What use to be the drug of the extremely addicted low-bottom individual of the 60's and 70's, is now the drug of choice of many affluent and high-bottom people of the new millennium. Heroin is no longer just associated with the "street people" in our society. It now affects people of all ages, cultures, and environments.
Heroin is usually heated and injected for its most intense effect. Yet it also can be smoked and consumed in coffee. It's use varies from a little "pop" to spark a little euphoria to confront the day to a serious injection that causes the intense rush and "nodding out" that is usually associated with heroin use. Continual use for 24-48 hours will cause a withdrawal that addicts call "dope sick" and involves vomiting, diarrhea and intense physical discomfort. To avoid this, heroin addicts try to use just enough to maintain a somewhat normal feeling and avoid sickness, but at the same time they are avoiding the "high" they crave. This is the basis of the methadone programs that are so popular. Methadone will keep an addict from the severe withdrawal that is associated with heroin detox. Heroin addicts do not die from heroin withdrawal, but it is often said that they wish they would.
There is an entire culture associated with heroin. It is a culture of mystery and intrigue. Many of the expressions in our culture have originated from the drug culture of heroin addicts, such as "Monkey on my back," It is a world that captures the addict both physically, psychologically, and socially.
Until recently, those in the medical community believed that heroin addiction was fairly permanent. Methadone was used as a maintenance program, but few thought heroin addiction could be treated. But now, treatment facilities are available for heroin addicts and there are many former heroin addicts in our society.
