Heroin Is An Illegal Substance Derived From Morphine

Heroin is an illegal substance derived from morphine. At one time it was legal, and was created originally as a safer alternative to morphine. The opposite was found to be true, and heroin is now illegal. Heroin is highly addictive and has strong euphoric effects. There are many short and long term effects when used or abused. Short term effects of heroin use include slowed cardiac system functions and breathing, intense itching, dry mouth, drowsiness and convulsions- especially in a case of an overdose. Long term effects include both mental and physical impairments, the mental issues include emotional instability and diminished libido. Other physical effects include impaired vision, collapsed veins, liver and kidney disease. Heroin users also often share needles with each other which lead to increased chances of infections like Hepatitis B and HIV. Heroin related deaths are on the rise across the country, and we have seen a significant increase of heroin related deaths in Ohio. The original goal of my literature review was to analyze heroin use in the areas mentioned in Sam Quinones book Dreamland, specifically Portsmouth Ohio. However, extensive information was not available about this specific area. So instead I focused my research on heroin use in Ohio as a whole and other suburban and rural areas. It is vital to analyze and combat the abuse of heroin. Various forms of literature have been written investigating heroin, their abuse and effects of misusing them.Show MoreRelatedEffects Of Heroin On A Person s Brain1583 Words   |  7 Pages The Effects of Heroin on a Person’s Brain Heroin is an illegal, highly addictive drug. It is both the most abused and the most rapidly acting of the opiates. 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