Heroin Addiction in Cincinnati Ohio

Heroin is a highly addictive illicit drug used by people in Cincinnati, Ohio and millions worldwide. It is derived from the resin of the poppy plant. The resin is opium that is refined to make morphine, which in turn is refined into heroin. Heroin addiction is at epidemic proportions in the U.S. and efforts are being made to increase awareness of the dangers of the drug. Street names for heroin include junk, smack, skag, horse, brown sugar, hell dust, etc.

Heroin is a fine white powder that is diluted with other substances, such as sugar, caffeine, powdered milk, starches and poisons to sell on the street. Most addicts are unaware of the additives that are used in the heroin they buy on the street. Some of the additives do not fully dissolve with the heroin and may cause serious complications in the body. Some of the complications caused by additives include damage or destruction to blood vessels, kidneys, brain, lungs and other organs. Playing Russian roulette with heroin mixed with poisons may cause dangerous physical and psychological effects and also death.

Heroin Addiction and Its Effects

Many people who are taking prescription opioid painkillers build up a tolerance to the drug and then they have to take more of it to achieve the same effects. This tolerance leads to abuse of the drug and then addiction. Once addicted, many addicts switch to heroin when their refill prescription runs out. Heroin that is purchased on the street is cheaper to buy than opioid drugs and easier to get. The drug binds to the opioid receptors in the brain and body and creates feelings of euphoria and well-being and also diminishes the perception of pain. Many people who suffer with chronic pain have become addicted to heroin. And those who inject the drug into their veins are at risk for contracting HIV, hepatitis, bacterial or fungal endocarditis, kidney impairment or poisoning from additives.

Heroin addiction will begin to cause undesirable side effects. An addict may experience a depressed heart rate and respiration, and their body temperature may plunge below normal. Their mouth may become dry, their skin itchy, and the pupils of their eyes will be constricted. The hands, feet and mouth of a heroin addict may turn blue, and overdose is a constant threat whether the addict has been using heroin short or long-term. When heroin is used with other drugs or alcohol its side effects are compounded. The addict will run the risk of developing a depressed respiratory system, heart problems, a lack of oxygen to the brain, coma and death. Other long-term adverse effects of heroin include a weakened immune system, pain in muscles and bones, shivering, infections, malnutrition, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sedation, sleep problems, damaged teeth and gums, kidney or liver damage, infection of the heart valves, weight loss, and a decrease in libido and sexual functioning.

The life of a heroin addict is not only affected physically. His mental health might also suffer and he may become depressed from the loneliness of social isolation and estrangement from loved ones. He may also suffer from anxiety, restlessness, hallucinations, mood swings, delusions, hostility and memory loss. Addiction to heroin may also create financial and legal problems, and the addict may become homeless or incarcerated. Other social problems that may crop up from addiction include child abuse, separation or divorce, loss of child custody, loss of employment and financial problems.

Regardless of all the devastating effects of heroin addiction there is always the hope of recovery. Once an addict has made up his mind to get the help he needs, he has taken the first step in his recovery. There are many programs, treatments, medications and support groups to assist an addict on the road back to good health and sobriety. If you or a friend are addicted to heroin, today is the day to take that first step toward recovery. Drug Detox Centers Cincinnati is here to help. Just give one of our caring recovery advocates a call at (513) 914-4554 for information.