Heroin is classified as a recreational drug due to the euphoric feeling it produces. It is derived from morphine and its frequent use is associated with tolerance and strong physical dependence.
It is also one of the most harmful types of drugs currently used, and is linked to the transmission of many diseases due to the way in which it is administered.
Injected heroin falls directly into the bloodstream, if smoked it descends through the respiratory tract and there reaches the blood, it rises to the brain through the blood-brain barrier and then the drug comes into contact with heroin-sensitive receptors which makes the person feel intense euphoria.
That is, heroin somehow becomes embedded in parts of neurons that are designed to react when coming into contact with substances naturally produced by the body. This generates a chain reaction that fully affects the parts of the brain responsible for the appearance of the sensation of pleasure.
The direct effect of heroin lasts 3 to 4 hours, but The important thing about this drug is both the effects produced by a dose and the effects of withdrawal
The effects of heroin
Of course, in addition to the feeling of euphoria and well-being that appears right at the moment of consumption, heroin produces other effects that are adverse in nature
The pain and discomfort of withdrawal lasts 3 days, after 12 hours without consuming heroin, nausea and diarrhea, vomiting and breathing problems appear. After 24 hours, cardiac arrhythmia begins bone pain, lung problems, fevers, general irritation, bad mood, depression, and later it only gets worse.
The decrease in heroin level affects the entire body. Due to its effect, the hypothalamus (responsible for leveling body temperature) stops working well and changes from hot to cold occur, the nervous system generates tremors in the muscles nausea is felt and the diaphragm descends, causing the stomach to contract and vomit repeatedly.
If heroin is smoked, it causes respiratory problems because the drug produces mucus that clogs the lungs. The same effect is produced with tobacco, but this mucus is expelled by coughing; In the case of heroin, the drug inhibits the cough reflex and the lungs fill with mucus until the drug wears off. Over time, tissues are damaged and their ability to fight diseases is diminished; In this case, pneumonia could be lethal for the consumer.
How does tolerance occur?
People’s brains struggle to maintain a healthy stimulus of chemicals when taking the drug. Over time, heroin-sensitive receptors stop working as the brain tries to compensate for the flow of the drug. little by little the heroin produces a less and less effect and the body needs larger doses to maintain biochemical balance.
Why does resistance to treatment appear?
When a person is under the influence of heroin, the drug pressures the addicted person toward the pursuit of immediate self-interest.
Human beings carry out positive activities for survival, such as; eating, having sex, sleeping, going to the bathroom, etc. These survival activities cause neurons to release pleasure chemicals in the brain ; the endorphins.
New neural pathways are formed in the addict’s brain, which directly connect heroin and pleasure. Over time the brain becomes confused and begins to consider these shortcuts to pleasure as shortcuts to survival. At that moment our nervous system begins to demand the drug above the rest of the needs
It is in this state that heroin is given priority over everything else. This is why we see people choosing drugs over family, work, physical well-being, etc.
Withdrawal treatment
When treating withdrawal There is a medication that has Buprenorphine as a component Buroprenorphine attaches to the brain receptors that heroin usually attaches to, removing the need for the drug without producing its effect.
The opposite effect is achieved because the patient ingests it when there is still heroin in the body Buprenorphine blocks the effect of existing heroin, creating a drop in mood and a significant increase in the effects of withdrawal. This is given to the patient when abstinence begins.
It is important that the patient be honest and take Buroprenorphine when sweating and yawning begin; If he were to take it sooner, the withdrawal only tends to get worse. This must necessarily be accompanied by a medical advice and psychological assistance
