Heroin is a poison that is procured from morphine. It was originally created in 1874 by the pharmacist C. R. Alder Wright and was used to help ease relief for those who are in pain or had difficulty sleeping. Heroin is classified as an opiate, which means it may have effects similar to morphine or codeine because it contains molecules that bind to molecules found on cells throughout the body called opioid receptors, which can create feelings of pleasure and relaxation
Tag: Heroin
The Invisible Dangers of Fentanyl-Laced Drugs: Heroin
Heroin has been the most popular illicit opioid for recreational use for decades, but fentanyl is relatively new in illicit markets, and it has made a huge impact in the last few years. You may already be aware that heroin overdoses and deaths are on the rise around the country, but that only tells part of the […]
Movie Review: “6 Balloons”
Based on the way this movie opens, you wouldn’t expect to be watching a movie about heroin addiction, but what you get is something much different. As the story begins to unfold, you realize that Katie (Abbi Jacobson), is a witty control freak who leads a successful, middle-class life, but she is also plagued by […]
How Much Money Do Americans Spend on Illegal Drugs?
The overall impact of illegal drugs and substance abuse on American society is massive. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose deaths have risen from 16,849 in 1999 to 70,237 in 2017.1 In terms of finances, the numbers are just as grim.
Why Are Opioids Addictive?
Why are opioids addictive?Opioids are highly addictive because they flood the brain with endorphins and dopamine, which produce feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and euphoria. The “high” is so powerful and unlike any natural rush of endorphins and dopamine that the only way a person can experience those feelings again is by using opioids. There are […]
Sober at 20
Gabe grew up in McKinney, Texas and was raised in a very conservative home. He was homeschooled up until high school and always felt like he was at odds with the beliefs and ideas he was taught at home. He and his mother also had a strained relationship and he sensed a power struggle […]
Scheduling and Drug Classification Charts: Making Sense of Drugs
Drug classification and scheduling systems are helpful ways for people of all backgrounds and professions to clearly distinguish the potential dangers of various drugs and prescription medications. But for those who don’t understand the classification system, it may just seem like a bunch of legal jargon and nonsense.
Texas Overdose Deaths Have Nearly Tripled in the Last 18 Years
The entire U.S. is facing an ongoing opioid crisis, and Texas is no exception. Although the Lone Star State isn’t typically known for being a hotspot for opioid overdoses, recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prove the face of the substance abuse problem in Texas is changing.
Sick and Tired of Heroin
Juliana grew up living a simple quiet life in rural Austin. Although she was surrounded by wealthy kids at school and she knew she was different, her parents worked hard to ensure that she always had everything she needed. As a child, Juliana was exposed to some partying, alcohol use, and some drug use, but […]
Saying Goodbye to a Double Life
Eric Sease grew up in Kingwood, Texas and was raised in a loving and supportive home. He was very active and heavily into sports, especially soccer, which he played competitively. He describes himself as a happy, joyous, and free kid who was well-liked and sociable.