4.7 Risks of heroin
Drug Abuse
4.7 Risks of heroin see also 3.7
Short-term
* Overdose.
* Abscesses if injecting.
* The shakes' (fever attack when heroin is injected).
*
Medium term
* Malnourishment.
*
*
Long-term
* Discontinuation of menstrual bleeding.
Is heroin addictive?
Contrary to popular belief, no one will turn into an addict immediately after taking one dose but the body gets used to heroin remarkably fast. Especially when heroin is injected intravenously, tolerance develops quickly: A steadily increasing dose is needed to maintain the same effects. If the heroin wears off or its use is discontinued, a variety of withdrawal symptoms occurs (cold shivers, diarrhoea, sweating, cramps). The socalled 'cold turkey' can become so unbearable that after a while individuals only keep on using so as not to get sick. Aside from physical pain, heroin also numbs mental pain. This makes heroin twice as attractive to individuals with personal problems.
1 + 1 = 3 Alcohol, methadone, sleeping medicines and tranquillizers all have the same effect as heroin: They sedate. Combined use intensifies this effect which can lead to respiratory failure.
Heroin and cocaine
Combined use of heroin and cocaine can also be dangerous. Because both substances partly neutralise each other's effect, (one sedates, the other stimulates), too much could be used without the user realizing.
Can heroin use lead to aggression?
In theory no, because heroin just like all other opiates is extremely sedating. The heroin user is very calm and may not feel like much action. (This applies mainly to chippers).
Last Updated (Thursday, 06 January 2011 17:10)