Category: Understanding Addiction

For the millions of people who have never developed a taste for recreational drugs the attraction will be alien to them, and while they may not be well-versed in the different drugs available and their effects it is guaranteed they will have heard of Heroin.

This drug is one of the most publicized and feared illegal substances on the planet thanks to its highly addictive properties.

Later in the piece we will take a look at some of the common ‘tools’ users will have in their lockers, but let’s start with a quick explanation of what heroin is and the reason it and similar drugs were introduced as solutions to addiction problems that ultimately made matters worse.

What is heroin?

This highly addictive and illegal drug is made from the resin of poppy plants. Other drugs in the same class made from this resin are opium and morphine.

The pod of a poppy flower contains a milky, sap-like opium that is extracted and refined to produce opium. It is then further refined into different forms of heroin.

Trying to square the circle of ‘poppy plant’ addiction:

During the mid-1800’s opium addiction was a huge problem in the United States. Medical authorities went in search of a solution and chose a supposedly less powerful and ‘non-addictive’ treatment for those addicted to opium.

This solution was morphine. Fairly rapidly it was found that addiction to morphine was an even bigger problem than opium addiction.

In the early 1900’s the medical authorities turned to another ‘non-addictive’ drug to help those with morphine addiction, this was to use a drug that was first manufactured in Germany in 1898; Heroin.

Unfortunately, heroin proved to be even more addictive than morphine, so to counter heroin addiction yet another ‘non-addictive’ substitute was tried. This was methadone.

Yes, you have guessed it! This methadone solution yet again proved that the treatment drug was even more addictive than the drug which originally caused addiction.

There is a moral there somewhere, but we will leave that for you to decide!

Heroin Paraphernalia:

While the drug is smoked it is most common for regular users to inject. Here are some of the ‘tools’ used, and if you suspect a loved one is indulging these could very well be key indicators.

It is important to understand that these items can be stored easily in a fairly small locked box or container and will generally be kept in the user’s bedroom or bathroom.

Injecting:

Let’s start with the blindingly obvious:

Syringes:

As we mentioned, injecting is by far the most popular method of use, so finding a syringe and hypodermic needle in the possession of someone who has no medical reason to possess one should raise major red flags.

‘Gear’ to complement the needle:

The syringe and needle will generally be kept company by a spoon, some type of filter; examples are a cotton bud tip, filter from a cigarette or perhaps a micron filter. If using the type of heroin that needs heating there will be several lighters around, and quite often a candle.

To help locate a vein more easily a belt, cord or rope is often used. Taking the arm as an example, the user would simply tighten the restraint around the arm and the reduced blood supply this causes will quickly show up veins.

Smoking:

There are a couple of common methods for those who smoke heroin:

Pipes:

Many who smoke heroin use glass pipes with bulbous ends, or metal pipes that are similar to those used by Methamphetamine users. Other makeshift ‘pipes’ can be made from household items, so do keep an eye out for anything ‘pipe’ shaped around the house.

Aluminium foil:

Heroin can be smoked using 2 pieces of aluminium foil. This is not such a common method, but if your rolls of kitchen foil start to disappear then it could be a sign the user is smoking the drug in this way.

Two pieces of foil are used. One acts as a board to hold the heroin over a flame; this will be a flame from a candle or a lighter, then another piece of foil is shaped into a ‘straw’ to inhale the vapours. Rolled bank notes or empty plastic cases from ballpoint pens can also be used as the inhaler.

Drug containers:

Heroin is often packaged in small, self-sealable plastic bags that could well be decorated with colourful artwork or specific logos, or coloured balloons that are semi-inflated but not tied.

What to do if you suspect use:

While the natural reaction of many will be to fly off the handle, this is really not the initial approach to take.

What you need to do is learn as much as possible about the drug, its effects, ways of use and methods of treatment that can help a user kick their habit.

This will be a very difficult time for the user and yourself, but with knowledge as well as advice from rehab specialists you are increasing the chances of helping those dependent upon the drug.

By understanding and explaining what heroin is doing to their body, why it is doing it, and what short as well as long term damage they are causing themselves will give you a head start in helping them understand the seriousness of the situation.

From this position it is hoped they can then be convinced that professional rehab treatment is urgently required and that you will support

Heroin is a legend amongst the many illegal drugs men and women the world over use on a regular basis.

It is also right up there with the most feared drugs in the world in terms of its addictive qualities and the damage it does to people’s lives, yet there are some users who claim ‘Horse’ can be enjoyed on a regular basis without the shadow of addiction ever being cast.

These people are known as ‘chippers’, so let’s take a look at what ‘chipping’ is all about, and also put some counter arguments as to why such an approach to heroin use is at best a risky pastime.

