Types
of Drugs - Heroin
Substance: Heroin
Category: Opiate
(Painkiller)
Legal Status
A controlled substance, it is an offence
unless prescribed by a doctor or pharmacist
to import, distribute, produce or supply
it.
Short-term effects
Heroin is relatively potent, easily dissolved
in water for injecting, and penetrates the
blood-brain barrier much more quickly than
its "parent" drug morphine. It
can also be smoked giving it a practically
immediate effect. For all these reasons
heroin is the opiate preferred by many drug
users. Effects last 3-6 hours. After injection
there can be an intensely pleasurable rush.
Withdrawal begins after 8 hours.
Long-term effects
Heroin invariably leads to physical and
psychological dependency. Dependence can
occur after a few days. Withdrawal, once
addicted, is difficult, and the symptoms
include drowsiness, sweats, bone and muscle
pain, diarrhoea, cramps, anxious breathing,
vomiting and possibly even coma. Overdosing
can be fatal, as can combining it with large
amounts of alcohol. Sharing needles carries
a greater risk of infection with HIV/AIDS
and Hepatitis.
Scientific / Trade or Slang Name
A strong painkiller, Smack, Skag, H, Brown,
Gear, Tack, Yack, Junk.
Method of use
Smoked, Sniffed or injected.
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