Health - "Heroin Chic" or Gross, which is it? Fat/Skinny? Dark Eyes? Lost Teeth? Paler?

[dyingtomorrow]

Hey everyone,

SWIM's gf just asked why people on heroin lose their teeth. She knew H addicts when she was in High School (~10 years ago) and they all lost their teeth. SWIM has been addicted almost 3 years, and doesn't know any addicts who lost their teeth directly because of H, but of course has seen tooth homeless street junkies.

So I'm wondering, what are some of the long term physical effects or changes in appearance SWIY has experienced or seen in other people?

There seems to be 2 stereotypes, that you either become: (1) a gross, sickly, skinny, scabby, sniffly, IV heroin user; or (2) "heroin chic", meaning slender, pale and hot.

Which have SWIMMERS here noticed is predominantly the case? What are the most common changes SWIY have seen in others or in the mirror?

For example: SWIM has noticed that addicts who have had it rough and been through a lot of withdrawals and pain, have this very sad and piercing desperation in their eyes, that you can just feel by looking into them, even when they are at their happiest.

P.S. What is the relationship between H and tooth loss?

Oh, and if your answer is None Of The Above, post your reponse in the thread. Enjoy!

Reputation Comments on this post:

A good thread topic