2007年12月18日星期二

Heroin Addiction

Heroin popularly known as brown sugar is the most potent addictive taken by millions of youth across the globe. It is a semi synthetic opioid available in white crystalline form. Even though it is banned in several countries it has gained an easy access to the world of drug users as the preparation does not require lot of technical expertise.

The opiate heroin has a depressing effect on the central nervous system such that the person addicted to it develops tolerance to the dosage. This means that the subsequent dosage should be higher as compared to the previous intake of drug. Hence if the process continues for a long period of time the over dosage of heroin may kill the addict. As the drug is prepared from morphine extracted from certain varieties of poppy plants, many of its symptoms are same as that of opium poisoning.

Route of Intake of Heroin
The drug is taken by inhalation, by smoking and through injection.

Sudden withdrawal from caffeinated drinks is usually not advisable for people who are addicted for a considerable length of time. Such individuals should resort to gradual tapering from addiction under the supervision of both physician and psychiatrist. The role of psychiatrist is important because a person who is neck deep into addiction finds it difficult to tolerate the withdrawal symptoms and prefers to go back to addiction.

Sign and Symptom of Heroin Addiction
As the drug has life threatening effects some of the initial symptom pointers to its abuse include-

1.At the mental level it produces a euphoric sensation which is often described as a rush. Depression, Dullness and Clouding of mental function are other accompanying effects at the mental plane.

2.At the physical level it produces dryness of mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation and shallow breathing.

3.In the long term symptoms of complication of heroin injection like HIV, Hepatitis, infection of heart lining and valves, pulmonary infections, cellulites, abscess and collapse of vein are apparent.

Treatment of Heroin Addiction
It takes the whole team effort on the part of the patient, family, physician and society. Nevertheless one can also approach the rehabilitation centre for holistic de addiction counseling and program. Most of these rehabilitation centers can be expected to be expensive you the addicts can as well seek help from competent medical personnel who are well aware of the treatment routines.

As an addition to de-addiction exercise, meditation or any activity which helps keep the mind occupied must not be neglected. The type of activity you can choose and pursue depends entirely on our inclination to the subject. The hobbies like gardening, reading of spiritual and brain relaxing books can be cultivated for our benefit. Ultimately it depends a lot on the person how he or she is going to deal with the problem of drug addiction.