Heroin
The effects, the risks, the law.
AKA:
Smack, skag, H, horse, junk, brown, gear and China white.
Background:
Heroin is a painkilling drug made from morphine, which is derived from the opium poppy. Morphine, codeine, and synthetic opiates (i.e. pethidine, dipipanone, and methadone) are sometimes prescribed by GPs in the treatment of addiction to opiates such as heroin. Heroin is a brownish-white powder, which users snort, smoke, or prepare for injection.
The effects:
- In small doses, heroin gives users a profound sense of warmth and wellbeing;
- Some first time users may experience nausea or vomiting, especially after injecting;
- Larger doses can lead to drowsiness;
- Heroin in excessive doses can result in overdose or coma. It can also be fatal.
The risks:
- Heroin is a very addictive drug;
- Many users may find their habit spirals out of control;
- Tolerance develops, which means the user needs more heroin to get the same effect;
- Many users who start out smoking heroin turn to injecting for a more intense hit;
- Sharing needles when injecting heroin leaves users at risk of dangerous infections like HIV, hepatitis and gangrene;
- It can be very difficult to withdraw from heroin;
- Users trying to kick the habit may experience a period of diarrhoea, insomnia, vomiting, hot and cold sweats, and cramps. This is known as 'cold turkey';
- While many people give up heroin successfully, mentally it can take years to be free.
The law:
- Heroin, morphine, opium, methadone, dipapanone, and pethidine are Class A drugs;
- Possession and supply is illegal, and penalties high;
- Codeine and dihydrocodeine (DF 118) are Class B drugs. Both drugs become Class A when prepared for injection.
If you're planning on taking heroin:
As a rule, never share needles. Sharing equipment just isn't worth the risk. Clean works are available free from local needle exchanges and some pharmacies.
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