ARTM - Association of rehabilitation of drug abuser's of Macau

››› heroin

› What is it?

Is a highly addictive drug derived from morphine, which is obtained from the opium poppy. Heroin affects the brain's pleasure systems and interferes with the brain's ability to perceive pain.

› How heroin is used?

Usually Heroin is:
injected,
sniffed/snorted,
smoked.

››› Photography: ›››
It is typically sold as a white or brownish powder.

› Short-Term effects:

Euphoria (rush), depressed respiration, clouded mental functioning, nausea, vomiting, suppression of pain and spontaneous abortion. Withdrawal symptoms occur 8-12 hrs from last dose and in regular users in few hours. Withdrawal symptoms are: dilated pupils, watery eyes, runny nose, diarrhea, tremors, panic, chills, muscle cramp, and loss of appetite.

› Long-term effects:

Long-term effects include collapsed veins, infection of the heart lining and valves, abscesses, cellulites, liver disease, pulmonary complications and various types of pneumonia that my result from the poor health condition of the abuser, as well as from heroin's depressing effects on respiration, lost of sexual appetite, tolerance and physical dependence.

› Health Hazards:

Heroin abuse is associated with serious health conditions, fatal overdose, spontaneous abortion, coma, collapse veins and infections diseases as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and B from sharing needles or others equipments as well as through unprotected sexual intercourse with HIV-infected individuals.

Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)