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  |  General Health  |  Mental Health  |  Alcohol, drugs and mental illness
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Alcohol, drugs and mental illness

continued from page 4
Heroin
Heroin is the most sought-after opioid on the street, where it is known as smack, scag, horse, gear and brown, among other names. Heroin is either sniffed, smoked or injected intravenously, the latter producing an almost instantaneous, short-lived rush of euphoria, sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Inhaling the fumes of heated heroin through a small tube also produces an almost immediate effect but the euphoria lasts longer and is less intense. The opioids are often injected, so you run a high risk of life-threatening infections - especially HIV and hepatitis - if you share needles and syringes.

Methadone
This is an opioid with about the same potency as morphine and similar side effects. Doctors prescribe methadone as a substitute for heroin in people who have become dependent because it is effective by mouth and sufficiently slow acting to be taken once a day. This can help you to regain stability.

Temazepam and similar drugs
The short-acting benzodiazepine drugs, such as temazepam, lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium) have fewer side effects than the barbiturates and are less dangerous in overdose. They are, however, associated with withdrawal phenomena that may develop within a few hours of stopping treatment.

Hallucinogens
Hallucinogenic drugs are substances such as LSD and hallucinogenic amphetamines that produce heightened and distorted perceptions, over-activity and, when taken in quantity, can cause a psychotic condition with delusions very similar to those found in schizophrenia.

There is controversy as to whether these drugs can produce a true schizophrenic illness or merely mimic the symptoms. What is clear is that some people diagnosed as having a schizophrenic illness have a history of prolonged indulgence in hallucinogenic drugs. The hallucinogenic psychosis produced may often take a long time to settle and does not necessarily clear up rapidly when the drug is withdrawn. Further indulgence may lead to a relapse and should be avoided.



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Created: 20/12/2001  Updated: 26/01/2007

This iVillage Health service area is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis or hands-on treatment. If you are concerned about your health or that of a child, please consult your family's health provider immediately and do not wait for a response from our professionals. For the full Disclaimer, click here.
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