Getting Help
If you, a friend, or another student is struggling with heroin addiction or substance abuse, you can get help »
Heroin and other Opioid Abuse
Heroin abuse is an emerging health issue in Dane County, affecting individuals, their family and friends, and our communities.
You may have an image in your mind about heroin users - sickly, pale, strung out. But in reality, heroin users can be professionals, parents, and young people from average families. Drugs do not discriminate. And although the stigma of a heroin user has changed, the outcome has not. Abusers face serious health risks, legal consequences, addiction, overdose, and death.
Although there is no significant increase in the use of the drug by UW-Madison students, it's important to be aware of the effects, consequences, and resources available to help - if you or a friend is struggling with drug addiction problems.
What are Heroin and other Opioids?
Opioids are natural and synthetic substances with morphine-like activity. They are depressants that affect the brain’s pleasure systems and interfere with the brain’s ability to perceive pain.
Heroin is a highly addictive and illegal opioid derived from morphine (which is obtained from the opium poppy). While heroin is most often injected, it can also be smoked or snorted. Often, heroin is seen in the form of a white crystal-like powder.
Prescription opioids such as hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin), oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin, Percocet), and morphine (e.g., Kadian, Avinza) are prescribed to treat severe pain, but are also commonly abused.
With regular opioid use, tolerance develops. This means the abuser must use more drug to achieve the same intensity or effect. Users also experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped.
Prescription Drug Abuse as a Gateway
Prescription drug abuse is the use of a medication either without a prescription or in a way other than as prescribed for the experience or feeling. Prescription opioids, such as OxyContin and Vicodin, can be very addictive and have been found to be gateways to heroin abuse.
Because they're prescribed by a doctor to treat severe or chronic pain, they don't carry the same stigma that heroin does. But when used recreationally and/or abused, can cause serious side effects, result in dependence and abuse, and can lead to the use of other drugs - such as heroin.
Effects of Heroin
Heroin is so addictive that even after just three days, it's possible to experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it.
| Short Term Effects | Long Term Effects |
|---|---|
| Dramatic "rush" or "high" | Addiction and withdrawal |
| Dry mouth and flushed skin | Infectious diseases (AIDS, HIV) via shared needles |
| Heavy hands and feet | Collapsed veins |
| Slow thinking and movement | Liver disease and pneumonia |
| Reduced pain | Heart infections |
| Sleepiness "the nod" | Overdose and death |
Signs of Heroin Use
- Withdrawal from situations once enjoyed; isolation
- Excessive sleeping
- Lack of interest in food
- Paranoia and/or hostility
- Needle marks on arms or legs
- Stealing
- Withdrawal symptoms: nausea, vomiting, hyperventilation, chills, body aches and extreme restlessness
Getting Help
The best treatment plan depends on the person and the level of addiction. If someone is opioid dependent, medical detoxification is necessary.
Students »
- If you are concerned about your own drug use; or
- If you are concerned that a friend or student is abusing heroin or prescription medications and would like to talk about it
Walk in to UHS Counseling and Consultative Services, 333 East Campus Mall, 7th floor, anytime between 9 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday. If you have are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 608-265-5600 (select option 9). If you have a medical emergency, dial 911.
Parents, faculty, staff »
- If you are a parent or faculty/staff and are concerned about a student, we can help you with ways to address the situation
Contact UHS Counseling and Consultative Services at 608-265-5600 (select option 2)
