Heroin tends to be the drug that most students will think of when the words ‘drug addiction’ are mentioned. The media has used heroin addiction as a story-line in many movies and TV shows. It is a frightening drug because it can so effectively take over a person’s life in a relatively short period of time. University and college students may well find themselves in a situation where they are offered heroin – saying yes to this invitation could signal a very negative turning point in their life. It’s important to muster up integrity and not give in to any peer-pressure when a critical decision like taking heroin comes up.

Different Names for Heroin

Heroin can go by a number of different names including:

Interesting Fact: While many die due to Heroin overdose, a lot of people die by through the side effects, such as vomiting while unconscious.
  • H
  • Smack
  • Dope
  • Junk
  • Skag
  • Brown
  • Tar
  • Horse
  • Fix

How Do People Fall Into Heroin Addiction?

It is doubtful that many people have ever planned to fall into heroin addiction. Despite the bad press this drug has received, plenty of students and others are still curious to find out what all the fuss is about. These individuals will usually be determined to only try this drug once, just out of curiosity. What happens then is that they like the effect so much that they want to give it just one more go. Before they know it, they have become addicted. The initial effects of heroin can only be described as pleasant.

They can include:

  • A deep feeling of inner contentment and well-being.
  • Escape from worries and concerns.
  • A feeling of euphoria.
  • Feeling safe and loved.
  • Help relieving any physical pain that the person is dealing with.

Why is Heroin Bad?

When people hear about these‘pleasant’ effects of heroin, they are curious to try it. After all, most people would love to enjoy feelings of inner peace while escaping their problems for a bit. However, these ‘benefits’ come with a very heavy price, and the dangers of this drug are very, very real.

  • Some people become physically addicted almost from the moment they begin using heroin.
  • Those who become addicted to heroin risk losing everything of value in their life – including their self-respect.
  • Many heroin users die from overdose.
  • This drug has a very damaging impact on people, both physically and mentally.
  • Sharing needles will mean being at risk from things like HIV and hepatitis.
  • Those falling into heroin abuse will often struggle to hold down a job, meaning that they need to turn to crime to feed their habit.
  • Students who begin experimenting with heroin can end up struggling to complete their studies. If they do manage to qualify, they will have performed less well than they could have.
  • This type of drug destroys families – therefore, it isn’t only the heroin addict who ends up suffering.

LARGE PHOTOS_heroin

Precautions When Taking Heroin

If you decide to take Heroin, then there is some precautions you should try to take to keep you as safe as possible, these are:

Interesting Fact: Sudden withdrawal from the drug can be fatal for heavy users of Heroin.
  • Using sterile needles to avoid contracting diseases like HIV and Hepatitis.
  • Keeping trusted individuals around in case of an overdose or any severe side-effects.
  • Being somewhere safe so the user does not hurt themselves.
  • Not injecting any more than 10mg of heroin, especially if it’s the user’s first few times.

Getting Help for Heroin Addiction

It can be difficult for students to break away from heroin addiction unless they have some type of help. The withdrawal symptoms can be intense, so it can be a great help for the individual to undergo some type of supervised detox. This will usually be followed by a period in rehab where the person can learn some important skills that will help them remain free of drug abuse. There are also fellowships such as Narcotics Anonymous that can support people dealing with this type of addiction. Read more about children and students with addictions in our student addiction guide.