Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid manufactured from morphine. This drug is originally extracted from the seed of opium poppy plant, and uses as both painkiller and recreational drug. It is illegal to manufacture and to sell in the U.S., but in some countries, it is legally prescribed drug. According to National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2007, 3.8 million Americans of age 12 or older have abused heroin at least once in their life. Heroin affects cells functioning in central nervous system.

How it is abused?
Heroin is a highly addictive drug in U.S., and its abuse has many adverse consequences on the health of the abuser. According to National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2007, 1.06 millions Americans of age 12 or older had abused heroin first time in their life in 2006. Heroin is available in form white or brown color powder and it is smoked, injected, or snorted. Depending on abuser’s preference, and purity of the drug, abuser can abuse heroin in any form.

Through injection, the drug is released directly into bloodstream. Heroin enters into blood through nasal tissues if sniffed. With smoking of heroin, it directly passed through lungs. Regular abusers inject this drug minimum four times a day. Injecting this drug into body is the predominant method of abusing. Frequent abuse of this drug can quickly leads to addiction. Abstaining from heroin much quicker than any other opioids, it is possible within 4 to 5 weeks if the abuser wants to overcome.

Harmful effects of Heroin
Many risks are involved in heroin abuse. Infection in the body is the common effect of drug abuse. According to National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2006, 2.45 million abusers received treatment only for heroin abuse. Abuser will feel drowsy for several hours from the time of drug abuse. Few short-term effects of drug abuse include warm flushing of skin, dry mouth, heavy extremities, and mental function becomes clouded due to depression of central nervous system.

Collapsed veins, infection of heart valves, liver disease are few long-term effects of drug abuse. The drug clogs in blood vessels, and leads to lungs, liver, and kidneys. Heroin addiction can change abuser behavior. If a regular abuser with poor health record discontinues then it may lead to fatal state for the abuser within an hour. 70%-80% of new hepatitis C infections in U.S. are due to heroin abuse.

The above information helps you in getting a snapshot about the heroin abuse, and its effects. As there are many adverse effects of heroin addiction, support the heroin addicts to overcome from its addiction.