Heroin Effects of the High

Heroin is an opioid - a very powerful painkiller. The body and the brain are packed with opioid receptors meant for endorphins, the body's own natural pain-killing substances produced in emergency moments of shock or injury.

Heroin mimics endorphins and binds rapidly with endorphin receptors, extending and magnifying their natural painkilling effect. The result is a surge of pleasurable sensation, or "rush." This rush is usually accompanied by a warm feeling and a sense of well-being.

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rapid effect

The effects are rapid but depend on method of ingestion. Intravenous injection provides the greatest intensity and the most rapid onset of euphoria (7 to 8 seconds).

Intra-muscular injection produces a relatively slow onset (between 5 to 8 minutes). Sniffing or smoking usually provides peak effects within 10 to 15 minutes.

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First-time or infrequent users often experience nausea and vomiting.

Once the initial rush has passed, there can be a feeling of heaviness, as though your bones have melted down into your feet; followed by a feeling of distance from events around you, as though you've been wrapped in cotton wool. The result is a comforting glow.

afterwards

Heroin sedates the central nervous system, clouding mental function and making you feel drowsy for several hours after a dose. You may appear to be asleep, but actually be awake.

Getting Help

If you think you may be addicted to heroin, visit our heroin rehab treatment center directory to find out about facilities that specialize in heroin treatment.

Heroin Photos

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