The powder form is dissolved and diluted for injection. Everything feels like it is slowing down, and movement, though processes and speech all become slower and slurred. Vommitting may incur. There are no known longterm effects for non -needle use.
Many addicts still have homes, families, jobs, friends and a sense of security.
If one avoids needles, takes care of their health and makes sure the heroin is clean, one can live as an addict relatively safely for years. The biggest obstacle in heroin use is avoiding addiction and the lifestyle of an addict. By setting strict limits on use, one can often avoid addiction. In a controlled lab setting it takes several weeks of three shots a day before any withdrawal symptoms are felt.