Heroin
Heroin
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Heroin is part of a group of drugs known as Opioids. Opioids interact with opioid receptors in the brain and elicit a range of responses within the body; from feelings of pain relief, to relaxation, pleasure and contentment.
Heroin comes in different forms, including:
• Fine white powder
• Coarse off-white granules
• Tiny pieces of light brown ‘rock’ -
Common Names
Smack
Gear
Hammer
The Dragon
Junk
Harry
China White
Dr Harry
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How is it used?
Heroin is usually injected into a vein, but it’s also smoked (‘chasing the dragon’) and added to cigarettes and cannabis. The effects are usually felt straight away. The effects take around 10 to 15 minutes if snorted.
Side Effects of Heroin
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There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk.
Heroin affects everyone differently, based on:
• The person’s size, weight and health
• Whether the person is used to taking it
• Whether other drugs are taken around the same time
• The amount taken
• The strength of the drug (it varies from batch to batch) -
You will experience the below effects, which will last for 3 to 5 hours:
Intense pleasure and pain relief
Relaxation, drowsiness and clumsiness
Confusion
Slurred and slow speech
Slow breathing and heartbeat
Dry mouth
Tiny pupils
Reduced appetite and vomiting
Decreased sex drive
If injecting drugs there is an increased risk of:
Tetanus
Infection
Vein damage
If sharing needles there is an increased risk of:
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis C
HIV & AIDS
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Long-term effects:
Intense sadness
Irregular periods and difficulty having children
No sex drive
Constipation
Damaged heart, lungs, liver and brain
Vein damage and skin, heart and lung infections from injecting
Needing to use more to get the same effect
Dependence on heroin
Financial, work or social problems
Heroin Overdose
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If you take a large amount or have a strong batch, you could overdose. If you have any of the symptoms below, call an ambulance straight away by dialing 999 or 112:
Trouble concentrating
Falling asleep (‘going on the nod’)
Wanting to urinate but finding it hard to
Itchiness
Irregular heartbeat
Cold, clammy skin
Slow breathing, blue lips and fingertips
Passing out
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Naloxone reverses the effects of heroin, particularly in the case of an overdose.
Mixing Heroin with other drugs
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Heroin + Ice, Speed or Ecstasy
Causes enormous strain on the heart and kidneys, and increased risk of overdose.
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Heroin + Alcohol, Cannabis or Benzodiazepines
Breathing may slow and eventually stop.
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Heroin + Cocaine known as "Speedball"
The effects of taking Heroin with other drugs – including over-the-counter or prescribed medications is unpredictable and dangerous.
