Ironically, heroin was designed to be a cure for morphine addiction, but was found to induce even greater euphoria. In the past, heroin was used to treat cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and as a surgical anesthetic. It decreases stomach acidity and activity in the large intestine, so it was effective in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery. Today, heroin is not used medically in the U.S. Sale or possession is highly illegal. In general, all opiates produce a range of physical effects, which include lethargy, loss of concentration, constipation, nausea, euphoria, insomnia, constricted pupils and reduced hunger, thirst and sex drive.
Opiates can cause respiratory depression, along with a decrease of air exchange in the body.
In the long term, opiate abusers risk malnutrition, overdose, coma, convulsions, respiratory arrest and death. Regular opiate users experience both physical and psychological dependence. Those who share intravenous drug paraphernalia risk exposure to Hepatitis B, HIV and other blood-borne diseases. Additionally, street drugs are cut with chemicals and fillers, increasing the dangers involved in their use. Pregnant women should always consult a physician before using opiates, because they can cause spontaneous abortions, breech deliveries, premature birth and stillbirths in regular users.