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DRUG FACTSHEET : Heroin |
| Street Names: |
H, Junk, Horse, Smack, Skag, Brown, Gear, Diamorphin |
| Description: |
Heroin can be a brown powder (impure) or a white powder (pure). |
| Routes of use: |
Injection, sniffing or smoking |
| History: |
Heroin is derived from the sap of the opium poppy, Papaverum Somniferum. It belongs to a class of drugs called the opiates that are analogues of the naturally occurring biochemical morphine. They have been used as very effective painkillers, cough suppressants and anti-diarrhoeal drugs. Opiates were very popular in the 19th century and were thought to be a 'cure all' medicine and was available in grocers shops without any prescription. The 1960's and 70's saw a rise in their recreational use. Synthetic versions, collectively called Opioids, are also available as painkillers. |
Effects people
seek: |
Heroin provides a feeling of well being, warmth and relaxation. There is sedation of the nervous system and a slowing of the heart and breathing rate. At lower doses the user is conscious and has full control over his sensory and motor skills. It appears as if he is living in a dream-like world. |
| Other effects: |
Initial use tends to be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Regular use can lead to dependence, constipation and interruption of the menstrual cycle. High doses can produce stupor, coma and even death due to respiratory failure in some cases. Adverse reactions can occur due to impurities used to 'cut' the heroin by the dealer. In the long term tolerance can develop to such an extent that heroin is required just to feel 'normal'. The tolerance is what causes people to increase their dosage or to move from sniffing/smoking to injecting. Repeated sniffing can damage the delicate membranes of the nose and injecting can lead to a variety of disorders especially HIV/AIDS. |
Dependence
& Tolerance: |
Physical dependence to the drug is over shadowed by the strong psychological dependence after long term use. |
| The Law: |
Heroin is a class A drug so it is illegal to possess them without a prescription. It is illegal to supply or produce or to allow premises to be used for such activities. |
