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of nightmare existence. As one addict expressed it, «Heroin has all the advantages of death, without its
permanence» (Time, 1970). Many addicts find permanence when they take an overdose.
200 20. The heroin user may begin by snorting or inhaling the drug, progress to «skin popping» (injecting it
beneath the skin), and end up «mainlining» it (injecting it directly into the bloodstream) . If a hypodermic
syringe is not available, the user may sever an artery and pour the heroin in with a spoon. Once users are
205 «hooked», their entire lives become centered upon this white powder. They will do anything — lie, steal,
cheat, even kill — to get that next fix. After a while, they do not even experience a high; they simply need
the drug to avoid the terrors of withdrawal. The habit demands more and more, and still more, of the drug.
210 Even a highly paid corporation executive would find it difficult to support such a habit. Usually, the only
way the addict can get enough money is through crime or prostitution. Thus, crime associated with heroin
addiction is not a direct effect of the drug, but stems from the need to support the habit. In fact, heroin is an
215 extremely effective depressant, which markedly reduces such motivational states as hunger and sex.
21. How is it that this innocent looking white powder can come to dominate the life of the abuser so
220 completely? Within the first minute of heroin injection, there is a sudden, climactic rush of feeling that
many users have compared to a sexual orgasm. This extremely pleasurable experience is followed by a
«high» which is characterized by lethargy, emotional detachment, a sense of well-being, and deep feelings
225 of contentment. To illustrate, a heroin abuser may spend hours before a TV set, watching the dancing
images on the screen without becoming emotionally involved in the program content. But then comes the
crushing aftermath. As the high begins to subside, so also does the sense of well-being. The euphoria of a
230 moment ago is replaced by gnawing feelings of apprehension and anxiety. The bizarre cycle culminates in
an overwhelming sense of panic as the addict begins a frantic search for the next fix.
22. The victims of heroin addiction are legion — the addicts themselves, their families, and those they
235 have robbed or otherwise brutalized in their quest for the «big H.» In recent years another innocent victim
of heroin addiction has come to light, the newborn'infant of an addicted mother. Studies of infants born to
heroin-addicted mothers have found that more than two-thirds start out life as addicts. Within 96 hours of
240 birth, most will show signs of withdrawal, including extreme irritability, tremors, and vomiting. The
incidence of withdrawal symptoms in the newborn depends on how long the mother has been addicted, on
the amount of heroin she has taken, and on how close to delivery she was when she took her last dose
245 (Zeison et al., 1971). Traces of drugs taken as little as ten minutes prior to delivery have been found in
newborns.
IV. «UPPERS» AND «DOWNERS»
23. Many of the dangerous drugs in use today are not restricted to the streetcomer «pusher» as a source
250 of supply. They may be obtained legitimately through a doctor's prescription. In fact, one survey showed
that about 20 percent of American adults obtained mood-changing drugs through conventional medical
channels in 1970-1971 (Mellinger et.al., 1972).
255 24. The main kinds of mood-altering drugs in use today are popularly known as «uppers» and
«downers». Uppers are stimulants, and include cocaine and the amphetamines (e.g., bennies, dexies,
speed). They may or may not be addicting, but they are all habituating. They produce feelings of well
260 being, elation, and increased energy and are generally taken to fight fatigue, alleviate mild depression, and
curb appetites.
25. The use of amphetamines was widespread long before their dangers were recognized. Doctors
265 routinely prescribed them for depression, lethargy, and overweight conditions. The present supply of
amphetamines is obtained largely through illegal channels. What is particularly insidious about these drugs
is that the user rapidly builds up a tolerance and, within a short period of time, may be taking as much as
times his or her original dosage (Girdano and Girdano 1976).
270 26. In the past, abusers of this drug have included people who desired to perform beyond their
physiological limits (e.g., athletes) and those who wanted to avoid the profound state of depression that
commonly accompanies withdrawal. In more recent years, some individuals have started injecting
275 amphetamines directly into their bloodstreams («speed-freaks»).
27. The onset of the drug effect is heralded by a sudden rush or flash, which is followed by feelings of