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Slang Terms:
Big H, Black Tar, Brown Sugar, Dope, Horse, Junk, Mud, Smack, Skag
Short Term Effects:
· Dry mouth
· Heavy extremities
· Constipation
· Slurred speech
· Constricted pupils
· Impaired night vision
· Vomiting
· Severe itching
· Depression of the Central
Nervous System
Long Term Effects:
· Collapsed veins
· Infection of the heart lining
· Liver disease
· Infection of the heart valves
· Pulmonary complications
· Abscesses
· Cellulitis
· Addiction
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Heroin
diacetylmorphine
Form
Heroin is most commonly found as a white to dark brown powder that is taken
through intravenous injection, but can be snorted and smoked.
When and Why it is Used
Heroin is the most abused and rapidly acting of the opiates. It is used
to achieve a state of euphoria. The effects can last for a few hours. 2.4
million people in the United States are abusers.
Other Facts
Heroin can stay in the blood in the blood for as long as 48 to 72 hours
after injection.
Withdrawal symptoms can include diarrhea, insomnia, bone and muscle pain,
vomiting, cold flashes, and leg movements.
Heroin Abusers are at an increased risk for the HIV/AIDS virus as well as
Hepatitis B and C.
Sudden withdrawal by heavily dependent users can result in death.
Heroin is a Schedule I Drug under the Controlled Substances Act.
Chronic use can result in collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining
and valves, abscesses, cellulitis, and liver disease.
Long term use of heroin, an opiate, can alter the brain's chemistry
as to possibly result in permanent craving for heroin.
Pregnant heroin abusers risk miscarriages, premature births, and stillbirths.
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