Heroin is a type of narcotic drug. This drug that is often abused can cause hallucinations, decrease consciousness, and lead to addiction. In Indonesia, heroin is also known as putau.
Putau or heroin is generally available in the form of a white powder and will turn dark brown and sticky when heated. Heroin is made from morphine, a type of narcotic that is used as an anti-pain medication for people with certain diseases.
Heroin is used by inhalation or mixed with water and injected using a needle. In addition, heroin can also be consumed by swallowing or burning and inhaling the smoke.
Based on the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 44 of 2019 concerning changes to the classification of narcotics, heroin is included in narcotics group I. This means that heroin can only be used for research or scientific development purposes and is not used for therapy.
Effects of Heroin on the Body
In the 19th century, heroin was commonly used as a cough medicine. However, after years of use as a drug, heroin is then known to cause addiction or dependence effects.
When consumed, heroin will enter the bloodstream and be carried by the blood to the brain. After working on the brain, this illegal drug will cause a happy effect (euphoria), which is followed by a feeling of calm and drowsiness.
The effect that heroin users seek is euphoria. Euphoria is described as an abnormal feeling of excessive pleasure or extreme satisfaction. In addition, heroin can also cause pain relief and the following side effects:
- dry mouth
- Skin feels warm, sometimes accompanied by itching
- Hands and feet feel heavy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficult to think and concentrate
- Loss of consciousness
If used long term, heroin can cause health problems, such as:
- Mental disorders, such as heroin addiction, anxiety disorders, hallucinations, and depression
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Damage to blood vessels due to repeated use of needles
- Abscess or infection at the injection site
- Sexual dysfunction
- Irregular menstrual cycle
In addition, the use of heroin, especially in the form of injections, can also increase the risk of developing blood-borne diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis.
Addiction and Other Heroin Dangers
Heroin is a type of narcotic that has the potential to cause dependence or addiction. If abused, heroin has the potential to make users addicted. The opiate effect of heroin is even 2-3 times stronger than morphine.
A person who is already addicted to heroin, then stops using it suddenly, may experience withdrawal symptoms (withdrawal). This condition is also known as sakau.
When addicted to heroin, people who are addicted to heroin can experience various symptoms, such as restlessness and anxiety, body aches, difficulty sleeping, and shaking.
In addition, long-term use of heroin can also cause tolerance effects. This means that to get the desired effect, heroin users need to use the drug at higher doses. This has the potential to cause heroin addicts to overdose.
If help is not given immediately, people who overdose can experience respiratory failure, coma, seizures, or even death.
Seeing the many dangers posed by heroin abuse, it is appropriate to stay away from this type of narcotic. Not only can it be detrimental to health, heroin can also make its users deal with the authorities.
Therefore, in order to always avoid the dangers, avoid the use of heroin or any type of drug. If you have relatives or are having problems with heroin use, don't hesitate to ask your doctor for help so that your condition can be treated immediately.