What Are the Effects of Brown Sugar or Heroin Use?

What is the brown sugar drug?

Brown sugar is also known as heroin or Smack. It is usually obtained from morphine. It is an odourless, bitter, white, and crystallised compound. It induces intense euphoria followed by sedation but depresses respiratory function, leading to potential overdose and death.

Despite strict regulations, brown sugar continues to infiltrate communities due to its low production cost and profitability. Combatting the brown sugar epidemic requires a multifaceted approach, including prevention, treatment, and harm-reduction strategies.

Which type of drug is brown sugar? 

Brown sugar is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, which means it slows down brain activity. It is derived from the opium poppy plant. Brown sugar is a low-purity compound mixed with other substances. It is highly addictive.

Brown sugar is an adulterated form of heroin; it consists of 20% heroin, and the remaining consists of chalk powder, zinc oxide and even iodex. These impurities make it sell for cheaper.

In the world of drugs, few names evoke as much fear and devastation as the drug brown sugar. This dangerous drug, known for its highly addictive nature and destructive consequences, has plagued communities worldwide. However, understanding the insidious nature of this drug is paramount in combating its spread and protecting our society.

How the Rise of Drugs Such as Brown Sugar Occurs

Its street name, “brown sugar,” originates from its brownish appearance and granular texture. Initially developed as a pain-relieving medication, heroin’s potent euphoric effects soon led to its classification as a Schedule I controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and addiction.

Despite strict regulations, the drug brown sugar continues to infiltrate communities worldwide, wreaking havoc on individuals and families. Its relatively low production cost and high profitability make it an attractive option for drug traffickers, fuelling its production in both urban and rural areas.

What are the effects of brown sugar on the body?

There are several short-term and long-term effects of brown sugar on the human body:

• Euphoria: The drug is known for its short-term induced rapid sense of pleasure and relaxation. Since it is a CNS depressant, it calms your mind, causing elation in mood.
• Sedation: Brown causes feelings of drowsiness, sleepiness, or sluggishness.
• Respiratory depression: It causes slowed breathing and heart rate.
• Nausea and vomiting: It can cause nausea and vomiting as a side effect of using brown sugar.
• Poor Judgement: Judgement and coordination also reduce, making decision-making impaired.
• Dry mouth: Brown sugar can reduce saliva production, causing dryness in the mouth.
• Itching: Heroin triggers the release of histamines in the body, causing intense itching.

Long-term effects of brown sugar on the body:

• Drug dependency or brown sugar drug addiction: The gradual use of brown sugar leads to dependency and tolerance.
• Liver and kidney complications: It causes severe liver and kidney damage because of impurities and toxicity.
• Respiratory complications: It causes lung complications such as pneumonia and respiratory depression, leading to death.
• Weakened Immune System and Malnutrition: Prolonged use of the brown sugar drug interferes with appetite, leading to malnutrition and a weakened immune system.
• Mental health challenges: Long-term use of brown sugar can lead to depression and anxiety. It reduces the ability to perform cognitive functions.
• Risk of HIV & Hepatitis: Due to needle sharing.
• Social effects: Chronic use of brown sugar results in unemployment and affects interpersonal relationships, leading to social isolation and withdrawal.

Signs that someone is using brown sugar

Recognising the signs that someone is using the drug brown sugar is paramount to an effective recovery and an early intervention to prevent long-term exposure to the drug and the consequent physical and psychological effects of it.

Common Physical Signs

• Track Marks: Injection drug use often leaves visible marks or scars, known as track marks, on the arms, legs, or other areas where injections occur.
• Constricted Pupils: Heroin use typically results in pinpoint pupils, even in well-lit environments.
• Drowsiness: Users may exhibit excessive drowsiness or nodding off at inappropriate times due to the sedative effects of the drug.
• Slurred Speech: Impaired speech and slowed reflexes are common indicators of heroin intoxication.
• Weight Loss: Chronic heroin use can lead to a noticeable decline in appetite and subsequent weight loss.

Common Behavioural Signs

• Social Withdrawal: Users may withdraw from previously enjoyed activities and social interactions, preferring isolation to conceal their substance use.
• Secrecy: Concealing drug paraphernalia, such as needles or spoons, and secretive behaviour regarding whereabouts and activities.
• FinancialStrain: Increased financial difficulties, borrowing money frequently, or unexplained expenses despite limited income.
• Decline in Performance: Deterioration in job performance, attendance issues, or dropping out of school due to prioritising drug use over responsibilities.
• Mood Swings: Rapid shifts in mood, ranging from euphoria during drug use to irritability or depression during withdrawal periods.
• Paranoia: Fear of getting caught, causing paranoia that people are there to catch them.

How is brown sugar commonly used?

Brown sugar can be snorted in its pure form.

In its impure form, it is smoked.

It is also injected with the help of syringes.

Treatment of brown sugar dependency:

Requires a multifaceted approach, including prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies

Education and awareness initiatives play a crucial role in equipping individuals with the knowledge to resist experimentation and seek help when needed.

Moreover, access to evidence-based treatment modalities, including medication-assisted therapy and counselling, is essential in supporting individuals struggling with heroin addiction on their path to recovery. Additionally, harm reduction initiatives such as needle exchange programmes and overdose prevention measures help mitigate the adverse consequences of brown sugar drug use and promote public health and safety.

Veda, a luxury rehabilitation centre, provides holistic treatment for drug addiction. Veda is equipped with the best psychiatrist to provide medically assisted treatment and the best psychologist to provide you with psychotherapies.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1. What are the effects of brown sugar use?

Brown sugar use induces a rapid and intense euphoria followed by sedation and relaxation. However, it also depresses respiratory function, leading to potential overdose and death. Long-term use can result in addiction, physical health issues, and mental health disorders.

Q2. How prevalent is brown sugar addiction? 

Brown sugar addiction is a significant public health concern globally. India has 1 million registered users and 5 million unregistered users. Because of the easy availability of the drug, it is a major problem for youngsters.

Q3. How to get rid of brown sugar drug addiction?

There are various resources available for individuals seeking help for brown sugar addiction. These include detoxification programmes, residential treatment centres, outpatient counselling, support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous, and medication-assisted therapy. At Veda Rehabilitation and Wellness, we pride ourselves on being one of the highest-rated centres in India. Our holistic approach ensures personalised care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.