The Danger of Diesel Heroin

It is known as Diesel, Red Rock, Smack, Horse, Black Tar, White Junk, Salt and Brown Sugar, but by any other name, it is still heroin. According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse, nearly 3.8 million people in the U.S. struggle with heroin addiction.

Life and Health of an Addict

Life can be painful and difficult for persons struggling with Diesel Heroin addiction. Unfortunately, the family members and close friends also struggle with the addict. Cutting the individual with drug abuse out of their life is not always a possibility and for many families the addiction may create hardships for everyone involved.

Complications of Abuse

The health complications for abuse are vast and there is an increased risk of the following:
• Hepatitis
• HIV and AIDS
• Risk for collapsed veins
• Heart infection and disease
• Liver and kidney disease
• Respirator and pulmonary distress
• Recognizing the Addiction

The signs of abuse or addiction are not difficult to recognize. Obvious signs are needle marks from injecting the drug, scars from past injections and there could be signs of infection from repeated injections. The addict may show personality changes as well as irritability, restlessness, nodding off and confusion.

Effects on the Body

Since heroin is an opiate and derived from morphine, it affects the central nervous system and the brain by blocking the opioid receptors. People with drug abuse report having a warm sense of euphoria that is followed by heavy limbs. Memory loss, impaired judgment and dry mouth are other symptoms that are often experienced in diesel heroin users.

Quitting

Chronic abusers are at risk of developing a tolerance to the drug in which it will require more of it with each use to achieve the same effects as before. Increasing the amount puts the user at risk for overdose. Quitting the drug may result in withdrawal symptoms appearing as soon as a few hours after the last time it was used and they usually peak within 72 hours.

Withdrawal symptoms may include:
• Nightmares
• Involuntary kicking motions
• Abdominal pain
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• Muscle and bone pain

Of the 3.8 million people addicted, only a small percentage will seek assistance to quit their substance abuse. Quitting “cold turkey” on your own is difficult and can be very painful and dangerous. Medical detox is the most recommended method for stopping heroin abuse.

After the detox process is complete, you will emerge with the drugs out of your system and ready to begin your new life. To increase your chances for a successful sobriety, you should consider enrolling in a rehab treatment program that will give you the additional support and guidance to continue recovery.