SCIENTIFIC TERM:
Diamorphine
STREET NAMES:
Smack, H, Skag, Junk, Skat, Harry
EFFECTS:
Heroin is a depressant with analgesic/painkilling properties. The effects last for 2-3 hrs and withdrawal symptoms appear 8-24hrs after the last dose. It slows down people giving them a feeling of warmth and detachment. Higher doses lead to drowsiness and sedation. Nausea and vomiting can accompany theses reactions especially with first time use. Intravenous injection (into the veins) maximises the effects of Heroin and produces a much more intense and immediate experience.
DRUG FORM & METHOD OF USE:
Heroin is a white/brown powder normally containing 5-30% pure Heroin. It can be smoked/sniffed (Chasing the Dragon) by inhaling the fumes of heated. Heroin and injected into the vein (mainlining) or muscle. Heroin produces little effect if swallowed.
TOLERANCE:
Tolerance develops quite quickly so that users must increase the dose or change the method of administration (usually to injection). There is much evidence of physiological dependency and withdrawal symptoms can be very nasty and resemble severe flu like symptoms. These symptoms peak around the third day and fade after about 5-10 days although sleeplessness may continue for some months.
HEALTH RISKS:
Smoking Heroin can lead to respiratory complaints. The consequences of injection are much more serious and can lead to poor hygiene, skin lesions, tetanus, and infection from HIV and Hepatitis. Decreased appetite and apathy can contribute to disease caused by poor nutrition. Repeated sniffing can damage the structures in the nose. Deaths from the use of Heroin alone are infrequent. However, the overdose risk increases if Heroin is mixed with other drugs such as Cocaine or Alcohol, or after a period of abstinence.
LAW:
Heroin is a class A drug. This means that possessing it can lead to a prison sentence of up to 7 years and an unlimited fine. Supplying (which includes giving it to a friend) could lead to a life sentence and another unlimited fine.
Further information:
Heroin Treatment
< < < Back to Alphabet of Drugs (H)
< < < Opiates
< < < Class A Drugs
