HEROIN

Heroin is a opiate drug. People who inject drugs (which is a common way to use heroin) are at more risk for HIV or Hepatitis C, diseases that are transmitted through blood or other bodily fluids. These diseases can occur if you share a unsterilized needle with someone. There are about 4.2 million Americans (in 2011) 12 and over who have used heroin at least once in their lives, and 23% become dependent on it. Heroin can cause cold flashes, diarrhea, vomiting, insomnia, restlessness and muscle and bone pain. Sudden withdrawal can be fatal to heavy users.

HEALTH RISKS

• collapsed veins
• infection of the heart lining and valves
• constipation and gastrointestinal cramping
• liver or kidney disease
• abscesses

LONG TERM EFFECTS

• Insomnia, Pustules on the face
• Memory loss, Loss of appetite
• Weakened immune system and/or muscles
• coma, Inflammation of the gums
• Depression

SHORT TERM EFFECTS

• Drowsiness
• Nausea, vomitting,
• severe itching
• Dry mouth
• "Rush" - a warm plus g of the skin

OTHER NAMES

• Skag
• Brown Sugar
• Hell Dust
• Smack
• Thunder

The 2007 National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported 153,000 current heroin users in the US in 2007. Other estimates give figures as high as 900,000.

An estimated 13.5 million people in the world take opioids (opium-like substances), including 9.2 million who use heroin.

Opiates, mainly heroin, account for 18% of the admissions for drug and alcohol treatment in the US.

In 2007, 93% of the world’s opium supply came from Afghanistan. (Opium is the raw material for heroin supply.) Its total export value was about $4 billion, of which almost three quarters went to traffickers. About a quarter went to Afghan opium farmers.

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CITATIONS

• http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/heroin/cheese-heroin.html
• www.justice.gov
• www.nida.nih.gov