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Heroin was processed by C.R. Alder Wright, in the year 1874. Wright was a famous English chemist that was employed in London, England at St. Mary’s Hospital. Wright had started to experiment with a combination of various acids and morphine. It was at this time that he created a highly potent form of morphine, sending the compound to the famed Owens College, located in Manchester.

The analysis from the college reported that “Doses were injected into young dogs and rabbits with the following results taken place commonly, fear, great prostration and sleepiness. There was a slight tendency to vomit in a few cases. The action of the heart was irregular and respirations were diminished. There was a loss of power over muscle movements and hind limbs.”

Over one-hundred years later heroin would become a popular drug on the streets known as “smack”, “dope” and “junk”. Thousands of Americans suffer from a heroin addiction. Some overcome the addiction and others sadly die from the drug. Heroin possesses a person’s thought processes, personality and life, sometimes from the very first time the drug is used.

The Chemical Composition

Heroin is derived from the opium poppy, it is a form of morphine that is considered to be an opiate. When heroin is in the form of a white crystalline powder it is scientifically known as “hydrochloride salt diacetylmorphine hydrochloride”.

Heroin enters the body through the bloodstream intravenously. When heroin enters the bloodstream it crosses what is known as the “blood-brain barrier”. It is at this time the heroin converts into morphine or monoacetylmorphine and mimics the effects of an endorphin.

Heroin users have defined heroin as an “all over body buzz” or a “feeling of pure euphoria”. Since heroin mimics endorphins, users feel a sense of calm and well-being. Heroin can be used as a pain-killer, but unfortunately it is most often used as a recreational drug.

Frequent use of heroin commonly causes the user to become extremely dependent upon the drug and a high tolerance is then developed. After just three consistent days of use, a user can become addicted and experience withdrawal symptoms. Heroin is one of the hardest addictions to stop.

How Heroin Affects the Brain and Body

Heroin is considered to be a recreational drug that is used for the extreme euphoric feeling that it produces in the user. When heroin reaches the brain it is metabolized rapidly into morphine. It is the morphine molecules that are responsible for binding the opioid receptors, which produce the “high” feeling. Heroin has different effects depending on the way it is ingested into the body. When heroin is “parachuted” or orally administered it is metabolized into morphine before it even reaches the “blood-brain barrier”. When this happens the heroin produces similar effects to oral morphine.

If heroin is snorted then the effects can be felt within three minutes of administration. Smoking heroin has an immediate effect which can take place in as little as seven seconds. Smoking heroin produces a milder effect that becomes stronger with time. If heroin is intravenously entered into the bloodstream it produces an immediate sensation of euphoria and a rush within thirty seconds.

How Heroin is Addictive

Heroin causes a reduction in the amount of endorphins that the body produces. It is this reduction in the production of endorphins that makes a user dependent on heroin. A user “needs” the drug to feel good. If a regular user of heroin stops taking the drug then this can cause the user to feel very uncomfortable, in severe cases the user will feel pain. These symptoms are known as withdrawal and can start six hours after the last dose of the drug.

How to Treat Heroin Addiction

Thousands of people have quit using heroin with the help of treatment. An addict can choose to live a different life and there is help available to those whom seek assistance. Call us today for the help you need at 866-557-5223. It's Free & Confidential.