Hero Health Dictionary

Also known as diacetyl morphine or diamorphine, this Class A controlled drug is an opiate

– a group which includes morphine, codeine, pethidine and methadone. It is a powerful analgesic and cough suppressant, but its capacity to produce euphoria rapidly induces DEPENDENCE. Popular with addicts, its mostly pleasant effects soon produce TOLERANCE; the need to inject the drug, with associated risks of HIV infection, has affected its use by addicts. Withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, insomnia, muscle cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea; signs include dilated pupils, raised pulse rate, and disturbed temperature control. Although rarely life-threatening, the effects of withdrawal may cause great distress, and for this reason methadone, which has a slower and less severe withdrawal syndrome, is commonly used when weaning addicts o? heroin. Legally still available to doctors in the UK, heroin is normally only used in patients with severe pain, or to comfort the dying.... heroin

(Greek) One who watches over others; in the Bible, the mother of Salome... herodias

Nonmedical use of heroin.

Heroin addiction has many adverse effects on the user, including injection scars, skin abscesses, weight loss, impotence, and the risk of infection with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV through sharing needles.

Death commonly occurs from accidental overdose.... heroin abuse

a mainly US term for therapies instituted to save a patient’s life when all other options have failed. These may have serious or even fatal side-effects, but the risk is considered worth taking since the patient will surely otherwise die. Many people specify ‘no heroic measures’ in their *advance directive (‘living will’).... heroic measures

see HAN.... heroin-associated nephropathy