Posts tagged with ‘heroin’
Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid drug synthesized from morphine, a derivative of the opium poppy. Like other opioids, heroin is used as both a painkiller and a recreational drug and has an extremely high potential for abuse. It is used recreationally for its relaxing and euphoric effects, but a tolerance quickly builds that can lead to addiction. For intravenous users, the risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis C is very high, as is the risk of overdose, which can often lead to death.
Heroin-Assisted Treatment: A Closer Look at a Forbidden Possibility
In drug maintenance therapies for opioid addiction, less dangerous narcotics called methadone and buprenorphine are substituted for heroin and prescription painkillers. Doses are administered in a clinical setting and over time an attempt is made to phase out the maintenance drugs and eliminate opioid dependency entirely. Legally obtained methadone and buprenorphine have become increasingly popular with addiction specialists looking to guide their patients back to good health, as drug replacement therapy has been shown to produce excellent results in both controlled studies and real-world conditions.
But on a worldwide basis, methadone and buprenorphine are not the only options for treatment professionals interested in trying drug maintenance therapy. In a half-dozen European countries, heroin itself, in synthetic form, is also being used as a replacement drug to help addicts control their heroin dependency. Full Story
Teen Heroin Use on the Rise Across America
Heroin is an illegal street drug synthesized from morphine. Once a very popular illicit drug, heroin took a back seat to prescription drug abuse. Now the pendulum is swinging back, with an alarming rise in the number of Americans reportedly addicted to heroin.
Cory Monteith’s Drug Addiction and Death to be Acknowledged on Third Episode of Glee
People across the globe were shocked and saddened by the untimely death of Canadian-born Glee actor Cory Monteith. On July 13, staff at a Vancouver hotel found his body after he failed to check out on time. Monteith was only 31 when he died, and his death was determined to be the result of a deadly mix of alcohol and heroin.
Former Harpist to Prince Charles Admits Addiction to Heroin
Jemima Phillips, a 28-year-old harpist accused of committing a series of burglaries, has told Gloucester Crown Court that she was addicted to heroin while she was official harpist to Prince Charles.
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The Addiction Primer: Everything You Need to Know to Get Help for a Loved One
A very inexpensive yet indispensable guide for anyone struggling with a loved one's addiction. Chapters on intervention, what to expect from rehab, and information on how addiction impacts the family.
