1
Q
what is heroin?
A
an opiod analgesic
also known as diacetylmorphine/diamorphine
2
Q
why is heroin used recreationally?
A
because it induces a transcendant relaxation and intense euphoria and has anxiolytic properties
3
Q
what occurs immediately when inject heroin?
A
gives a “body high” caused by histamine release, can also cause pruritis in new users
4
Q
What are the risks of injecting heroin?
A
- risks of non-sterile injecting:
- HIV
- hepatitis
- infective endocarditis
- abscesses
- risks of adulterated heroin:
* contaminated products - adverse effects of heroin:
- constipation
- physical dependence
- tolerance
5
Q
how do you treat a heroin overdose?
A
an opiod antagonst such as naloxone
6
Q
what are the signs and symptoms of heroin withdrawal? and how long does it take for thse symptoms to appear after last using?
A
occurs 6-24 hours after last ‘hit’
- anxiety
- malaise, muscle/bone aches and pains
- akathisia, general feeling of heaviness
- priapism
- excessive yawning, sneezing, rhinorrhoea
- insomnia
- cold sweats, chills, fever
- nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea
7
Q
what are the routes of heroin use?
A
- oral
- IV
- insufflation
- smoking
- suppository
Psychiatry
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