Traditionally considered one of the most dangerous drugs, heroin could definitely use a better reputation. Although the chemical compound is called diacetylmorphine, the substance has gained a notorious recognition by its “nickname,” heroin. Prohibited all over the United States and in most countries of the world, heroin, weirdly enough, is also used for a number of healthcare purposes.
Science of Caffeine. Web.
As it has been mentioned above, heroin is traditionally considered an illegal substance and, therefore, is prohibited from use in most states all over the world. Nevertheless, heroin is still prescribed in specific medical cases as a critical care unit. More to the point, heroin is often utilized as a controlled drug for the people who are severely dependent on drugs and are undergoing a course of replacement therapy.
It should also be noted that the status of heroin is currently considered in some states as a substitute for morphine; still, its comparatively strong effect is considered a major obstacle on changing its status. It should also be mentioned that heroin is used in the course of producing various derivatives, such as naloxone, naltrexone and nalorphine (Leavitt 2). The aforementioned medicine is used as the means to address the aftereffects of drug overdose.
There is no need to mention that heroin is also widely misused. No matter how well the basics regarding the use of drugs are taught, there will always be people who are careless enough to jeopardize their lives for the sake of a cheap thrill. According to the statewide statistics, the rates of illegal use of heroin in the USA have dropped slightly since the last year.
Nevertheless, heroin abuse remains one of the key concerns for the present-day U.S. healthcare services, as well as the healthcare services all over the world. The report published in 2014 says that an estimated of 13.5 million people all over the world use or have used opioids, which heroin also belongs to (DrugFreeWorld para. 1).
Heroin Prices, Heroin Statistics, heroin Addiction. Web.
Speaking of heroin users only, they make 9.5 million people at present, and the situation does not seem to get any better despite the propaganda promoting healthy lifestyle and the dangers of heroin. Speaking of the U.S., the statistics regarding the use of heroin does not provide the exact data, since people are usually reluctant to confess in using drugs; however, as the anonymous surveys show, at least 700,000 people in the United States need urgent medical help and the assistance of professionals (Michael’s House para. 6).
The need to address the problem of heroin use is not as far-fetched as the drug addicts may want it to be; quite on the contrary, unlike less “efficient” drugs, such as marijuana, heroin has a fast and irreversible effect on people’s health. It should be mentioned that “long-term” and “short-term” effects are traditionally distinguished. A
mong the latter, such problems as “rush,” nausea and vomiting, depressed respiration, etc. are typically observed (National Institute on Drug Abuse para. 5). As for the long-term effects, the addiction, collapsed veins, abscesses, and numerous infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and many others, should be named (National Institute on Drug Abuse para. 5). Heroin remains among the most dangerous substances, and its use must be reduced by all means possible.
Works Cited
DrugFreeWorld. International Statistics. Web.
Heroin Prices, Heroin Statistics, heroin Addiction. Web.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. Heroin: Abuse and Addiction. Web.
Science of Caffeine. Web.