Soon
after injection (or inhalation), heroin crosses
the blood-brain barrier. In the brain, heroin is
converted to morphine and binds rapidly to opioid
receptors. Abusers 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 binds to the natural opioid receptors.
Heroin is particularly addictive because it enters
the brain so rapidly. With heroin, the rush is
usually accompanied by a warm flushing of the
skin, dry mouth, and a heavy feeling in the
extremities, which may be accompanied by nausea,
vomiting, and severe itching.
After the initial effects,
abusers usually will be drowsy for several hours.
Mental function is clouded by heroin's effect on
the central nervous system. Cardiac function
slows. Breathing is also severely slowed,
sometimes to the point of death. Heroin overdose
is a particular risk on the street, where the
amount and purity of the drug cannot be accurately
known.
Toll Free:
888-800-8331
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Courtesy
of :
National Institute
on Drug Abuse
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