Usually appears in the form of a white or brown powder
Morphine is extracted from the seedpod of the Asian opium poppy plant.
Although it is synthesized from morphine it is even more addictive than morphine.
“Black tar heroin” common in the US, may be sticky like roofing tar or hard like coal
Its color may vary from dark brown to black
Who uses Heroin?
Although most heroin users are older, long term addicts, an increasing number of young users are being lured by the inexpensive, high-purity heroin that can be sniffed or snorted. Heroin has also been appearing in more affluent communities
Street Names
Black tar
White girl
Lady
Smack
Brown sugar
Goods
Junk
H
Harry
Routes of Administration
Injecting
Snorting
Smoking
Side Effects & Adverse Reactions
Short Term Effects
Heroin initially produces a feeling of tranquility and euphoria followed by drowsiness, nausea, vomiting.
Users who inject heroin may also experience a “rush” as the drug circulates through the body.
Warm flush feeling of the skin
Dry mouth
Constipation
Severe itching
Suppressed appetite
Suppressed sexual desire
Tolerance to pain increased
Long Term Effects
One of the most adverse affects of heroin use is addiction. Heroin is highly addictive because it activates many regions of the brain, especially the pleaser-producing areas.
Infection of HIV/AIDS
Hepatitis
Collapsed veins
Bacterial infections
Abscesses
Infection of heart lining and valves
Arthritis and other rheumatologic problems
Signs & Symptoms of Use
Lethargy, drowsiness
Constricted pupils, reduced vision
Shallow breathing
Need or track marks on inner arms or other parts of the body from injecting needles
Excessive perspiration
Shaking
Vomiting
Chills or other withdrawal symptoms
Possession of paraphernalia ( syringes, bent spoons, bottle caps, eye droppers, rubber tubing, cotton and needles
References
Florida Alcohol & Drug Abuse Association Resource Center, “What is Heroin ?
Uppers, Downers, All Arounders: Physical and Mental Effects of Psychoactive Drugs (Paperback), 6th edition, by Darryl Inaba& William E. Cohen
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