Heroin

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.

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Forms:

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

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.

Heroin Overdose

Dangerous Signs:

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
Naloxone reverses the effects of heroin, particularly in the case of an overdose.

Comin Down:

In the days after heroin use, the following may be experienced:

  • Irritability
  • Depression

Side Effects of
Heroin

There is no safe level of drug use. Use of any drug always carries risk.

The effects of taking Heroin with other drugs including over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous.

Heroin affects everyone differently, based on:

  • A 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)

Common Effects:

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

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 + ICE, SPEED OR ECSTASY

Causes enormous strain on the heart and kidneys, and increased risk of overdose.

HEROIN + ALCOHOL, CANNABIS OR BENZODIAZEPINES

Breathing may slow and eventually stop.

HEROIN + COCAINE KNOWN AS "SPEEDBALL"

Taking a depressant and a stimulant together causes a “push-pull” reaction in the body that can be very dangerous. Cocaine use requires the body to take in and use more oxygen while heroin slows breathing — putting a strain on overactive lungs, heart, and brain.

Mixing Heroin with other substances

The effects of taking Heroin with other drugs including over-the-counter or prescribed medications can be unpredictable and dangerous.