Heroin Usage in Iran: A Scientific Perspective
(Image Credit: The Edge Treatment Center)
(Image Credit: AZCentral)
August 23, 2023
Soulava Gabr
12th Grade
Baldwin Senior High School
Drug abuse is a significant and ongoing issue affecting approximately two million Iranians daily, with heroin being the most widely abused substance in the country. The prevalence of opium, a precursor to heroin, has contributed to the rise of addiction rates, particularly among the working-age population between fifteen and sixty-four years old. The abuse of prescription medications has also played a role in escalating opioid misuse, leading to more potent narcotic consumption like heroin, which poses severe threats to physical and mental health.
Prescription medications are essential for treating medical conditions and injuries; however, they are also potential “gateways” to opioid misuse. In Iran, physicians may prioritize convenience over effectiveness when prescribing painkillers and stimulants, increasing the risk of addiction. Consequently, the working-age population becomes more susceptible to prescription drug misuse, highlighting how unsustainable it is to rely solely on opioids for treatment. The socio-political context in Iran, in addition to the accessibility of opioids, further escalates the situation, making it crucial to understand the broader implications of opioid misuse on the human body.
Heroin, like all opioids, functions by attaching to neurotransmitters in the brain, triggering endorphins, which in turn provide the body with an overwhelming sense of calm or euphoria. The emotional relief and euphoric effects of heroin contribute to its widespread use, especially among those living in impoverished conditions. Nevertheless, the increased potency of heroin and its opioids leads to various physical and mental health complications, including liver and kidney disease, blood clotting, heart infections, insomnia, depression, and antisocial personality disorder. These adverse effects are primarily caused by the body’s newfound dependence on opioids to carry out its day-to-day functions. However, while heroin abuse has severe negative implications, some studies have explored its potential benefits when administered in appropriate doses for pain relief.
Examining the correlation between mental health and drug abuse is crucial to understanding the complexity of the issue among Iran's working-age population. Many Iranians in this age range are suspected of having a mental disorder, suggesting that drug abuse might be both a cause and a consequence of mental health issues. Research suggests that abuse of opioids affects the same part of the brain involved in mental illnesses. Understanding these interconnections can inform more effective strategies for addressing drug abuse and its associated mental health problems in Iran.
In conclusion, the prevalence of drug abuse, particularly opioid misuse, among Iran's working-age population is a pressing concern that requires urgent attention. While prescription medications can be beneficial when used responsibly, their overreliance and misuse can lead to more significant problems, such as heroin addiction. To combat drug abuse effectively, it is essential to address the interplay between physical and mental health to ensure that comprehensive approaches are adopted to protect the well-being of individuals and improve Iranian society as a whole. As this issue involves human lives, finding a sustainable solution is of utmost importance for the future well-being of the nation.
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