THE DRUG FILE
HEROIN
Download Printable Version
Street Names
- horse
- H
- smack
- junk
- dope
- thunder
- skag
- big H
- black tar
Description
Heroin comes in a white or brown powder, or a brown sticky paste. It can be injected, snorted, ingested or smoked. Heroin affects the brain by acting on opioid receptors in the area of the brain that controls perception and reward. This is what causes the feelings of euphoria that heroin users experience. It also blocks the body’s transmission of pain messages; this gives it its analgesic effects. As well, it acts on the area of the brain that is responsible for controlling your breathing and blood pressure, which is why when people overdose on heroin, it slows down their breathing so much that they stop breathing altogether.
Origin and medical usage
Heroin is made from the opium poppy, which is processed into morphine and then converted into heroin. It is smuggled into North America from places such as Afghanistan, China, Mexico, Colombia and Southeast Asia. It was originally created in 1898 as a cure for respiratory illnesses and also to cure morphine addiction. Later, it was found that heroin was just as addictive as morphine. It has limited medical use today; however, some countries are looking at using prescribed heroin to aid in treating heroin addiction.
Short-term effects
The short-term effects of heroin include, but are not limited to, nausea, vomiting, itching, euphoria, suppression of pain, dry mouth, decreased breathing, decreased mental functioning, muscle cramps, bone pain, constipation, loss of appetite, sweating and chills.
Long-term effects
The long-term effects of heroin include, but are not limited to, addiction, collapsed veins, abscesses, arthritis, clogged blood vessels, bacterial infections, infection of the heart lining and valves, liver and kidney disease, HIV and hepatitis from injection use, and lung problems such as pneumonia or tuberculosis.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal is what people experience when they stop taking heroin. Withdrawal symptoms can set in six hours after the last dose and can be very intense. Symptoms of heroin withdrawal may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, involuntary leg movements, anxiety, insomnia, profuse sweating and drug cravings.
Legal status
Unlawful possession of heroin is a criminal offence. Trafficking it, having it for the purpose of trafficking, producing it, or importing and exporting it are all criminal offences.
Signs that a person might be using
Signs that a person may be using heroin include, but are not limited to, slurred speech, decrease in school or work performance, aggressive behaviour, runny nose, constantly sniffing nose, needle marks or “track” marks on arms or legs, decrease in personal hygiene, constricted pupils, and possession of drug paraphernalia such as needles or syringes.
