Heroin abuse refers to the illicit, nonmedical use of heroin. Drug abusers consume heroin in the form of a white or brownish powder, which they can smoke, sniff, or dissolve in water to inject.
Heroin induces an analgesic effect and generates sensations of warmth, calmness, drowsiness, and a reduced concern for external events. Prolonged drug usage leads to tolerance and both psychological and physical dependence (referred to as drug dependence and heroin abuse). Abrupt withdrawal results in symptoms such as shivering, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and restlessness.
Heroin addiction has numerous detrimental effects on the user, such as injection scars, skin abscesses, weight loss, and impotence. Additionally, there is a high risk of infection with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV due to needle sharing. Accidental overdose is a common cause of death among heroin addicts.