Can someone explain this to me...

moosemax

I may be totally naive on this subject but something on Oprah last night confused me.

A girl was on there. She was 5 months pregnant and was a heroin addict. Did it everyday to stay "normal." She said that she couldn't detox because it was harmful to the baby. They never really said otherwise...but using heroin is safer for the baby??

Worcbride

I work in the substance abuse field, mainly w/heroin addicts.  Yes, it is safer than self-detoxing.  That being said, she should get on methadone so she can stop her use.  Heroin is a clean drug--it's the cut/filler that's dangerous (depending on what's used) and sharing needles etc.  Unlike alcohol which effects the liver and heart or coke which effects the heart, heroin itself (pure) doesn't effect any body organs. 

moosemax

Worcbride:

I work in the substance abuse field, mainly w/heroin addicts.  Yes, it is safer than self-detoxing.  That being said, she should get on methadone so she can stop her use.  Heroin is a clean drug--it's the cut/filler that's dangerous (depending on what's used) and sharing needles etc.  Unlike alcohol which effects the liver and heart or coke which effects the heart, heroin itself (pure) doesn't effect any body organs. 

Learn something new everyday! Thanks.

dazidog

In some extreme cases yes....crazy huh!  She must have been an exreme addict.  Withdrawl symptoms for stuff like heroin are pretty nasty and can cause the baby major stress with real medical problems.

I did a short paper on this 2 semesters ago for school.