Heroin Paraphernalia for Various Types of Heroin Use

Paraphernalia For the Heroin Addict

Heroin paraphernalia can be made out of various items around one's home, however the kind of tool used depends on how the heroin is being smoked, snorted or otherwise ingested. Most heroin addicts start off snorting the drug; and many will progress to more potent ways of getting their fix once they become immune. Long time heroin addicts tend to lean toward intravenous use if they can't get a high from snorting any longer. Still, there are some who use heroin by smoking it. This way of getting high off the drug is not as popular as shooting up or snorting, however it depends on the preference and the form of heroin being used. There are two main forms of heroin which is purchased in the U.S., one is a sticky form which is usually found on some form of paper, and the other being the ever popular, white powder form which resembles powdered cocaine. Regardless of which form is used to get high, heroin paraphernalia is more than likely going to be used.

Using The Powdered Form of Heroin

The tools which are used to get high from heroin will depend on the type of heroin being used. When using the powdered white form- which is normally snorted or shot into one's veins, heroin addicts tend to use straws and hypodermic needles for their heroin paraphernalia. Straws are normally cut off to the desired length of the user, in order to effectively get the heroin from the place where it is laid into the nostril. The person using the heroin will usually separate it into "lines", on a flat surface such as a mirror. After doing so, it is then inhaled through the straw- sending it straight through the mucous membrane. If the heroin addict chooses to get their high more instantaneously, they may use needles to shoot it into their bloodstream by way of their vein. By mixing the heroin with a tad bit of water, and melting it into a liquid form, it is then pulled into the needle and shot directly into the vein of their choice. Heroin addicts can damage veins this way, leaving them unable to be used at all. This also makes it difficult for medical professionals to find a working vein when attempting to do blood work or some other form of lab tests. Using infected needles can lead to diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. This makes all the reason to use nothing less than a clean syringe every time.

Tools Used When Smoking Heroin

Heroin paraphernalia doesn't just include fancy straws and mirrors, it can also include something as simple as a piece of aluminum foil. Yes, individuals who smoke black tar have been known to light up aluminum foil, which holds the heroin, and inhale the smoke which comes from the melting tar-like substance. Within minutes the foil has multiple black burn spots from the melting of the heroin.

Recognizing Heroin Paraphernalia

Regardless of how a heroin user gets high, their heroin paraphernalia stays well guarded. With heroin being a highly addictive drug- both physically and mentally, making sure all needed tools are readily available is of the utmost importance. Every heroin addict has their preference, however if push comes to shove- they will use whatever is available, in order to avoid withdrawals. If you are addicted to heroin, it is important that you get help now. However, if you are someone who believes your loved one is using, be sure to look for the signs. While many tools used to get high on heroin can be used for different purposes- even around the house, so don't be naive. Finding more than one of the tools used as heroin paraphernalia can mean than your loved one is possibly addicted. Listen to your inner voice, and ask questions. By asking questions today, you could be preventing a long life of misery for your loved one.