Substance Abuse
Definitions and Symptoms

Heroin

Definition:

Heroin is an addictive drug, and its use is a serious problem in America. Recent studies suggest a shift from injecting heroin to snorting or smoking because of increased purity and the misconception that these forms are safer.

Heroin is processed from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seedpod of the Asian poppy plant. Heroin usually appears as a white or brown powder. Street names for heroin include "smack," "H," "skag," and "junk."

Psychological Effects:

• Respiratory depression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Increased risk of having infections
• Increased risk of intrauterine death, stillbirth, low birth weight and opiate withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

Psychological Effects of Intravenous Injection:

• Swelling, inflammation (Cellulitis)
• Sores (Pustules)
• Inflammation/veins (Vasculitis)
• Blood clot (Thrombosis)
• Myositis
• Enlarged, inflamed weak heart (Endocarditis)
• Death
• Hepatitis B, C and HIV can be transmitted through sharing of needles or syringes.