WHAT IS HEROIN?

  

• Heroin ("smack", "junk", "dope") is made from the opium poppy. It belongs to a class of drugs known as opiates, along with opium and morphine.

• Heroin can come in a white or brownish powder (sometimes grainy) or a dark brown substance (sometimes sticky) known as tar. 

• Heroin bought on the street almost always contains "cuts" (adulterants), and is rarely pure. Because Heroin has a street value of its own, it is not used as a "cut" for Ecstasy pills.

 

What are the Risks?

  

• Addiction is a high risk of heroin use, whether you are snorting, "chasing", or injecting.

• Because purity and individual tolerance vary, overdose is a risk.

• Sharing injection equipment runs the risk of HIV and Hepatitus infection.

• Heroin injectors also run the risk of bacterial infection.

• Possession and sale of heroin can carry stiff penalties including incarceration and loss of student aid.

 

What are the effects?​
 

• Heroin users often report feelings of warmth, well being, euphoria, and contentment.

• Since opiates are painkillers, heroin can reduce or eliminate pain. It can also lead to unconsciousness. 

• Negative side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, itchiness, and slowed breathing.

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DANGERS!

The biggest danger is using Heroin that contains Fentanyl, Ketamine, and Carfentanil which can lead to an overdose and death. Heroin often contains additives, such as sugar, starch, or powdered milk, that can clog blood vessels leading to the lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain, causing permanent damage. Also, sharing drug injection equipment and having impaired judgment from drug use can increase the risk of contracting infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis (see "Injection Drug Use, HIV, and Hepatitis").