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 lifethreatening
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


What is Heroin’s Behavioral Impact?
The behavioral impact of habitual heroin use is generally devastating. Most
habitual users are incapable of concentration, learning, or clear thought. Rarely
are they able to hold a job. They are apathetic, indifferent to consequences, and
unable to sustain personal relationships. For many, the inability to honestly earn
enough to meet their drug needs leads to crime. For the overwhelming majority,
compulsive use prompts behavior that is self-destructive and irresponsible, often
antisocial, and characteristically indifferent to the injury, pain, or loss it causes
others.


Can Heroin Addicts Recover?
Yes, they can. Treatment takes various forms, and detoxification may be needed,
by some, to manage the effects of withdrawal. The main thrust of treatment,
however, addresses underlying causes of drug abuse and helps recovering
abusers become more self-aware, self-reliant, responsible, and able to manage
stress without the "crutch" of drugs.