The Dangers of Smoking Heroin

Heroin is an extremely potent opioid drug that is illegal in the United States. When you abuse heroin, you can become addicted rather quickly. It causes mind-altering effects like euphoria, sedation, drowsiness, and more.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 1.1 million people abuse heroin in the United States.[1]

When you think of heroin abuse, you probably imagine someone injecting the drug. While injecting heroin is the most potent way to abuse it, some people smoke it. Smoking heroin comes with its own set of risks and dangers.

The main dangers associated with smoking heroin include lung damage, adverse side effects, addiction, and experiencing a life-threatening opioid overdose. Even though smoking heroin seems less risky than injecting it, it is not safe to do.

In this article, you will learn:

• What are the short-term effects of heroin
• How do people abuse heroin
• What are the dangers of smoking heroin

What are the Effects of Heroin?

Heroin is an opioid, which is a class of drugs that cause central nervous system depression. In other words, you will experience slowed breathing, dizziness, drowsiness, and decreased heart rate. If you take too much heroin, your breathing might slow to dangerous levels and lead to respiratory depression.

The main effects associated with heroin include:[2]

• A rush of euphoria
• Warm flushing of the skin
• Dry mouth
• Heavy feeling in the arms and legs
• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Slowed breathing and heart rate
• Severe itching
• Nausea and vomiting

While the initial effects of heroin might be enjoyable, using it long-term can lead to severe medical complications. If you inject the drug, you could develop collapsed veins or contract HIV/hepatitis. Any form of heroin abuse can lead to risks like liver, kidney, and lung disease.[2]

How Do People Use Heroin?

Heroin can be smoked, snorted, and injected. When someone smokes heroin, they usually put the powder on aluminum foil. Then they light it and inhale it through a straw.

Smoking heroin is often referred to as “chasing the dragon.” It is highly addictive and dangerous.

People who snort heroin simply snort the powder with a dollar bill or a small straw. It is possible to snort heroin without using an apparatus.

If someone were to inject heroin, they’d have to heat the powder on a spoon until it becomes a liquid. Then they pull the liquid into a syringe. They use a belt or something similar to tie off before injecting the drug into their veins.

Whether you are smoking, snorting, or injecting heroin, you will experience long-term health consequences. Any method of use leads to addiction and puts you at risk of experiencing a life-threatening overdose.

What are the Risks of Smoking Heroin?

Smoking heroin can lead to a heroin use disorder. You can also experience adverse side effects, develop various forms of lung damage, and suffer from an overdose.

The main dangers associated with smoking heroin include:

Adverse Effects

Heroin abuse of any form is associated with lasting physical and mental health problems. Because it is a CNS depressant, you could experience worsened symptoms of anxiety and depression. You might also deal with physical health issues like chronic constipation or trouble sleeping.

The adverse effects related to smoking heroin include:

• Trouble sleeping
• Chronic constipation
• Depression and other mood disorders
• Sexual dysfunction
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Lung problems from repeated smoking and respiratory effects from heroin

Lung Damage

Smoking heroin can cause lung damage in a variety of ways. First, you are smoking a hazardous substance, which can lead to damage and increased infections.

Other lung-related risks from smoking heroin include:[3]

• Slow, shallow breathing that leads to respiratory depression
• Worsening or onset of asthma
• Worsened lung function among people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Increased risk of early and progressive emphysema
• Increased risk of lung infections and cancers

Addiction

Heroin is an illegal drug because of how addictive it is. If you are smoking it, you could become addicted rather quickly. The main signs of heroin addiction involve being unable to quit using it, experiencing cravings to abuse it, and dealing with withdrawal symptoms when you cannot consume it.

Overdose

Smoking heroin can lead to a life-threatening opioid overdose.

The signs of a heroin overdose include:[4]

• Breathing slow or stopped breathing
• Slowed heart rate
• Unresponsiveness and unconsciousness
• Choking or gurgling noises
• Blue tint to lips and fingernails

If you believe you or a loved one is experiencing a heroin overdose, contact 911 immediately. Emergency medical professionals can save your life with a drug called naloxone (Narcan).

Find Help for Heroin Abuse and Addiction

Heroin addiction can be hard to overcome, especially on your own. Thankfully, drug rehab programs like the Mandala Healing Center are here to help you recover.

Contact us today for more information on our heroin addiction treatment program.

References:

1. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): What is the scope of heroin use in the United States
2. Medline Plus: Heroin
3. Science Direct: Screening Heroin Smokers Attending Community Drug Clinics for Change in Lung Function: A Cohort Study
4. Medscape: Heroin Toxicity Clinical Presentation