There are many street names for heroin. Smack, Junk, Black Tar, Mud and Brown Sugar are just a few. This dark brown or tar color substance is negatively impacting and in some cases, ruining the lives of those who become addicted to it. Heroin abuse has been a problem for many years and its’ use is increasing in some states and parts of the country. States like New Jersey and Baltimore have high incidences of Heroin abuse. In other parts of the United States, prescription drugs, marijuana and crystal meth are responsible for the fastest levels of use. However, in many states Heroin abuse still remains a serious problem.

Heroin is a depressant or a downer as some people refer to it. It makes it more difficult for the body, particularly the brain, to perceive or detect pain. The part of the brain that determines pleasure is interfered with as well. The drug is extremely addictive which leads to the high levels of Heroin abuse even amongst those that only desire to try the drug experimentally or recreationally.

Heroin can be taken a number of ways. A person can snort it if it is in powder form. They can also inject it into their muscle or vein. It can be smoked through a pipe (water and regular). Users can quickly fall into Heroin abuse after taking the drug only one time. It doesn’t take a whole lot before someone is hooked. The drug is that powerful.

While an individual may enjoy the short term affects of the drug, the long term effects are very damaging. A person’s veins may become callous. They can develop kidney disease, clogged blood vessels, heart lining and valve infection, cell death or infection and a host of other ailments. The long term prognosis does not look good but instead suggests that persons that struggle with this disease get help as soon as possible.

Long term Heroin abuse also develops dependency and tolerance. Subsequently, they will also need greater amounts of the drug to get high. Once a person becomes physically dependent on the drug, they will begin to have withdrawal symptoms as soon as the levels of heroin in their bodies get low. These physical symptoms will drive users to get more drugs. This makes it very difficult to stay employed because a person will have to continuously stay high as not to get sick or will always be on a the look out for more drugs. Individuals might also turn to illegal activities to support their habit. Prostitution, theft and dealing are three common ways that those who trapped in Heroin abuse finance their drug use.