What are some facts about the dangers of heroin?

Dangers of heroin include collapsed veins; skin infections, such as abscesses and cellulitis; increased risk of miscarriage; and increased risk of developing lung ailments, such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Additionally, taking heroine causes heart valve infection and increases the chances of contracting HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C and hepatitis B. Heroine makes users dependent, causing symptoms such as chills, vomiting and muscle pain when they attempt to quit using it, according to WebMD.

Heroin is an opiate that affects brain receptors causing euphoric and sedative effects. The effect lasts for four to five hours. Consistent use of heroin causes people to develop tolerance, so they increase intake amount to feel the effect. Former heroin addicts are at a higher risk of relapsing because of factors such as psychological stress, depression, interpersonal issues and poor coping techniques, states MedicineNet.

Users smoke and snort heroin, but most users directly inject it into their veins for a quick high. Heroin injection is dangerous because it increases the chances of overdosing, and using dirty needles causes infection. Side effects of heroin include nausea, vomiting and itching. Heroin slows down breathing and reduces the heart rate. An overdose sometimes causes death because breathing stops. Research indicates that many heroin users have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or bipolar disorder, according to WebMD.