WHAT IS HEROIN?
Heroin (diacetylmorphine) is a HIGHLY addictive drug derived from the morphine alkaloid found in opium.Street names: smack, H, brown sugar, black tar, skag, junk, horse, Big H, China White, Dope, Hell dust, Poppy, Train, Thunder, etc.
Abuse: by injection (needles), smoking (glass pipes), snorting (nose), orally (mouth), or suppository (plugging).
Users use Heroin to experience a “high” – a surge of euphoria usually known as the “rush”. They feel a sense of distance from the world in a drowsy, satisfied state.
WHY IS HEROIN TERRIBLE?
Heroin is very ADDICTING. Addicts build up tolerances and will up their usage to try to receive the same “high” or even battle the withdrawal symptoms. After the initial high, the following will happen:
· Dry mouth / Nosebleeds
· Nausea/vomiting
· Severe itching
· Mental functions clouded
· Flu like symptoms
· Breathing slowed
· Heart functions slowed
· Coma or Death
INTERVENTIONS
We do interventions in the new England area we also do phone interventions and educate families about heroin and the recovery process. If you have a person you love who needs help reach out to me so we can get them the right help and teach you the best way to help them overcome addiction.
1-844-437-6465
HOW DO I RECOGNIZE IF A LOVED ONE IS USING HEROIN?
Physical / Bodily Signs :
· Sudden weight loss/loss of appetite
· Dry mouth, dark circles, coughing, heavy eyelids, nosebleeds, puffiness
· Cuts, bruises, or scabs (skin picking)
· Infections, abscesses, burn marks
· Needle marks or sores
Behavior Signs :
· Slowed, disorientated, slurred speech
· Jitteriness/alertness then nodding off
· Little motivation or apathy
· Hostility/lying towards others
· Lack of hygiene or wearing sunglasses inappropriately
· Avoiding eye contact
Indirect Warning Signs :
· Missing prescriptions pills (especially OxyContin, Codeine, or Vicodin)
· Missing money or valuables
· Needles or syringes
· Spoons with burn marks
· Rubber straps, aluminum foil
· Water pipes or other pipes
· Cotton balls
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AN OVERDOSE?
Symptoms :
· Awake but unable to talk
· Body is very limp or non responsive
· Face is pale or clammy
· Fingernails and lips turn blue or purple
· Skin turns bluish purple or grayish
· Choking sounds/ snore-like gurgling noise (death rattle)
· Breathing is slow, shallow, erratic, or stopped
· Vomiting, loss of consciousness, sleeping
· Pulse (heartbeat) is slow, erratic, or non existent
CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY IF YOU SUSPECT SOMEONE IS OVERDOSING.
THE FOUNDER OF HEROIN IS KILLING MY TOWN.
BILLY INKSLINGER.
Billy knows how the streets can be a brutal and unforgiving place. After a bad turn with his health, losing a close friend , no job, no home, and no money, his world came crashing down in 2010. He became destitute and forced to live in the streets where he collapsed into a deep depression to the point of a suicidal attempt.
Five years later, he regained control of his life, and is now living his dream. He vowed to make the world a better place and dedicated himself to a mission: to help those in desperate need. He’s gotten homeless people off the streets and into jobs, has motorcycle rides to raise money for charities, found missing children, helped shelters and families, and founded HEROIN IS KILLING MY TOWN.
Now Billy is an advocate fighter on the war against Heroin. He’s on call 24/7 for anyone who needs help; averaging saving a life a day. He aids those who are addicted off the streets and into treatment facilities no matter how deep of a hole they are in. What fuels his passion are the stories of the families and loved ones torn apart by this devastating disease but also the narratives from the addicts themselves of their struggles of being and staying clean.