By: Yamilex Apodaca

History of Heroin • In the late 1960’s heroin showed up to American drug culture. •Heroin is classified as an opioid derivative, and just like with any other opioid derivatives there are physical and mental dependencies that come along with it.• In the late 1800’s it was from opium that morphine was developed. It was considered an amazing drug because it provided painless surgery's. 10 years after arriving in the US is when the additive consequences were brought to attention.

The Upraise of Heroin

•In the mid 1800’s heroin became extremely popular. The popularity of the drug raised when a majority of the drug was brought over by Chinese rail workers. In the 1850’s heroin was available to the US•During the civil war, was when it was brought to attention the severe addiction consequences of the drug.

Street Names.

•Big “H” Hell Dust skag•Junk Nose Drops Horse •Smack Thunder Brown Sugar

Wild Bill Hickcocks

•Was born on May 27, 1983 died August 2, 1876. Famous for being an incredible gun fighter and gambler was highly addictive to heroin in his time.

Medical uses

Morphine; is an opioid medication, sometimes referred to a narcotic. Morphine should not be taken if you have breathing problems like asthma. Morphine is not used for short term pain relief. Used in surgery's like amputations.

What does it look like?

•It usually appears to be a solid white or brownish powder.• At its most purest form it appears to be bright white. •Heroin can be “cut” with things like powdered milk, starch, quinine and even sugars.

How is it Abused ?

•its consumed in many different ways like; injection, snorting, and smoking. Although it’s commonly seen in a white powder it is also known to be in black tar substance. This tar is usually sticky and hard, it’s typically consumed as a cheaper alternative to pure heroin

Short Term Effects

•Users typically say to feel a “rush” •A warm flushing of the skin• Heavy feeling of extremities•Dry mouth •Slow heart rate •Slow breathing rate •Clouded mental health

Long Term Effects

•Repeated heroin use creates a change not only physically but also in the brain, creating long-term hormonal and neurological imbalances that are hard to undo. Studies have shown some deterioration of the brain’s white matter due to heroin use, which may affect decision-making abilities, the ability to regulate behavior, and responses to stressful situation. Heroin also produces profound degrees of tolerance and physical dependence. 

Addiction

•An estimated 12.5 M people in the world abuse opioids. That includes the 9.2 that use heroin. In 2007 93% of the world’s opium supply came from Afghanistan. In 2007 a National Survey on Drug Abuse reported 153,000 heroin users in the US. Other sources estimate around 900,000 people. Opiates, but mainly heroin are responsible for the 18% of admissions for drug and alcohol treatment in the US.

Overdose

•Heroin Overdoses Double in Two Years, in a survey that was conducted in 28 states it was discovered that death rates increased from 1.0 to 2.1 per 100,000. As well as deaths from prescription counterparts, opioid pain relievers like hydrocodone and oxycodone, went down from 6.0 per 100,000 in 2010 to 5.6 per 100,000 in 2012. Death rates has gone up and the main cause seems to be that the drug is much more accessible now than it was before.

Treatment

• Individual therapy• Group therapy• Family therapy• 12-Step education• Relapse-prevention instruction•Behavioral and pharmacologic medication

Before and After

Resources For Help

• http://www.thetreatmentcenter.com/lp/heroin-detox-lp • http://www.recovery.org/topics/find-a-reputable-heroin-addiction-re

covery-hotline/

Citations • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Bill_Hickok• http://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/heroin/what-d

oes-heroin-look-like.html • http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-repor

ts/heroin/what-are-immediate-short-term-effects-heroin-use