What is Chipping?

This is the term given to people who use heroin on an intermittent basis. The fundamental ‘rule’ of chipping is to set a schedule and only use the drug based on the strict agreement you have made with yourself.

Examples of such schedules are using the drug once or twice a week only, or being on it for 8 hours every 3 days.

The principal behind such schedules is that if this timetable is adhered to the user is confident they are not, and will not become addicted to the drug.

The reasoning behind this type of heroin use:

There are many who claim this type of ‘rule enforced’ heroin use work and that they are taking just enough of the drug to enjoy it, but not enough to become addicted, or to feel any withdrawal symptoms when their ‘Smack Session’ experience has faded into the glowing past.

Many maintain that chipping should be done in the same environment on each occasion and it is important they are mentally ready for the experience.

This means there should be no ‘shooting up in unfamiliar galleries’ with those who are well down the heroin addiction trail, and their frame of mind should be one that prepares them for the experience they intend to enjoy.

Another factor that chippers use in their defence of this type of use is admirable, but debatable as to how achievable it actually is.

They claim that if this type of regular use starts to play on their mind and becomes ‘moreish’ then they will immediately cease use, and avoid using again until they feel the time is right.

It must be said that while the principle of the last statement sounds fine it may be much harder done than said.

As millions have found to their cost, simply walking away from heroin is not so easy in practice.

Those who disagree:

The other side of this coin are the many who state that anyone who is a chipper is really a person that is dependent upon heroin but refuses to admit it. Their argument is that if someone can do without heroin for extended periods then why do they need to keep revisiting the experience.

They will also point to the argument relating to heroin and its highly addictive qualities. If a person uses heroin on a regular basis there is a very strong chance that they will build up a tolerance to the drug. This tolerance means that over time they will need more of it to achieve the same high as previously experienced.

It stands to reason that if someone is continually increasing the amount they use that dependence and addiction become a very strong possibility.

Why take the risk?

Regardless of which side of the fence you are on regarding chipping it would seem a risky ‘game’ to play. A well-used, but very true statement is the fact that no one begins taking any recreational drug with the intention of becoming addicted.

There are millions of men and women who have found to their great cost that addiction can quickly take over a life. This is surely proof that while you certainly have no intention of becoming addicted the choice can be taken out of your hands due to the strength of cravings developed for your drug of choice.

If official statistics are to be believed, then dabbling with heroin is a very risky business. The levels of purity vary from batch to batch purchased. This leaves a user wide-open to an accidental overdose.

Health issues relating to the dilutants, adulterants, and in many cases sharing needles is another major factor.

These and many other potential problems should highlight a very important fact: Even taking into account the legendary ‘highs’ heroin can offer it does not make the risks involved worthy of seeking such an experience.

Those looking for a trip with highs and hallucinations have a ‘good’ choice of substances to choose from. One that should most definitely be avoided is PCP.

As with all recreational drugs it has a host of street names and a variety of ways in which it is taken, but the potential baggage this drug carries with it really is not worth the risks.

Let’s look at some of the facts and effects as well as one major difference between it and other hallucinogens that make it a trip to pass on.

A complex mix of chemicals:

PCP or Phencyclidine belongs to the group of drugs that are dissociative anesthetics. It is produced by synthesizing a complex mixture of chemicals.

The pure form is an oily yellow substance that is normally dissolved in substances such as petroleum. For street use hydrogen chloride gas will be thrown into the mix. This turns it into a crystalline powder that is white or tan in colour and is known as PCP hydrochloride.

Different ways to take PCP:

There are a variety of ways to take the drug. Let’s start with one favoured by many:

Smoking: This is a very popular way to take the drug as it is seen to give users a better chance of controlling the effects. It is common to sprinkle the powder on marijuana, tobacco or parsley.

An alternative on the street comes in the form of “embalming fluid”. The PCP is mixed with water and this liquid is dripped onto a cigarette. As soon as the cigarette is dry it can be smoked for the desired effect.

Snorting: Most will be familiar with the term ‘Angel Dust’, this is the powder form used for snorting. Just a small amount taken produces an immediate effect.

Injecting: Not very common at all although it is reported to give a ‘full on’ effect. The problem is taking it in this way brings dangerous side effects and has been known to cause immediate death!

Pills: It is sold in capsules under various names and generally means the user is taking larger amounts of PCP. Ecstasy users take note: Your ‘Happy Pill’ is often laced with PCP. As an aside, the vast majority of Ecstasy tablets on sale nowadays contain no MDMA whatsoever which means you are being short-changed!

Why the hype about the high?

