One of the most detrimental long-term effects of heroin is heroin addiction itself. Addiction is a chronic problem, characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, and by neurochemical and molecular changes in the brain. Heroin also produces profound degrees of tolerance and physical dependence, which are also powerful motivating factors for compulsive use and abuse.

Soon after injection (or inhalation), heroin crosses the blood-brain barrier. In the brain, heroin is converted to morphine and binds rapidly to opioid receptors. Abusers typically report feeling a surge of pleasurable sensation, a "rush." The intensity of the rush is a function of how much drug is taken and how rapidly the drug enters the brain and binds to the natural opioid receptors. Heroin is particularly addictive because it enters the brain so rapidly. See similar questions...

The wavelength used by the Virulite device is very close to that of the Nd:YAG laser which has been used by doctors all over the world for several decades. The Virulite Cold Sore Machine radiates divergent light which is inherently 'eye-safe' and uses powers 1/10'000 less than medical lasers already in use. It has been documented in medical papers that Nd:YAG laser surgery to a pregnant woman's cervix (neck of the womb) is a safe procedure if clinically indicated. See similar questions...

Topical therapy results in such minimal levels of medication in the bloodstream, if any, that there is virtually no risk of systemic side effects except allergic reactions. Possible side effects associated with oral antibiotic therapy include upset stomach, sensitivity to sun exposure, tooth discoloration, diarrhea, allergic reactions and vaginal yeast infections. See similar questions...

There are side effects to these medications but usually they are not long term. Most of them are somewhat bothersome but very few of them are dangerous. There are more problems with untreated emotional problems than problems from side effects. See similar questions...

Heroin addiction like all opiate addictions occurs when heroin is administered over a sustained period of time. The onset of heroin addiction can be both rapid and severe, dependent on the amount used and frequency in a designated period of time. Heroin addicts will "crave" more of the drug and experience withdrawal symptoms if they do not get their regular "fix" or dose. Not all of the mechanisms by which heroin and other opiates affect the brain are known. See similar questions...

Unlike prescription hormone treatments, Olivia's Secret has no serious side effects except for a possible upset stomach, which usually is transient. If you experience stomach upset or feel an initial "rush" after taking Olivia's Secret, try reducing the dose to 1 capsule daily until your system adjusts. Then, resume the normal dose. Long term use of this, or any other medication, should always be discussed with your doctor or health-care provider. See similar questions...

The long-term side effects of steroid use are quite variable and can be severe. See similar questions...

The effects of vibration training have been researched for many years. If the VibraTrim is used according to our instructions and under proper supervision, no negative effects have been found. The responsible and safe use of the machine, and consulting a doctor prior to using the VibraTrim or any exercise program will ensure your positive results. See similar questions...

Yes. Studies on both humans and animals have proven that regular use of ecstasy produces long-lasting, perhaps permanent damage to the brain's ability to think and store memories. See similar questions...

Medical consequences of chronic heroin abuse include scarred and/or collapsed veins, bacterial infections of the blood vessels and heart valves, abscesses (boils) and other soft-tissue infections, and liver or kidney disease. Lung complications (including various types of pneumonia and tuberculosis) may result from the poor health condition of the abuser as well as from heroin's depressing effects on respiration. See similar questions...

Methamphetamine causes increased heart rate and can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain. Over time, methamphetamine reduces levels of dopamine (which stimulates brain cells) resulting in symptoms like those found in diseases that reflect a severe movement disorder. Other effects of methamphetamine include respiratory problems, extreme anorexia, pounding blood pressure, sleep interference, mood swings, unpredictability, and tremors. (http://www.theantidrug. See similar questions...

What are the chances that the medication will stop working? Discuss what options are available if this happens. See similar questions...

The long term effects of crack affect the user physically, mentally, and emotionally. An individual's long term effects from crack vary from person to person depending on their length and intensity of abuse. In general, the long term effects of crack include restlessness, mood change, irritability, auditory hallucinations, extreme paranoia, and eventually and rather quickly, addiction. See similar questions...

Fatal kidney and lung disorders, brain damage, liver damage, blood clots, chronic depression, hallucinations, violent and aggressive behavior, malnutrition, disturbed personality development, deficient immune system, and methamphetamine psychosis, a mental disorder that may be paranoid psychosis or may mimic schizophrenia. See similar questions...

The long-term effects of preventing acid secretion with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are not known, as PPIs have only been available for the last decade. However, most doctors believe them to be safe. H2 inhibitors (or blockers), such as Pepcid® AC , have been around for nearly 30 years. See similar questions...

Skin cancer. Some people are at a higher risk than the normal population for developing skin cancer, including people who have had previous non-melanoma skin cancer, arsenic therapy or X-ray therapy to the skin, as well as individuals with extremely light complexions which always burn and never tan. In general, these patients are not considered for PUVA therapy unless strong extenuating circumstances exist in favor of it. See similar questions...