Heroin

Data Sheet

Heroin

Heroin: A Dangerous and Highly Addictive Opioid
Heroin is a potent opioid drug made from morphine, a substance extracted from the poppy plant. Like other opioids, heroin acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. This means it slows down the activity of the nervous system, producing effects that deeply influence and alter the body’s normal functions.

Prevalence of Heroin Use
Heroin use is more prevalent among adults aged 26 or older, with 0.4% (approximately 991,000 individuals) reporting use, compared to 0.2% (about 55,000 individuals) among young adults aged 18 to 25, and less than 0.05% (around 3,000 individuals) among adolescents aged 12 to 17

1.1 Million people aged 12 or older reported using heroin in the past 12 months, representing 0.4% of that population (2023 statistic)

Signs of Heroin Use

Recognizing signs of heroin use can be challenging, but some common indicators include:

Possession of drug paraphernalia like syringes and hypodermic needles
Constant scratching, which may indicate itching due
to the drug’s effects
Lying or being deceptive about one’s activities or
whereabouts
Social withdrawal and lack of participation in activities
Extreme fatigue or drowsiness
Insomnia, disrupted sleep patterns
Significant weight loss
Physical signs such as dry mouth, watery eyes, runny
nose, itchiness, nausea, vomiting, scabs, and sores on the skin

Slow breathing or a lowered heart rate
Flushed skin and pupil constriction
Cognitive impairment, including confusion, poor
judgment, and inability to think clearly

Heroin use can quickly lead a person down a dark and difficult path, affecting not only their health but also their relationships and overall sense of purpose. If you or someone you care about is struggling with heroin use, know that seeking help from a trusted healthcare provider, addiction specialist, or faith-based recovery program can be the first step toward healing.

Effects of Heroin

When someone uses heroin, they may experience a range of physical and mental effects, including:

Drowsiness or a state of deep relaxation
Respiratory depression, which can slow or even stop breathing in severe cases
Constricted pupils (small, pinpoint pupils)
Nausea and vomiting
A warm flushing of the skin
Dry mouth
Heavy extremities, causing a sensation of weight in the arms or legs

These effects can be dangerous, and repeated use of heroin increases the risk of severe health consequences, including overdose.

How is Heroin Used?

Heroin can be consumed in different ways, each with its own risks:

SNORTING: (nasal use) involves inhaling the drug,
which can still cause significant harm to the body.
SMOKING allows the drug to be inhaled, which can
be just as dangerous as injecting.
INJECTING (intravenous use) is the most common
method, leading to quick and intense effects.

Common Street Names for Heroin

The Dangers of Heroin

Heroin use can quickly lead a person down a dark and difficult path, affecting not only their health but also their relationships and overall sense of purpose. Yet, even in the depths of despair, there is hope. Lean on the strength of community, prayer, and support, and remember that with God, no one is beyond redemption.