There is no argument that even in small doses PCP is a very powerful substance. Its unpredictability is also well documented. Dependent upon how it is taken the high can last anywhere between a minimum of 3 hours and up to 8 hours.

Many report being detached from reality, entering a fantasy world, and even feeling as if they are out of their body. Hallucinations then join the fray.

While this may sound all well and good to some it must be said that the experience is not always a pleasant one. It is very important for those dabbling with PCP to understand that once they have ‘brought the ticket’, that like it or not, they are on a long trip without any emergency exits.

Another important point to understand is that no two trips will be the same, and just because you have experienced good trips to date does not mean you are guaranteed a good one the next time.

Lower doses – Physical effects:

Smaller doses give feelings of sedation, loss of muscle coordination, fingers and toes often feel numb and dizziness is common. Many have a blank look about them although they cannot stop rapid eye movement.

Blurred or double vision is common. Some will have flushes, sweat profusely, feel nauseous and even vomit. There is also a likelihood of increased heart and breathing rates as well as a rise in blood pressure.

Larger doses – Physical effects:

This is when the painkilling and anesthetic effects of PCP kick-in. Heart and breathing rate as well as blood pressure drop steeply. A users uncoordinated movements make them appear drunk. Other possible effects include dizziness, loss of balance, shivering, watering eyes and a noticeable tightening of muscles.

Constant rocking back and forward or other repetitive movements can be a symptom, difficulty in seeing things straight or talking any sense is common, and for several hours during the trip straight thinking, remembering things or making decisions will all be challenges that many avoid.

High doses – Serious problems:

Those who have gone well over the top become agitated in the extreme and it is common for seizures or a coma to follow. These comas have been recorded as lasting between a couple of days and several weeks. The symptoms a user has from taking high doses are likened to those schizophrenia causes.

The final reason to stay well away from PCP:

Those in need of further persuasion to leave PCP alone need to understand one final point. PCP is unlike the majority of hallucinogens because regular or repeated use can create a user to build a tolerance for it.

Tolerance is a major reason in determining whether a drug has addictive properties or not.

So, as far as using PCP is concerned the more you use, the greater your tolerance becomes. The greater your tolerance, the more you need to satisfy those cravings. The more you take the deeper into dependence and addiction you will slide.

Those with serious gambling problems need to understand some of the major signs that point towards addiction, why it is often referred to as the hidden addiction, and the fact that professional treatment is available and should be taken advantage of.

A compulsive desire that needs to be acted upon:

Addiction to gambling is shown by those with a compulsive desire to gamble, and while gambling, the person is unable to control this behaviour.

In effect, once a gambling spree commences it will continue despite the fact the gambler is aware of the potentially serious social and financial implications their actions can bring.

While many with gambling problems have a punt daily, this is not always the case, there are those who will go on an excessive gambling binge and then do very little until their next gambling blow-out.

What constitutes an addiction to gambling?

Unlike men and women who have a dependence upon illegal drugs or alcohol, those with gambling issues show no obvious sign of their problem. This makes it difficult for others to notice any signs that actually point to the gambler having a serious problem, but the individual with an insatiable need to place a bet is acutely aware of signs that are contributing to their ever growing problems.

If questioned it is common practice for most with gambling problems to deny any of these traits, and as long as this refusal to acknowledge key pointers is maintained the gambler will continue placing bets regardless of the consequences this action brings.

Once started, very difficult to stop:

Once a compulsive gambler begins gambling it is very difficult for them to stop. Their betting session will continue as long as it can possibly be maintained.

Time becomes irrelevant. If losing their reasoning for continuing will be that they will soon turn things around. On the other hand, if they are winning, many feel this is their lucky streak and will keep going in the expectation that winnings will continue to increase.

Increasing stakes to recoup losses:

Those who have suffered losses should accept this and walk away, but an addict is very likely to increase their stake on the next and subsequent bets in an attempt to win back money previously lost.

There may be occasions when this ‘gamble’ pays off, but often it leads to even heavier losses. It is not uncommon for someone with a gambling problem to spend all the money they have available at the time in one session.

Spending money you do not have:

If you are taking cash advances on credit cards, taking out loans, borrowing money, selling possessions, or have advanced to stealing from family members or friends to fund your gambling habit then this is a clear sign that things are well out of order and that you need to face up to your situation.

Tried and failed to stop gambling:

Many people with a gambling problem make a concerted effort to stop, but the urge becomes so great that they find themselves having another punt. If you have tried to stop and want to stop but find this is not possible then you really do need to seek professional help.

Denial will delay much needed professional help:

It is well known that a major factor with any type of addiction is denial, so while a person is well aware that their gambling habit has gone far beyond the realms of acceptability they will convince themselves that this is not the case, and that given time they will have things under control.

