The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that over 605,000 Americans abused heroin in 2009.  This staggering number shows the significant level of abuse of this Schedule I substance as listed by the Controlled Substances Act.
Heroin is a highly addictive drug and one of the most rapidly acting of the opiates. On the street it goes by names such as Big H, Black Tar, Chiva, Hell Dust, Horse, Negra and Smack to name a few.

This illicit drug can be injected, smoked or snorted and is usually sold as a white or brownish powder or as a black sticky substance known as black tar heroin.  It is especially addictive because it enters the brain so rapidly causing both a psychological and physical addiction.

When heroin enters the brain it is converted to morphine and binds to receptors known as opioid receptors. The physical symptoms of heroin use include drowsiness, respiratory depression, nausea, dry mouth, constricted pupils and a warm flushing feeling of the skin.

'According to some surveys, 70% of substance abusers have a job,' reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc., a leading environmental drug testing laboratory.  'That means that not only does drug abuse have a tremendous impact on society as a whole, but it is also a real concern for employers.  Drug abuse can result in lost productivity, reduced profits, increased risk of accidents and even higher insurance costs. EMSL can help test environmental samples for the presence of heroin and other illicit drugs to help employers, law enforcement and the general public identify and confirm the presence of this dangerous drug.'

To learn more about industrial hygiene and environmental sampling for heroin or other illicit drug testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.