IndexDefinitionAppearanceEffects of HeroinAddictionDepressionSigns of Heroin UseWithdrawal HistoryConclusionDefinitionAs many health experts describe it, heroin is a chemical substance from the opium poppy plant and used as a painkiller highly addictive. Its synthesis involves cutting poppy pods to release milky, sticky substances commonly called opium. It is this opium that then undergoes a particular manufacturing process to transform into heroin. Its high potency is all due to its diacetylmorphine content which produces the much sought after intoxicating effects of heroin. Research compares its power to 50 times that of morphine, also a painkiller. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Today in the United States, drug use has taken root over the past twenty years, and statistics indicate that it is a highly used illegal substance. Its presence occurs in various formations especially based on color. You will always find it as a brown, white, or black powder, although other versions may exist as well. All these colors indicate the level reached by the refining process. Black is usually the least pure until white. How users use it depends on the level of comfort and pleasure involved. Often the drug is swallowed, smoked, snorted, or injected into the body. Identifying users can sometimes be easy since, aside from their behaviors, they will always have their rooms with several hollow objects such as an empty pen, a straw, and specifically marked lighters indicating levels. Most consumers, however, fail to understand or are unaware that this drug causes dangerous health effects and serious health conditions if left unmanaged. Appearance Pure heroin, which is often common, is usually in the form of a white powder that is generally excellent in its nature. However, there are also other varieties, including shades of beige, black, grey, brown or even pink. All these differences emerge depending on the type of additives involved in the mixing. Among these additives are quinine sugar, caffeine, powdered milk and Stark, as well as other drugs. Usually, the brighter the color of this substance, the purer it is. The dark and rawer ones, usually black as tar and sticky, indicate the crude way in which they are processed and therefore are the least pure. This type is found mostly in the western United States or Mexico. It has many users due to its low and affordable price. Effects of Heroin Despite having notable health benefits, this drug introduces several ill-health conditions into the human body at the time of its consumption. When introduced into the body, via an injection, it quickly produces a feeling of euphoria typically followed by dry mouth, heavy extremities, and a warm flush to the skin. From the initially felt euphoria, the handler experiences an interchangeable state of drowsiness and wakefulness. Mental operations are impaired due to the desperation of the brain system. Other related effects include: Respiratory depression Constriction of the pupils plus nausea In case of overdose, effects such as hypotension, slow and shallow breathing, blue lips and nails, coma, convulsions, muscle spasms, and possible death may result. Other diseases or syndromes may result, for example, from HIV/AIDS or hepatitis from sharing injection needles. Otherwise, general medical problems in this regard include: Pneumonia Swelling Collapse of veins Miscarriage Endocarditis).