While this denial continues it will prevent a person from seeking help. It cannot be stressed strongly enough just how important it is to admit to yourself that your gambling is out of control and you need help.

Treatment is available:

Well-established rehabilitation establishments have long experience with helping those addicted and can assist you.

The treatment, support and encouragement given will take time, and it will be no walk in the park, but the structure behind such treatment has been seen to be effective time and again.

By helping you understand the root cause of your problem, and then progressing through recovery with some serious counselling it is possible for you to rebuild your life.

Many feel that a stay as an inpatient at a rehab centre is the most positive way to go in terms of treatment.

This not only takes you out of the environment where gambling opportunities are very familiar and temptation is everywhere, but it allows for fully focused treatment in calm and comfortable surroundings.

This type of setting and ongoing treatment gives an ideal springboard to loosen the shackles that gambling addiction has placed on you, and allow you to work on putting your life back together.

A relatively new group of drugs hit the streets a few years ago and continues to cause havoc amongst hardened users. Anyone tempted to try Bath Salts should understand the very risky game of chance they are involving themselves in.

What’s with the name?

Those who produce these chemically packed substances did so using a wide range of legal ‘ingredients’ that were packaged as a product labelled “For a soothing bath, not for human consumption”.

Increasing concern regarding the use and reactions of users has led to a clampdown and the banning of certain key ingredients, but production still continues with sales now conducted by street dealers who are always keen to add to their arsenal of illicit substances.

Countless chemicals:

Seizures of the drugs have shown that up to 80 different chemicals are used in production with the finished result coming in small foil packages.

Users generally swallow, snort or inject, and apart from exposing themselves to countless chemicals with unknown individual and joint effects they should hope emergency medical treatment is the last thing they require.

This is due to the fact that detection and treatment of exactly what is causing them problems is difficult to establish and equally challenging to treat correctly.

A class of stimulants:

This group of drugs come under the category of “cathinones”; a type of strong stimulants that create hallucinations and aggression. The most commonly included drugs in a bath salts package are Mephedrone, Methylone, Pyrovalerone and MDPV (Methylenedioxypyrovalerone).

Users come from groups with differing drug experience, but Bath Salts particularly appeal to those who are committed cocaine or meth users. This fact has been put down to the powerful highs on offer.

Due to its highly addictive qualities many individuals rapidly find themselves using the drug on a regular basis. Once taken it will quickly fuel intense cravings for more of the same.

Once a person is hooked they generally continue use despite being fully aware of the consequences they are causing to themselves and those around them. This is because the ‘pull’ of the drug is far stronger than any willpower they have to stop using.

The highs and lows on offer:

Use of this drug is certainly not for the faint-hearted. The high can last between 3 and 4 hours and common effects include a strong sense of euphoria with a sharp sense of alertness to boot.

This is often accompanied by agitation and feelings of anxiousness. Hunger will not be something that registers and many forgo sleep while under the influence. Dilated pupils, tense muscles and headaches could well be an issue. Unwanted increases in body temperature and sudden nosebleeds are all part of a Bath Salts ‘experience’.

And that was the good news! Others will react differently. This may be due to the unpredictability of contents, or because increased amounts are taken. Serious effects include hallucinations, psychotic delusions, feelings and display of aggression along with persistent thoughts and attempts at suicide.

While all of these reactions are worrying enough, there is then the possibility of some highly damaging physical problems such as liver and kidney damage or failure, loss of bowel control, and in extreme cases a spontaneous breakdown of muscle fibre that is potentially fatal.

Highly addictive and extremely dangerous:

It cannot be stressed strongly enough just how addictive Bath Salts are. Those who are looking for ‘a bit of fun’, or those in search of a different drug experience should have this strongly in mind if they are tempted to dabble.

Many have found to their cost that rumours of rapid dependency are an actual reality once regular use becomes the norm. The highly addictive properties contained in this group of drugs presents serious cravings that most users find near-impossible to resist.

The resulting mental and physical effects an addict is faced with are damaging in the extreme, and in all honesty do not bear thinking about.

There have been many high profile cases where addicts fully under the influence of Bath Salts have completely lost control. The sad and sickening result has caused them to go on uncontrolled rampages, inflict self-harm, attempt and succeed suicide, aggressively attack innocent people and take the ultimate step of actually committing murder.

PLEASE do not even entertain thoughts of usage:

No drug or associated high is worth the frightening effects that Bath Salts can have on a person. Whatever you wish to call this highly addictive group of drugs that comes packaged and named with many aliases, it is certainly NOT ‘a bit of fun’.