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People who use heroin experience a surge of intense pleasure, known as a 'rush.' The strength of this rush depends on the dosage and how quickly the drug reaches the brain and attaches to opioid receptors.

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What are the immediate (short-term) effects of heroin use? | National Institute on Drug Abuse

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Once heroin enters the brain, it is converted to morphine and binds rapidly to opioid receptors.11 People who use heroin typically report feeling a surge of pleasurable sensation—a “rush.” The intensity of the rush is a function of how much drug is taken and how rapidly the drug enters the brain and…

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Heroin is a depressant. It affects the central nervous system, it slows down the brain functions and breath control.

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It makes the body feel relaxed, slowing breathing as well, reducing pain and inducing relief. Once taken, most people feel like they can't function normally without it. It's highly addictive. Adverse effects are risk of overdose and major health/lifestyle problems.

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Heroin is an illegal substance in the opioid class. (Other opioids include morphine, codeine, pethidine, buprenorphine and methadone.) Heroin is made from the sap of the opium poppy. It is highly addictive and people who use it can become dependent and experience cravings. Initial effects include feelings of wellbeing and relief from physical pain.

One of the adverse effects of using heroin is the risk of . Longer-term use can cause significant health and lifestyle problems.

Dealers usually mix or 'cut' heroin with other substances - such as sugar, paracetamol or - to boost their profits. This means that the person using heroin has no idea if the dose will be strong or weak.

Heroin generally takes the form of granules or powder, and can range in colour from white to brown. Users generally inject it intravenously (into a vein), but they can also snort or smoke it. Common slang terms for heroin include 'smack', 'horse' and 'hammer'.

How heroin works

Heroin is a central nervous system depressant. This means it slows down a person's brain function and affects their breathing (which can slow down or even stop). The person's body temperature and drop, and their heartbeat can become irregular. The person may lose consciousness or lapse into a coma. Ambulance officers, family and friends can give the medication naloxone to reverse the effects of heroin.

Effects of heroin

The effects of heroin depend on:

the strength of the dose

the size, weight, general health and state of mind of the person taking the heroin

the effects of other drugs and medication that they might have taken at the same time (or even in the last two days).

If the person has taken other depressants such as sleeping pills, tranquillisers, methadone or , the effects of heroin are increased. This can result in or even death.

Some of the immediate effects of taking heroin include:

a rush of pleasurable feelings and relief from physical pain

feeling sick or vomiting

a drop in body temperature

narrowing of the pupils

loss of sex drive.

Symptoms of heroin overdose

One of the most dangerous adverse effects of heroin use is the risk of overdose. The symptoms of overdose include:

dangerously low body temperature

slowed breathing

blue lips and fingernails

cold, clammy skin

convulsions and coma.

What to do if you suspect an overdose

If someone who has taken drugs does not respond when you talk to them, is snoring loudly or making gurgling noises, they may be in a coma and having trouble breathing. Do not assume that they are just 'sleeping off' the effects. Their airway may be blocked by their tongue falling back or other blockages.

This is a medical emergency. If you can't wake them, dial triple zero (000) to call an ambulance immediately.

Naloxone

Naloxone is a drug that can temporarily reverse heroin overdose. It works by blocking opioid drugs from attaching to opioid receptors in the brain.

Victoria's makes free naloxone available from a range of community alcohol and other drug services to people who may experience or witness an opioid overdose. Naloxone is also participating in the Australian Government's Take-Home Naloxone program.

Heroin dependence and tolerance

As with some other drugs, a person can build up a tolerance to heroin. After only a short time, the person using heroin will need to take larger doses to achieve the same effect. Soon their body will start to depend on heroin in order to function 'normally'.

For some people who are dependent on heroin, nothing else in life matters except the drug. They may ignore their career, and even basic needs like eating. Financial, legal and other personal problems may be related to heroin use. The person craves the drug and this psychological dependence makes them panic if they cannot have it, even temporarily.

Symptoms of heroin withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms can start after a matter of hours without a dose of heroin. They may include:

cravings

stomach cramps

sweating

, and muscle pain and twitching

mood swings and crying.

Damage caused by long-term heroin use

Using heroin on a regular basis can lead to major health and lifestyle problems including:

risk of contracting various blood-borne viruses, such as and , or blood poisoning from sharing needles and other injecting equipment, or using dirty or contaminated equipment

chronic constipation

increased risk of contracting and other problems

impotence for men

poor nutrition and reduced immunity

damage to the blood vessels that lead to the lungs, , and due to the additives mixed with heroin

risk of overdose.

Treatment for heroin addiction

Treatment options for heroin addiction include:

detoxification

individual counselling

group therapy

medication programs such as methadone, buprenorphine or naltrexone.

Where to get help

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Heroin is a depressant of the central nervous system, which means it slows down brain function and particularly the control of breathing.

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Ages 12+ from 2021, 0.4% (1.1 million) of people use heroin. Women are less likely to use it. 90% of the supply comes from Afghanistan, but Russians have a higher consumption level than anywhere else.

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How does it affect the state of consciousness?

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How does it affect the state of consciousness?

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I think that people use heroin as a way to relax, wanting something more effective than other common drugs. They love the sort of relief they feel, and as stated from another source, it makes them feel "normal" once taken and addicted.

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It is definitely a concern for society knowing that it is obtainable in any sort of form such as powder, pill, or liquid. It is one of the top drugs that are affecting the U.S along with alcohol and fentanyl.

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The drug can look like this, but also comes in different forms.

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The drug can look like this, but also comes in different forms.