The Effects of Heroin

The effects of an opioid drug such as Heroin are very dependable on persons who are taking it. The state of well-being, the amount of drugs or the frequency of use, and the size and weight of a person are some of the factors being considered to be able to determine that the person might be an heroin abuser. As one taking in Heroin some of the following signs and symptoms may be observed after or during intake. The effect of the drug in the body depends on how it was taken in. Injecting intravenous may effect the fastest and smoking may take some time and it lasts in the body for approximately 3-5 days. Shortness of breath, drying of mouth, constricted pupils, sudden change in behavior-- may it be  mentally and especially socially  -- and of decline personal care and confidence, inappropriate hyperactiveness, and feeling fidgety during conversations are some of the visible characteristics an heroin user may possess.

For long-termed Heroin users: 

Addiction for one is an indicative that Heroin abuse is prolonged. Excessive use of drugs may lead to tolerance and can lead to physical dependence and mental change-- hormonal and neuronal imbalance. Due to this addiction, intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships fall apart and rather acquisition of the drug becomes the main goal of living. 

Injecting Heroin often results to brusing, collapsed veins, infections, arthritis and infectious, needle-acquired diseases like AIDS. This is due to the urgency to feel the effect of the drug since injection of drug intravenously  can give a faster effect than the other methods. 

Other long-term effects of Heroin include the following

- bad and weakening of teeth and inflammed gums

- immune system is weakened

- coma

- respiratory problems

- disturbance in menstruation in women

- decrease intellectual ability and performance

- depression

- uneasiness

- partial paralysis

For Heroin-abusers who are pregnant:

Usage of Heroin during pregnancy can also cause dilemma to the fetus. It results to the so called Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome or NAS. This occurs when the drug passes through the placenta which will cause the baby to become dependent to the mother. Symptoms may include prolonged or non-stop crying,  high fever, malaise, diarrhea, vomitting, seizures and possibly death if not treated immediately. Treatment for this includes  intensive prenatal care, hospitalization and appropriate medications until the baby becomes opioid-free.