Photo source: easyread.drugabuse.gov
ABUSE MAGAZINE
depend on how it is used. Heroin may be
injected, smoked, or inhaled through the
nose. Injecting heroin can lead to Hepatitis
C or HIV and - among chronic users - lead
to collapsed veins, heart infections, and
problems with the kidneys and liver. For
the chronic user, withdrawal may be severe
and the accompanying cravings may be dramatic. While for most people withdrawal
takes days, for some, the symptoms may
last for months, and cravings may persist
for years.
Some users combine heroin with other
drugs, especially cocaine, and this can
result in other effects.
The National Institute of Drug Abuse
(NIDA) reported in 1977 (and there is no
particular reason to doubt that remains
true), that the addictive power of heroin
and its use among those in their teens and
early 20s often leads to an end to their
education and delays their entry into work,
marriage, higher education, entering the
military, and other activities that their
peers are undertaking - accomplishments
that are, the study points out, difficult to
“make up” later, thus creating a wide range
of long-term effects.
nesses may also be seen.
Teen Heroin Use Treatment
The treatment for teen heroin use
incudes assistance with withdrawal as well
as treatment for the addiction. Treatment
may involve initial residency at a detox
center, but following this, either a residential program or outpatient treatment may
be appropriate. A variety of medications
may be used (such as antidepressants, on
the one hand, and methadone, suboxone,
or buprenorphine, on the other), as well as
therapy, for example Narcotics Anonymous
and other 12-step approaches, Cognitive
Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and/or contingency management therapy.
Although there are not statistics,
research has shown that drug abuse in teens
may be linked to depression, and experts
suggest that any teen treated for substance
abuse be screened for depression and
treated for it concomitantly if necessary.
“We are a drug free workplace
committed to keeping kids drug free”
206 N. Wilson Ave. - Jefferson, IA
515-386-4234
Nursing an Rehab Center of Jefferson
“Supporting today’s youth
for tomorrow’s future”
100 Ram Dr. - Jefferson, IA
515-386-4107
Teen Heroin Use Warning
Signs
Those who are addicted to heroin may
need to have frequent access to it (three
times a day is typical), so they may make
excuses for having to be by themselves frequently. After a dose, they may show signs
of sedation, such as a slowed, shuffling gait
or nodding off. They may need extra money
to support their habit. If they do not or are
unable to continue use, they may exhibit
heroin withdrawal symptoms, including
severe stomach aches, muscle cramps,
and other symptoms that are similar to the
flu. Since contaminated syringes can lead
to Hepatitis C or HIV, is injection is the
method of use, symptoms of these two ill-
Murphy USA is proud to be a
drug free workplace!
We support prevention through
education for our youth!
Find the location nearest to you at:
www.murphyusa.com
1-855-301-9523
abusemagazine.org | Iowa Fall/Winter 2013-2014 |
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