Heroin is a dangerous drug with highly addictive properties. Snorting heroin can increase the risk for infections, overdose and death. Weighing the risks and dangers of snorting heroin to get high can help individuals evaluate what the drug does, how it works in the body and what to do if addiction has taken hold.
Snorting Heroin
Heroin is a Schedule I narcotic which is an illegal, illicit drug which is not regulated or prescribed for medicinal purposes in the United States. The reason for this is due to the highly addictive nature. A person who uses heroin may develop physical dependency or full blown addiction.
When heroin is snorted, the drug becomes absorbed into the mucous membrane of the nose and throat. It enters the bloodstream before it hits the brain. There, heroin produces effects on the central nervous system primarily through interaction with the nerves. Following a dose of heroin, the person using heroin will feel an intense surge of euphoria accompanied by a warm flushing of the skin, dry mouth and heavy extremities or limbs. Wakefulness and drowsiness will usually follow.
Effects of Snorting Heroin
A person who snorts heroin is playing with fire. No benefit of heroin use outweighs adverse side effects. Over time, heroin use can damage internal organs and alter a person’s brain chemistry. Adverse effects of heroin use may include:
- Confusion
- Depressed heart rate and breathing
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Hallucinations
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea or vomiting
- seizures
Dangers of Snorting Heroin
It is not possible to predict how heroin will react in a person’s system when snorted. The greatest risk of snorting heroin includes overdose and possible death. Many people snort heroin because it is thought to decrease chances of infectious diseases. Bacterial infections are possible when snorting the drug. While heroin may be effective in terms of producing a euphoric high, it is not advisable or recommended for many reasons including the fact it is illegal and highly addictive. Physical health, social and economic issues can take over a person’s life to the point of being detrimental to overall wellbeing. Not only dangerous, heroin is harmful to the body and mind in the short and long term. The consequences, when weighed out, do not balance for a person who wishes to remain healthy and stay focused on positive, long term goals and outcomes.
Treatment for Heroin Addiction
Options for treatment vary but it can be extremely difficult to overcome heroin addiction without the proper support and assistance of medical professionals. Withdrawal symptoms can be quite intense which make it hard on a person physically and emotionally without help. Clinics and treatment centers provide services for individuals who wish to seek help for addiction to heroin.
Heroin addiction is dangerous and harmful. Support and assistance is available through Hired Power. Call us at 800-910-9299 to find out how we can come alongside you through the recovery process.
