BASIC FACTS ABOUT DRUGS: HEROIN

What is Heroin?

Heroin is a morphine derivative, and morphine is opium’s most potent active ingredient. First synthesized in 1874, heroin was widely used in medicine in the early part of the 20th Century, until its addictive potential was recognized. Pure heroin is a white powder with a bitter taste. Street heroin may vary in color from white to dark brown because of impurities or additives. There is a dark brown or black form of the drug, as dense as roofing tar or coal, known as "black tar."

Known on the street as smack, horse, H, junk, or scag, heroin is the most commonly abused of narcotics. Narcotic drugs (also called opioids) are derivatives of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) or chemically similar synthetics.

How is Heroin Taken?

When prescribed, narcotics are most often taken by mouth. Heroin, however, is generally inhaled or injected, although it may also be smoked. Heroin can be mixed with tobacco or marijuana and smoked in a pipe or cigarette. It may also be heated and burned, releasing fumes that users inhale ("chasing the dragon").

Users who choose injection, generally inject directly into a major vein ("mainlining"), although some may start by injecting under the skin ("popping").

Heroin abusers often use other drugs as well. They may "speedball," taking cocaine or methamphetamine with heroin, or use alcohol, marijuana, or tranquilizers to enhance the high and blunt effects of withdrawal.

Paying the Price of Heroin Use

The negative consequences of heroin use range from mild distress to life threatening dangers and include:

• Dry, itchy skin and skin infections

• Constricted pupils and reduced night vision

• Nausea and vomiting (following early use or high doses)

• Constipation and loss of appetite

• Menstrual irregularity

• Reduced sex drive

• Scarring ("tracks") along veins and collapsed veins from repeated injections

• Irregular blood pressure

• Slow and irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)

• Fatigue, breathlessness, and labored, noisy breathing due to excessive fluid in the lungs ("the rattles")

• Injuries that result from engaging in any activity (such as working, driving, or operating machinery) when incapacitated by heroin use

• Dependence, addiction

• Hepatitis, AIDS, and other infections from unsanitary injection

• Stroke or heart attack caused by blood clots resulting from insoluble additives

• Respiratory paralysis, heart arrest, coma, and death from accidental overdose

My Reference Library: Disclaimer

Neither the server maintainers nor any contributors can be held liable in any way for any information and/or data made available, or omitted, from information distributed through this server. All of the material may - or may not - have been checked for accuracy or completeness. All material is supplied "AS IS" without warranty of quality or accuracy of any kind. The entire risk as to the quality and/or accuracy of the information on this server is with you. Should any such material, information, etc prove to be inaccurate or in any way defective, you (and not the server maintainers, or any contributors) assume the risk of relying on such material, including any consequential damages. Under no circumstances will the server maintainers, or any contributors be liable for any damages from your reliance upon anything derived from this server even if the server maintainers have been advised that such defect or unsuitability exists. The server maintainers and contributors disclaim all liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal fees, and YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE OR UNDER STRICT LIABILITY, OR FOR BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONTRACT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

You will indemnify and hold the server maintainers and contributors harmless from all liability, cost and expense, including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following that you do or cause: 1. distribution of this information from this server, 2. alteration, modification, or addition to the information from this server.

By your use of this server, you agree to hold harmless the the server maintainers and its contributors against ANY AND ALL CLAIMS arising out of said use, regardless of the cause, effects, or fault.

Some of the articles contained herein describe illegal activities, which may not be clearly identified as being illegal. It is the responsibility of the individual reader to verify the legality of any actions described in these files. It is not recommended that any of the activities described herein actually be carried out. These files are provided FOR INFORMATION ONLY.  For additional information contact the Phoenix House American Council for Drug Education 164 West 74th Street, New York, NY 10023, 1-800-488-DRUG (3784), www.acde.org