Heroin Is No Joke :: Reach Out For Help

1. Heroin Effects: Why is Heroin Use on the Rise in High Schools ...

   execucarearc.com/heroin-effects-heroin-use-rise-high-schools/

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   May 31, 2014 ... Heroin effects more than the stereotypical impoverished, urban narcotic user. It's no longer seen as the hard-core street drug it was in the 1960s ...

2. What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Heroin Abuse?

   Heroin produces a "downer" effect that rapidly induces a state of relaxation and euphoria (related to chemical changes in the pleasure centers of the brain). Like other opiates, heroin use blocks the brain's ability to perceive pain. Heroin abusers, particularly those with prior history of drug abuse, may initially be able to conceal signs and symptoms of their heroin use.
   Loved ones or co-workers may notice a number of signs of heroin use, which are visible during and after heroin consumption:
   • Shortness of breath
   • Dry mouth
   • Constricted (small) pupils
   • Sudden changes in behavior or actions
   • Disorientation
   • Cycles of hyper alertness followed by suddenly nodding off
   • Droopy appearance, as if extremities are heavy
   The above signs are not unique to heroin abuse. More definitive warning signs of heroin abuse include possession of paraphernalia used to prepare, inject or consume heroin:
   • Needles or syringes not used for other medical purposes
   • Burned silver spoons
   • Aluminum foil or gum wrappers with burn marks
   • Missing shoelaces (used as a tie off for injection sites)
   • Straws with burn marks
   • Small plastic bags, with white powdery residue
   • Water pipes or other pipe
   Behavioral signs of heroin abuse and addiction include:
   • Lying or other deceptive behavior
   • Avoiding eye contact, or distant field of vision
   • Substantial increases in time spent sleeping
   • Increase in slurred, garbled or incoherent speech
   • Sudden worsening of performance in school or work, including expulsion or loss of jobs
   • Decreasing attention to hygiene and physical appearance
   • Loss of motivation and apathy toward future goals
   • Withdrawal from friends and family, instead spending time with new friends with no natural tie
   • Lack of interest in hobbies and favorite activities
   • Repeatedly stealing or borrowing money from loved ones, or unexplained absence of valuables
   • Hostile behaviors toward loved ones, including blaming them for withdrawal or broken commitments
   • Regular comments indicating a decline in self esteem or worsening body image
   • Wearing long pants or long sleeves to hide needle marks, even in very warm weather
   Users build tolerance to heroin, leading to increases in the frequency and quantity of heroin consumption. With growing tolerance, more definitive physical symptoms of heroin abuse and addiction emerge:
   • Weight loss
   • Runny nose (not explained by other illness or medical condition)
   • Needle track marks visible on arms
   • Infections or abscesses at injection site
   • For women, loss of menstrual cycle (amenorrhea)
   • Cuts, bruises or scabs from skin picking

   What are the Symptoms of Heroin Withdrawal?

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   Heroin abusers and addicts feel compelled to continue using the drug both because of its pain relieving effects, and because of fear of symptoms they may experience if they stop. Heroin withdrawal symptoms can start a few hours to one day after sustained use of the drug stops. Withdrawal symptoms can include:

   • Intense heroin cravings
   • Profuse sweating (not explained by environment or physical activity)
   • Severe muscle and bone aches
   • Nausea and vomiting
   • Feeling of heaviness
   • Intense cramping in limbs, resulting in "kicking"
   • Crying
   • Insomnia
   • Cold sweats
   • Chills
   • Runny nose
   • Diarrhea
   • Fever

   Someone experiencing withdrawal symptoms following long-term heroin dependence is at risk for serious medical complications, including death when other medical conditions are present.

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4. How Heroin Is Invading America's Schools | TeenVogue.com

   www.teenvogue.com/my-life/2013-09/teen-heroin

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   A star high school athlete who went on to play Division I football for Missouri State ... "Historically the age for most heroin deaths has been in the 40-to-45 range.