Heroin produces a rapid and intense "rush" or surge of euphoria and pleasure shortly after use. This initial sensation is often described as a wave of warmth and happiness spreading throughout the body, accompanied by feelings of relaxation and detachment from pain and stress
. Physically, users may experience:
- Warm flushing of the skin
- Heavy or numb limbs
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness or sedation, often leading to "nodding off," which means drifting in and out of consciousness
Mentally, heroin causes clouded thinking, impaired decision-making, and difficulty concentrating
. The high also brings a false sense of well-being and safety, which can make users feel temporarily free from anxiety or depression
. However, heroin significantly slows breathing and heart rate, which can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening due to respiratory depression
. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, severe itching, and the risk of overdose. The pleasurable effects are short-lived, lasting a few hours, and are often followed by a rapid decline in mood and energy, which can lead to repeated use and addiction as users chase the initial high
. In summary, heroin feels like an intense, euphoric rush of warmth and pleasure, followed by deep relaxation and sedation, but it carries serious physical risks and high potential for addiction
