Cape May County has a serious problem with heroin. Different law enforcement strategies and educational programs can help stop this problem. Heroin is an opioid drug that is synthesized from morphine, which is a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of the Asian opium poppy plant. Heroin usually appears as a white or brown powder or as a black sticky matter known as “black tar heroin”. Heroin can be smoked, inhaled or injected, all deliver the drug extremely rapidly. The rapid effects contribute to the health risks and high risk for addiction.
When heroin enters the brain, it is converted into morphine, which attaches to molecules on cells known as opioid receptors. These receptors are positioned in many areas of the brain as well as the rest of the body, specifically those involved in the perception of pain and reward. Opioid receptors are also located in the brain stem. The brainstem controls automatic processes essential for life, like respiration, blood pressure and arousal. Heroin overdoses often involve an elimination of breathing. This can alter the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, a situation called hypoxia. Hypoxia can have different short- and long- term
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This happens because these diseases are transmitted through contact with blood or other bodily fluids, which can occur when sharing needles or other equipment used to inject heroin. HIV can
Also be contracted during unprotected sex, which drug use makes more likely. Because of the strong link between drug abuse and the the spread of infectious disease, drug abuse treatment can be an effective way to prevent the latter. People in drug abuse treatment can be an effective way to prevent the latter. People in drug abuse treatment, which often includes risk reduction counseling, stop or reduce their drug use and related risk behaviors, including risky injection practices and unsafe