Heroin
The lowdown on heroin risks, effects and law.
Official name: Diamorphine
Street names: Smack, gear, H, Skag, Junk
What is it?
Heroin is a powerful and very addictive drug. It is a pain-killing drug made from morphine, which is derived from the opium poppy. Street heroin is usually a brown/white powder, smells acidic and is usually mixed with other substances. It is either smoked, sniffed, "chasing the dragon" (inhaling fumes of heated heroin) or dissolved in water and injected under the skin (skin-popping) and into the vein (main lining). Heroin produces little effect if taken by mouth. Injecting creates a more powerful high.
Effects - what happens when you take heroin:
Effects of heroin last for two to three hours. Heroin when injected produces a very rapid rush of excitement lasting less than one minute. It also causes warm flushing of the skin and sexual excitement. The initial rush is followed by a pleasant, dreamlike state of peacefulness and contentment; pain is reduced, as are aggressive tendencies and sexual drive (horniness). First time use (especially if injected) often causes nausea, vomiting and severe headaches.
Risks
• Heroin is a very addictive drug: experimenting with heroin means risking becoming addicted. Larger doses of heroin can lead to drowsiness and excessive doses can result in overdose and coma. It can also be fatal. Many users find their habit spirals out of control. Tolerance develops, which means the user needs more heroin to get the same high.
• Sharing needles when injecting heroin leaves users at risk of infection, e.g. Hepatitis B and HIV from contaminated needles, syringes and other injection equipment with other users.
• It is also difficult to withdraw from this drug. Users trying to kick the habit may experience withdrawal symptoms. These can occur after several weeks of use.
• Withdrawal begins between 8 and 24 hours after the last "fix" of heroin.
• Symptoms are aches, tremors, sweating, chills, anxiety, irritability, loss of appetite, muscular spasms, yawning and sneezing, hot and cold sweats and cramps. This is known as "Cold Turkey". These symptoms fade after seven to ten days but users do not regain a natural feeling of well being until several months after coming off heroin.
• Heroin can lead to mental health problems. Addiction can often lead to depression and suicide. Heroin addicts can become involved in crime, prostitution and drug dealing because of the expense of taking heroin on a daily basis.
Law
• Heroin is controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act. It is illegal to possess it unless prescribed by a doctor and supplied by a pharmacist. It is an offence to import, distribute, produce or sell it.
First-Aid
What to do if the user experiences convulsions. This can occur if the user overdoses on heroin.
• Call an ambulance straight away
• Remove any obstructions in the user's mouth. Lay the person in the recovery position. Place a cushion under his/her head.
• Try and protect him/her from injury (i.e. clear away any sharp or hard surrounding objects such as furniture).
What to do if the user overdoses and falls unconscious
• Telephone 999 for an ambulance immediately.
• Place the person in the recovery position
• Check breathing. Be prepared to do mouth-to mouth resuscitation. Keep them warm, but not too hot.
• When the ambulance crew arrives, explain what has happened and what you have done.
Content thanks to YouthHealthNE authors.
See the help section for supportive information and contacts details of support organisations.
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