of themselves are physically addictive drugs. Heroin can be taken orally, smoked, or injected which gives users the quickest and most intense effect. Heroin gives the user feelings of euphoria, followed by a pleasant drowsiness. In the beginning the high lasts for 4 to 6 hours, but once a tolerance develops, the high only lasts 2 to 4 hours and then another “fix” dose is needed to maintain the desired effect. Heroin withdrawal can be a difficult and lengthy process and medical detoxification from heroin is best done under the supervision of a doctor who specializes in addiction treatment.

Furthermore, because heroin is often injected, users who share needles or use non-sterile techniques when they inject heroin are at risk for contracting dangerous infections, such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C.