The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) raises an alarm about a massive problem with heroin addiction, as recent studies reveal extremely alarming trends among the Bulgarian population.

The National SOVA 5 study, published at the end of May, confirms that nearly 69,000 Bulgarian citizens aged between 15 and 64 have experimented with this extremely dangerous drug. The statistics are a cause for serious concern among experts.

According to official data, law enforcement agencies have managed to seize an impressive 868 kg of heroin over the past year. The drug, known by multiple street nicknames such as "Big H", "brown", and "stuff", has an extremely destructive impact on the human body.

Experts emphasize that heroin is two to three times stronger than morphine and can cause addiction even after the first dose. It is most often found in the form of white or brown powder, which criminal groups frequently mix with fentanyl, further increasing the risk of fatal consequences.

Overdose occurs extremely quickly - within minutes, causing respiratory system blockage. Prolonged use causes irreversible damage to vital human organs - veins, heart, liver, and brain.

Experts from the MIA identified a series of characteristic signs for recognizing heroin addiction: constantly constricted pupils, excessive drowsiness, slowed reflexes, injection marks, sudden weight loss, social isolation, and drastic behavioral changes.

Withdrawal symptoms include tremors, flu-like conditions, insomnia, severe anxiety, muscle pain, and gastrointestinal disorders.

The geographical origin of heroin is predominantly from Asian countries, with over 85% coming from Afghanistan. The annual criminal profit from this drug exceeds 65 billion dollars.

The history of the substance dates back to 1874 when Charles Wright initially synthesized it as a medication. Today, heroin is defined as one of the most dangerous and highly addictive substances in the world.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs' categorical recommendation is complete abstinence - there is no safe dose, and the only way to protect oneself is to never try this deadly drug.