Heroin Facts and Figures

Most commonly abused narcotic.

It is a morphine derivative.

Effects include:

• Injuries that result from engaging in any activity (such as working, driving, or operating machinery) when incapacitated by heroin use
• Dependence, addiction
• Hepatitis, AIDS, and other infections from unsanitary injection
• Dry, itchy skin and skin infections
• Constricted pupils and reduced night vision
• Nausea and vomiting (following early use or high doses)
• Constipation and loss of appetite
• Menstrual irregularity
• Stroke or heart attack caused by blood clots resulting from insoluble additives
• Respiratory paralysis, heart arrest, coma, and death from accidental overdose
• Reduced sex drive
• Scarring ("tracks") along veins and collapsed veins from repeated injections
• Irregular blood pressure
• Slow and irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Fatigue, breathlessness, and labored, noisy breathing due to excessive fluid in the lungs ("the rattles")

Most dependant users are incapable of concentration, clear thought or learning, unable to hold a job. Apathy and indifference, cannot sustain personal relationships.

In 2001 3.1 million Americans 12 yrs and older had used heroin at least once. People aged 18 to 25 had the highest percentage of lifetime heroin use with 1.6% in 2001.

http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/factsht/heroin/#prevalence

http://www.nida.nih.gov/Infofacts/heroin.html

Read about Addiction Intervention

Read about Drug Treatment Programs