In a frightening discovery, police and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration uncovered 69 kilograms of heroin and 10 kilograms of cocaine in a residential home in Oakland County Michigan. Two individuals were associated with the discovery, a Hispanic man, and a Hispanic woman, living illegally in the United States.

Authorities reported that it is the largest quantity of heroin found in the state. The amount of drugs is valued at $150 million. In addition to the drugs, more than $560,000 in cash was found in the home along with distribution equipment.

Effects of Using Heroin

An opiate, heroin is a highly-addictive substance that is processed from morphine which is found within the seeds of poppy plants. Heroin is usually injected into the bloodstream, snorted through the nose, or smoked. Those who suffer from acute heroin addiction may inject up to four times a day.

Those who use heroin initially feel a “high” that’s often described as euphoria. The feelings are nearly immediate after injection, and several minutes by snorting or smoking. The “high” decreases with use and time, therefore, those using the drug must repeat usage to create the feeling of euphoria.

Short Term Effects

After using heroin a user will feel a warm, flush to the skin, and experience a dry mouth. As heroin depresses the central nervous system additional effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Slow breathing
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Severe itching

If an individual continues to use heroin, long term effects include:

• Physical dependence
• Withdrawal symptoms include:
• Muscle and bone pain
• Cold flashes
• Restlessness
• Abscesses
• Collapsed veins (if injected)
• Arthritis
• Bacterial infections

The good news is that with early intervention and trained professional help, a heroin addiction can be overcome. The Narconon  Freedom Center offers a robust drug rehabilitation program along with medically assisted detox procedures to help those struggling with a heroin addiction get rid of it once and for all.

Effects of Using Cocaine

Cocaine is a purified extract from an Erythroxylum coca bush found in South America. Two different forms of the extract – powdered cocaine, which is snorted or injected, and crack cocaine – a freebase form that is smoked can disrupt a well-balanced life with continual use. Nearly 14% of adults in the U.S. have tried cocaine.

Those who use cocaine describe a feeling of energy and increased alertness along with feeling of excitedness and activity. Users who continue to administer cocaine to their system are at risk for a number of side effects that may include:

• Cardiac arrest
• Stroke
• Nasal perforation (if snorted)
• Ulcers
• Kidney failure
• High blood pressure
• Sexual impairment

Those who use cocaine suffer the risk of becoming highly-addicted and dependent of the drug. Regular use increases symptoms and risk. If you or a loved one suffers from a cocaine addiction it’s time to stop and find help to free yourself from a drug that robs you of your life.

How to Find Help

Seek professional help. Look for a rehabilitation program that directly addresses your needs. Those who use illegal substances such as heroin or cocaine may suffer a lifetime of mental injury and physical pain. Without treatment, a heroin or cocaine addiction may lead to death. It is important to help loved ones realize the impact heroin or cocaine use can have. It may feel daunting, but a quality center should provide you with plenty of therapy options where you are comfortable expressing your feelings and behaviors surrounding your addiction. A counselor or therapist at The Freedom Center can help you recognize the need to use cocaine or heroin and what steps you can take to stop it.

The Hispanic couple did more damage than trafficking illegal drugs – they furthered the addictions of thousands of people throughout the country. Speak to a professional today about how you can stop your heroin or cocaine addiction.