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Drug: Heroin

Aka: smack, junk, brown, china white, scag, H, scat, horse, Mexican brown, gear, dark

What is it?

Heroin is made from morphine, which comes from the opium poppy. When heroin is pure, it is a white crystalline powder, but when it is sold on the streets, it is a brown or browny-white colour due to what it is cut with. Heroin is an analgesic (a strong pain killer).

Drag and drop the drug onto the scene
to see what happens when
someone takes the drug.

How is it used?

It can be mixed with a solution and injected, swallowed or smoked. ‘Chasing the dragon’ is when heroin is smoked.

What are the effects?

Heroin creates a feeling of relaxation.
It gives relief from and stops physical and psychological pain.
You get a rush or buzz a few minutes after taking it.
When you take larger doses you feel sleepy and relaxed.
When you first use, you can feel dizzy and vomit.
Heroin is addictive.
You have to use more and more just to feel normal.
After 8 – 12 hours from the last dose you start to withdraw, withdrawal causes sweating, nervousness, insomnia and often sickness.

What are the risks?

You can overdose on heroin.
Your body builds up tolerance to the drug, so you need to take more and more.
Your moods become unstable.
You can become constipated.
Your sex drive can become reduced.
People have choked on their own vomit, as heroin stops the body's cough reflex.
You damage your veins.
Getting off heroin can be difficult.

How much does it cost?

Often sold in £10 or £20 bags (0.4 gramme = £20)

Treatment

Contact EVOLVE on 01865 723909. We can offer a treatment service. If you would like information, advice or just a chat, please ring 01865 723909. EVOLVE will support you through your treatment. You will not be alone.

Injecting

If you are injecting, there is a greater risk of overdosing, and injecting brings on many other problems, e.g. blood borne viruses, vein damage, ulcers and gangrene. If you use dirty needles, you are at risk from HIV and hepatitis. If you share any injecting paraphernalia, including spoons, water, filters, works and tourniquets, you are at high risk of contracting hepatitis C. Use needle exchanges to get clean equipment; phone 01865 260250 to find your local needle exchange.

Pregnancy

As heroin is an opiate, it can effect conception chances. It can rarely cause complication during pregnancy, but babies can be born addicted and have to withdraw under medical supervision.

Heroin is a Class A substance

The Law

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