Effects of opiates

The effects of any drug vary from person to person.  It depends on many factors including an individual's size, weight and health, how the drug is taken, how much is taken, whether the person is used to taking it, the person's mood and whether other drugs are taken.  The effects also depend on the environment in which the drug is used - for example, whether the person is alone, with others, or in a social setting.

Immediate effects

• a rush of intense pleasure and a strong feeling of wellbeing
• feelings of pain, hunger or sexual urges may diminish
• breathing, blood pressure and pulse become slower, pupils of the eyes also get much smaller, mouth dries out. 
• drowsiness - as the amount used increases, the user may feel warm, heavy and sleepy
• nausea and vomiting can occur

In greater quantities

The above immediate effects intensify and last longer with higher quantities of heroin.  As the quantity used increases, the following effects are also likely to occur:

• poor concentration
• sleeping ('on the nod')
• shallower and slower breathing
• nausea and vomiting
• sweating, itching and increased urinary output

Long-term effects

• constipation
• menstrual irregularity and infertility in women
• loss of sex drive in men
• loss of appetite, malnutrition
• greater susceptibility to infections