Your Life

Heroin

Known by different names: smack, brown, horse, gear, "H", junk, skag, jack, china white.


Facts:

  • Heroin is a painkilling drug made from morphine which is derived from the opium poppy.
  • It comes as a white powder when pure. Street heroin is usually brownish-white.
  • It is snorted, smoked or injected.
  • Heroin is a Class A drug.

Effects:

  • In small doses, heroin gives the user a sense of warmth and well-being.
  • Higher doses can make the user drowsy and relaxed.
  • Excessive amounts can result in overdose, coma, and in some cases death.
  • First-time use often leads to side-effects like dizziness and vomiting.

Risks:

  • Heroin is very addictive. Getting the next fix can dominate a user's life.
  • Tolerance develops. Which means the user needs more heroin to get the same effect.
  • Users who form a habit may end up taking the drug just to feel normal.
  • Those who start by smoking or snorting heroin sometimes switch to injection to maximise the high.
  • Injecting can damage veins and lead to gangrene. Abscesses can develop at the site of injection.
  • Sharing needles or syringes puts users at risk of dangerous infections like hepatitis and HIV.
  • Withdrawing from heroin can be very hard.
  • Many people manage to kick the drug, but mentally it may take years to be free.

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NORCAS

NORCAS Youth Team is a county-wide service available to young people 19 years and under who may want support and information about drugs, alcohol and related issues.

Find out more about NORCAS

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