Research Reports: Heroin: Abuse and Addiction
- Letter From the Director
- What is heroin?
- What is the scope of heroin use in the United States?
- How is heroin used?
- What are the immediate (short-term) effects of heroin use?
- What are the long-term effects of heroin use?
- What are the medical complications of chronic heroin use?
- How does heroin abuse affect pregnant women?
- Why are heroin users at special risk for contracting HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C?
- What are the treatments for heroin addiction?
- What are the opioid analogs and their dangers?
- Where can I get further scientific information about heroin abuse and addiction?
- Glossary
- References

Offers the latest scientific information on heroin abuse, exploring the health and medical consequences of its use, maternal heroin abuse, and treatment options for heroin addiction.
NIH Pub Number: 05-4165
Published: October 1997
Revised: May 2005
Author: National Institute on Drug Abuse
All materials appearing in the Research Report Series are in the public domain and may be reproduced without permission from NIDA. Citation of the source is appreciated.
Table of Contents
- Letter From the Director
- What is heroin?
- What is the scope of heroin use in the United States?
- How is heroin used?
- What are the immediate (short-term) effects of heroin use?
- What are the long-term effects of heroin use?
- What are the medical complications of chronic heroin use?
- How does heroin abuse affect pregnant women?
- Why are heroin users at special risk for contracting HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C?
- What are the treatments for heroin addiction?
- What are the opioid analogs and their dangers?
- Where can I get further scientific information about heroin abuse and addiction?
- Glossary
- References
This page was last updated May 2005.
Research Reports
This series of reports simplifies the science of research findings for the educated lay public, legislators, educational groups, and practitioners. The series reports on research findings of national interest.
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