Question 1

what is the damage does heroin do to the liver?

Accepted Answer

HepatitisB& C common: Amongst heroin users, hepatitis b & c are common due to sharing needles. Untreated, these viruses can slowly kill the liver -> cirrhosis/liver failure/liver cancer. Heroin is cut with other toxic substances, and these substances can affect a number of organs including liver, lungs (talc lung). Heroin is dangerous, and should not be used by anyone. Anyone addicted can seek help from his/her doctor.

Question 2

how does heroin affect your liver health?

Accepted Answer

If pure, it doesn't: Opioids have little effect on the liver, but can cause gall bladder spasm, and even pancreatitis in some sensitive people. The major liver problems that result from heroin use are NOT from the heroin, but from contaminants in the drug, or sharing of needles and injection paraphernelia, or non-sterile injection techniques. Hepatitis B and C are the most common in the US, with cirrhosis&amp;liver cancer

Question 3

are enlarged liver and  cardiac hypertrophy related in any way?  what can cause it? my boyfriend, with no prior medical conditions died from this and it does not run in the family. he did have a history of drug use in the past (smoke heroin)

Accepted Answer

Not directly related: Heart hypertrophy and enlarged liver are not directly related most of the time but certainly both can be related to drug use.

Question 4

why can't i quit heroin?

Accepted Answer

Addiction to Heroin: Your brain has receptors that when given an opioid medication, heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, will be stimulated, which causes as cascade of Dopamine down the "reward pathway."  for some individuals this is very strong, and they crave multiple doses and stronger doses, leading to addiction.  A supportive treatment program that includes detox can get you going the right direction.

Question 5

what is the drug that stops heroin?

Accepted Answer

Heroin antidote: Naloxone (Narcan).

Question 6

is it possible to "freak out" on heroin?

Accepted Answer

Yes: One issue about heroin is that you don't actually know what it has been cut with. It may be cut with strychnine or other toxic compounds. Psychosis has been reported with withdrawal.

Question 7

what are the active chemicals in heroin?

Accepted Answer

Heroin: is diacetylmorphine, which is a form of morphine that gets through the blood-brain barrier far more quickly than does morphine itself, and has a more intense euphoria and much faster onset.  However, the actual ACTIVE ingredient is the morphine to which heroin is metabolized. There is a specific metabolite 6-monoacetylmorphine that is only found when heroin is used, and is also an active opioid.

Question 8

whats evidence that my friend is still doing heroin?

Accepted Answer

Tough one. : Evasiveness. Being absent from activities or work. Asking to borrow money. Losing weight. Numerous excuses. Wearing long sleeves in summer. Nodding off while in conversation or doing something. Not eating or showering or changing clothes. Going off without explanation. If you are suspicious, there is a chance you've noticed something which is important. Trust your instincts.

Question 9

could you tell me if somebody ods on heroin, are their organs suitable for donation?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If you are thinking about od'ing, please get help from 1-800-273-8255 (in us) national suicide prevention lifeline.  
If you are addicted to heroin and think you might overdose, please seek help in your community or through 1-800-662-help (4357).
If this is not you, heroin should not otherwise affect the suitability of organs for donation, since it breaks down fairly quickly in the body.

Question 10

how to quit heroin?

Accepted Answer

Mix Many Approaches: Consider medications to block cravings (discuss options with ur doc). Develop and strengthen functional rituals to replace dysfunctional rituals of addiction. Strengthen your social network. Consider joining a 12-step program (na) and try to establish a home meeting and sponsor as early as possible. If you relapse, don't give up - discuss with your sponsor, learn and try again, and again and again.

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What is the damage does heroin do to the liver

A member asked:

What is the damage does heroin do to the liver?

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How does heroin affect your liver health?

A member asked:

Are enlarged liver and cardiac hypertrophy related in any way? what can cause it? my boyfriend, with no prior medical conditions died from this and it does not run in the family. he did have a history of drug use in the past (smoke heroin)

A member asked:

Why can't i quit heroin?

A member asked:

What is the drug that stops heroin?

A member asked:

Is it possible to "freak out" on heroin?

A member asked:

What are the active chemicals in heroin?

A member asked:

Whats evidence that my friend is still doing heroin?

A member asked:

Could you tell me if somebody ods on heroin, are their organs suitable for donation?

A member asked:

How to quit heroin?

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