Deaths caused by drug overdose have increased in the last year, and statistics show that more than 107,000 deaths in 2021 were from a drug overdose.
Although not the number one cause of death by overdose, heroin is still one of the most prominent contributors.
The Origin of Heroin
Heroin is an opioid drug like prescription medication, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine. But, heroin is illegal in any form. It can be in white or brown powder or a black tar-like substance.
In 1898, the Bayer Company started to market-produce heroin after it was discovered to be more effective than morphine and codeine by pharmacological studies.
Heroin was thought to be a miracle drug since the initial clinical results were so impressive. It was proven to be more effective than codeine in treating respiratory diseases.
However, patients became addicted to heroin after receiving it repeatedly because body tolerance started to develop. In 1910, people who abuse morphine discovered the effects of heroin, especially the enhanced euphoric effects when injected.
Heroin abuse spread like wildfire – by that time, heroin was considered a narcotic drug.
Drug production was controlled because of rampant heroin abuse.
By 1931, heroin production decreased, which caused illegal production of the drug.
After that, the amount of illegally-made heroin the authorities confiscated increased by tenfolds yearly. There was a time when heroin was the number one narcotic globally.
The Side-Effects of Heroin
- A Euphoric Rush (can last 3-5 hours)
- A Trance-Like State (for 4-6 hours)
- Flushed skin
- Heavy Sensation in Limbs
- Severe Itching
- Nausea
- Runny Nose
- Watery Eyes
- Slow Heart Rate
- Drowsiness
- Small Pupils
- Disorganized Thinking
- Muscle Aches
- Bone Pain
- Uncontrolled Leg Movements
- Restlessness
- Cold Flashes
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms
A sudden stop in your heroin use will cause withdrawal, ad it’s best to know that heroin withdrawal begins just after a few hours without using the drugs.
The following are the most common heroin withdrawal symptoms:
- Agitation
- Increased Anxiety
- Muscle Aches
- Teary Eyes
- Heavy Perspiration
- Yawning
- Abdominal Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
A narcotic drug like heroin is harmful to the mind and the body. Please bear in mind that using it can cost your life. Though with the proper Heroin Detox Treatment and reliable rehabilitation staff, this fight can be won.
Here at Mallard Lake Detox Center, we assure you of holistic recovery. Plus, we share the same goal as you: long-term sobriety.
If you want to turn your life around slowly, call us today – we serve people near Dallas, Texas.