Final answer:
The immediate effects of heroin include euphoria and periods of alternating consciousness, or 'nodding off.' The drug also decreases blood pressure and poses increased risk for infectious diseases like HIV from needle use.
Step-by-step explanation:
Immediate Effects of Taking Heroin
The immediate effects of taking heroin include intense feelings of euphoria and pleasure, particularly when the drug is injected intravenously. This initial 'rush' is followed by several hours where users may experience periods of being on the 'nod,' where they alternate between conscious and semi-conscious states. Shortly after administration, heroin can also decrease blood pressure, slow down the respiratory rate, and increase the risk of infectious diseases like HIV and tuberculosis due to the use of unsterile needles. Heroin, a potent opioid, is associated with both short-term and long-term health risks. It's essential to know that, unlike the short-term general effects of hallucinogens that involve sensory distortions and increased energy, heroin's effects are more sedative and can lead to a dangerous decrease in life-sustaining physiological functions. Additionally, frequent users may develop physical signs, such as 'track marks' from intravenous injections.